Re: EDI and Inovis from Library Data

Hi Scott,

Scott Klement wrote:

I'm finding myself REALLY interested in this thread. My company has
been using Inovis' software for years, but now we're in the process of
upgrading our system from a 270 to a 520.

The TrustedLink EDI software was around $10k when we originally
purchased it from Premenos, and we've faithfully paid for maintenance on
the product. However, just to transfer the license from the 270 to the
520 they want $15k!!

This is an absolutely absurd price in my mind. This 520 is only 600 CPW,
it's the smallest machine IBM makes. (As was the 270 in it's day).
They are the same software tier, but of course, Inovis doesn't care what
the software tier is, they only care about the CPW. To me, the notion
that it costs more to transfer a license for software that processes
10-15 orders a day than it does to buy a new machine, or to buy the
original software in the first place... it just boggles the mind.

They probably get their fee most of the time as a lot of shops won't
want the hassle of changing software. You might consider keeping your
old 270 just for running Trustedlink. It could be the easiest and
cheapest solution.

Anyway, my point is -- if I can simply write the EDI data to a stream
file and FTP it, that would be AWESOME! Not only would it save me
money, but I could make the whole process much more efficient.

Can anyone give me more info about what's involved in this? You just
write the EDI formatted data to the IFS (I already know how to do that)
and FTP it and your done? (Could it be that simple?) I assume the VAN
requires some sort of contract?

Yes, generating EDI data can be that simple. Processing (parsing)
incoming EDI data is more work.

I'm going to guess you are using ANSI X12 850s for the orders. If you
send them, then besides correctly formatted data, you'll need to
generate unique and consecutive control#s (contained in the ISA and GS
envelopes) for each trading partner. This is how they detect duplicate
or missing data. If you receive orders, then you may be required to
return an acknowledgment (997) document to let your customer(s) know
that you've received their file (again control# driven).

Documentation for ANSI (ASC) X12 documents are available for purchase
from www.x12.org

Yes, VANs will likely require contracts. I assume you are using Inovis.
Even if you drop TrustedLink, you should be able to continue using them
for their VAN service. Other VANs to consider are Sterling Commerce and
GXS.

You can reduce or eliminate VAN fees by exchanging EDI directly with
your trading partners. Not all partners will go for this and if they
do, they may require AS2 connectivity rather than FTP.


Keith