Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Can I exchange EDI or XML data through the internet with my partner without paying document or transmission fees with Vantage Point EDI?
The answer is yes! Partners that support direct internet connection options such as FTP or AS2 involve no transaction fees.  Some partners mandate the use of a VAN service and in that case you will likely pay transmission fees.  When shopping for an EDI solution, examine your cost of ownership carefully.  Most hosted solutions charge transmission fees when sending documents to partners like Wal-Mart that you would not pay when using Vantage Point!  We can provide a Total Cost of Ownership upon request.

How do I get started if I am already using an EDI solution?
Data Masons will help you migrate all of your data so that you don't have to re-enter any data such as cross references.  We will also make sure your EDI transmissions match your current solution without partner re-testing so that you can continue your EDI processing accurately without any disruption.

What are the unique advantages of Vantage Point EDI and Data Masons as compared to other solutions?
Vantage Point is an Enterprise Class EDI solution that provides technology advances such as native XML document storage within SQL tables, an all-in-one solution design, managed compliance and an outstanding data transformation solution.  New partners can be setup in minutes fully integrated with your accounting system and compliant with your partner’s requirements.  Our knowledge of our supported accounting systems enables us to create powerful and flexible integration without customization.  Finally, your company is not forced to use our network service – you can use any network or direct connection option available.

What are Vantage Point’s hardware and operating system requirements?
A computer with an internet connection with 1 Gigabyte of RAM and 2 Gigabytes of Disk Space (may vary over time based on volume).  We support Windows Server 2003, Windows XP and Windows Vista operating systems.

My partner uses a Value Added Network (VAN) for communication – can we use Vantage Point to connect directly to any network? Can we use the Data Masons VAN network solution?
If you have an existing service with another network or prefer to use an alternative network, Vantage Point can connect directly to your existing mailbox or you can utilize our VAN service as well.  The Data Masons VAN service interconnects with all of the major VAN networks - GE/GXS, Sterling Commerce, PUBNET, IBM Advantis, Walmart, Inovis, ICC, AT&T, Easylink and Itrade.

Do we need a translator?
No. Vantage Point EDI has a translator built-in. A translator is not required although you can use any industry standard translator you wish.

Do you support Government EDI?
Yes, we fully support Government EDI.

What documents do you support and interface to the accounting system?
Vantage Point EDI will receive any document that comes in. We currently interface 850/875 Purchase Orders, 810/880 Invoices, 856 Advanced Ship Notice, 869/870 Order Status, 846 Inventory Inquiries, 855 Purchase Order Acknowledgements, 940 and 945 Warehouse Transactions, 753 and 754 Routing Requests, and 997 Functional Acknowledgements are also created.  We support all of the EDIFACT equivalents to these documents and alternative file formats such as XML and ASCII.

Does your software have the ability to generate 4x6 UCC-128 carton/pallet labels for vendor compliance and the advanced ship notice (EDI 856 document)?
Yes. Vantage Point EDI was designed to provide those labels without extra software or extra cost.

Does this software interface with my accounting system so I don't have to manually enter data?
Yes, that is a key advantage of Vantage Point. If your accounting system is not listed or you are using a custom solution, we can also customize an interface to virtually any accounting system or database engine. You can also operate Vantage Point as a standalone product.

How easy is the software to use?
It's very simple. The software is windows based with graphical workflow menus and easy to understand screens. We have had numerous customers get fully up and running with little or no training.

What trading partners do you support?
Virtually every major retailer, automotive manufacturers and their suppliers, and virtually all government agencies.

What standards do you support?
EDIFACT, ANSI X.12, VICS, UCS, cXML. Vantage Point enables the definition of custom standards so that your organization can create your own standards.

If a trading partner doesn't exist are there additional costs involved to setup?
No. We charge the same price whether or not the kit is developed.

What is the turn around time to get a partner up and running?
If the kit exists, immediately. If not, it may take 1-10 days.

What barcode printers do you support?
Any barcode printer with a Windows driver.