EDI and Supplier Connectivity for ERP Training Course

EDI and Supplier Connectivity for ERP Training Course

Introduction

EDI and Supplier Connectivity for ERP Training Course is designed to equip professionals with the advanced knowledge and practical skills required to master Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and seamlessly integrate it with modern Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for robust Supplier Connectivity. In today's hyper-connected, volatile global supply chain, manual processes are costly, error-prone, and lead to significant delays. This training directly addresses these challenges by focusing on the strategic automation of business-to-business (B2B) documents like Purchase Orders (850), Advance Ship Notices (856), and Invoices (810) to enable real-time data exchange and foster resilient, efficient digital transformation. Success in modern procurement and logistics hinges on the ability to rapidly onboard and integrate diverse trading partners, making proficiency in EDI-ERP integration a critical, in-demand skill.

This program delves into the technical standards and strategic methodologies necessary for successful EDI integration within an ERP ecosystem. Participants will gain hands-on expertise in EDI mapping, understanding critical industry standards, and leveraging modern API-driven connectivity platforms to extend their ERP's reach. The curriculum emphasizes moving beyond mere compliance to achieving genuine supply chain visibility and optimizing processes like procurement automation and order-to-cash cycles. By focusing on practical case studies and implementation best practices, this course prepares attendees to become the catalysts for efficiency, risk reduction, and stronger vendor managed inventory (VMI) programs within their organizations.

Course Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Design a strategy for end-to-end supply chain digitization using EDI and ERP.
2. Proficiently understand and apply key EDI standards, including ANSI X12 and EDIFACT.
3. Execute complex EDI document mapping between partner formats and ERP internal structures
4. Evaluate and select appropriate secure transmission methods for B2B integration.
5. Develop rapid, scalable processes for trading partner onboarding and compliance.
6. Implement automated workflows for key business documents for procurement automation.
7. Utilize integrated ERP data to achieve real-time supply chain visibility and reporting.
8. Identify and resolve EDI-related errors and exceptions to reduce chargebacks and compliance risks.
9. Apply industry best practices for managing EDI in a live ERP production environment.
10. Measure and report on key EDI/Supplier Connectivity KPIs like on-time delivery and transaction speed.
11. Evaluate and integrate modern solutions like API gateways and B2B portals with legacy EDI.
12. Ensure seamless integration of EDI with the ERP’s finance and accounts payable/receivable modules.
13. Calculate the ROI and implement strategies for operational cost reduction through EDI automation.

Target Audience

1. Supply Chain Managers
2. IT/ERP System Analysts
3. Procurement Specialists
4. EDI Coordinators/Analysts
5. Logistics and Distribution Leaders
6. Business Process Owners (Finance, Sales)
7. System/Integration Architects
8. Vendor/Supplier Relationship Managers

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of EDI in the ERP Landscape

• Understanding the strategic role of EDI in the digital supply chain.
• Core EDI standards and their application in ERP.
• The life cycle of common EDI transactions
• Connecting EDI to core ERP modules
• Case Study: Transitioning a medium-sized distributor from manual fax/email processes to automated EDI via ERP integration.

Module 2: ERP-Specific EDI Integration Methods

• Detailed exploration of ERP integration points
• Techniques for data extraction and loading between EDI and ERP.
• Master data management (MDM) implications for smooth EDI processing.
• Handling functional acknowledgments and exception management within the ERP.
• Case Study: Implementing a custom interface to integrate a critical Tier-1 Supplier using an ERP’s proprietary data structures.

Module 3: Advanced EDI Mapping and Transformation

• Principles of data mapping and its role in partner compliance.
• Using EDI translator software for complex segment and element manipulation.
• Developing and maintaining mapping specifications for new and existing partners.
• Pre- and post-processing logic for business rule validation.
• Case Study: Resolving a major compliance issue by correcting a faulty ASN (856) mapping that caused retailer chargebacks.

Module 4: Supplier Connectivity and Onboarding Strategies

• Developing a tiered strategy for supplier enablement
• Accelerating trading partner onboarding and testing cycles
• Managing compliance mandates and avoiding costly penalties.
• Leveraging cloud-based iPaaS for flexible connectivity and scalability.
• Case Study: A large manufacturer's phased rollout of a Supplier Portal to onboard small-to-medium enterprise (SME) suppliers quickly.

Module 5: Secure Communication and Protocol Management

• In-depth review of EDI communication protocols
• Setting up secure and reliable data transmission channels.
• Monitoring and troubleshooting connection failures and latency issues.
• Ensuring data security and regulatory compliance in B2B exchange.
• Case Study: Migrating from a traditional VAN service to a more cost-effective and scalable AS2 direct connect implementation.

Module 6: Procurement Automation and Order-to-Cash Optimization

• Automating the Purchase Order and Invoice cycle for straight-through processing.
• Implementing Price/Sales Catalog synchronization to maintain master data accuracy.
• Using EDI to drive Just-in-Time and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) models.
• Streamlining the 3-way match process in Accounts Payable with EDI.
• Case Study: Achieving a 40% reduction in procurement lead time by fully automating the PO-to-Payment cycle with EDI.

Module 7: Emerging Trends: API, Blockchain, and AI in B2B

• Integrating REST/SOAP APIs with the ERP as a modern alternative to traditional EDI.
• The future role of blockchain for secure and transparent supplier transaction ledgers.
• Applying AI and Machine Learning for predictive exception handling and data validation.
• Designing a hybrid integration architecture (EDI + API) for future-proofing.
• Case Study: Exploring a proof-of-concept for using a B2B API gateway to integrate a fast-growing e-commerce channel with the ERP.

Module 8: Project Management and Long-Term Operations

• Developing an EDI/Supplier Connectivity Project Implementation Plan and change management.
• Structuring the internal EDI support team and defining roles/responsibilities.
• Continuous performance monitoring, auditing, and system tuning.
• Best practices for disaster recovery and business continuity planning for B2B channels.
• Case Study: Post-implementation review of a multi-year EDI program, focusing on achieving sustained high ROI and user adoption.

Training Methodology

This course employs a participatory and hands-on approach to ensure practical learning, including:

• Interactive lectures and presentations.
• Group discussions and brainstorming sessions.
• Hands-on exercises using real-world datasets.
• Role-playing and scenario-based simulations.
• Analysis of case studies to bridge theory and practice.
• Peer-to-peer learning and networking.
• Expert-led Q&A sessions.
• Continuous feedback and personalized guidance.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.