An EDI translator, also called EDI software, lets you transform EDI information into formats that suit an enterprise. In other words, the translator software converts data from enterprise-specific, irregular forms into a standardized and ordered structure that complies with EDI standards. Also, the tool carries out the translator function in reverse, transforming an EDI file into an enterprise-appropriate data structure. EDI software could be bought from third parties or made in-house. The tool could be deployed on different kinds of operating systems and computer hardware. The translator works with Unix, Windows, AS400, etc.
Different Configurations
EDI translators could be deployed in multiple configurations. However, the methods most frequently used are integrated EDI processing and manual EDI processing. Manual EDI translation tools receive EDI information and offer printed reports that help manually key in the data into in-house setups. Integrated EDI entails using the translator for automatically converting information into a format acceptable by the accounting system or ERP of a company and then routing the information to that system automatically, with the obverse being true for outward transactions.
Working Mechanism
There is not much of a difference between an EDI translation program and its manual alternative, as far as the working mechanism goes. For instance, the standard process for inquiring order status would entail identifying the information needed for writing the communication; retrieving the necessary information; arranging the data in an easy-to-understand, structural manner; and sending the vendor the request.
The translator tool would mirror this process by extracting and/or converting data; generating an outbound message; configuring the outbound message; and transmitting the message to the supplier.
Choosing an EDI Translation Program
As mentioned before, EDI software can be made in-house or bought from a third party. In-house EDI tool development was quite popular initially. However, the costs attached to making and maintaining custom code in-house while ensuring the software is always in compliance with dynamic EDI standards renders the in-house route quite expensive. Getting a custom EDI translator developed by a vendor is an extremely viable path.
Even when choosing a third party-made EDI translator, there are a few things you must take into consideration. These include cost, automation, and a set of features. There is a difference between a cheap EDI translator and an affordable solution. The cheap ones would offer minimal functionality and would expect you to have some level of EDI familiarity. An affordable or value-for-money tool, on the other hand, would get the job done and would be okay with you being an EDI noob.
