There are compelling reasons why worldwide EDI transaction volume continues to grow. EDI can lower costs, improve accuracy, increase efficiency, improve fulfillment times, etc. However, it is virtually impossible to recognize any of these benefits if EDI transactions are not integrated with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. If a company is receiving 1000’s of orders per day electronically, but must key them into their fulfilment system manually, it is unlikely there will be a material benefit to sending and receiving transactions via EDI.

While EDI integration to an ERP is critical, surprisingly, most leading ERP packages do not provide “out of the box” support for EDI. EDI support or integration is typically provided by third parties, or ISV solutions. These third-party solutions have features that make them unique but fundamentally they come in only one of two flavors: embedded or stand-alone. An embedded solution is one in which the ISV has modified the source code, screens, business logic, and database objects of the ERP application to support EDI. A non- embedded or stand-alone solution is one that does not require modifications to the source code or the database objects of the ERP application. The concept is simple, and the differences may seem obvious, however, the ramifications of choosing one approach vs. the other can be significant.

 

Stand-Alone is Less Strain on Your ERP

The Data Masons EDI solution is a stand-alone application. All transaction processing, cross reference checking, mapping, error handling, exception reporting, etc. is managed outside of the ERP. The Data Masons application communicates directly with the ERP application in real time via the ERP’s native integration layer protocols (oData, Data Endpoints, Integration Ports, etc.). This is the ERP companies’ recommended approach, because it removes the resource intensive processing of transactions from the ERP. It also allows the EDI solution to remain decoupled from ERP. This insulates the stand-alone EDI application from any disruptive changes to ERP introduced by customizations or upgrades and conversely protects the ERP application by not requiring code changes or customizations to support EDI integration.

There is a vast amount of processing and business logic involved in integrating EDI transactions into an ERP system. In addition to reporting, notifications, exception handling, and transaction processing, it is akin to essentially connecting the ERP system of one company to another. Item numbers, ship to locations, customer codes, discount codes, freight providers, etc. all need to be translated or mapped from one system to another. EDI standards facilitate this integration to an extent, but EDI has grown far beyond the traditional ANSI X12 or EDIFACT standards. EDI encompasses ecommerce: cXML, XML, Flat File, X12, EDIFACT, Punch Outs, API’s via https, Amazon Web Services, Blockchain, Web Shopping Carts, etc. Embedding all the functionality required to support ecommerce into to an existing ERP system radically alters the underlying system. It requires significant invasive code changes and customizations to the ERP code base, business logic, and database objects.

 

Could Embedded EDI Still be Worth It?

ERP customizations are not uncommon, however. Anyone who has implemented an ERP system has experienced the dilemma between altering the ERP to fit a business process vs altering the business process to fit the ERP. In the short term it is tempting to modify the ERP application, especially if it is something minor such as adding a new field or simply changing a label.

However, long term, even simple changes to ERP source code can have long lasting and painful consequences. For this reason, conventional wisdom and ERP vendors caution against significant customizations to ERP. Each change to ERP source code adds to the complexity and cost of supporting and maintaining the system. Customized ERP systems can be a nightmare to upgrade because all customizations must be re-introduced or migrated into the new code base and then all changes must be tested again. This reengineering and regression testing process is at the very least expensive and time consuming and at its worst can be cost prohibitive. It is not uncommon for customers with heavily customized ERP systems to remain on outdated versions indefinitely. This inability to upgrade is a problem for not only the customer but also the ERP vendor.

Embedded EDI is a problem for the customer in that they are not able to take advantage of critical fixes or enhancements that are introduced by the ERP vendor. They are in effect receiving zero return for the support and maintenance fees they are paying for their system if they are not upgrading regularly. It is a problem for the ERP vendor in that they must continue to support outdated systems and technology. They are required to spread their resources across multiple supported versions.

 

Listen to Your ERP Provider

Not surprisingly ERP vendors have taken steps recently to mitigate this problem, particularly within the SaaS ERP solutions. Customers are being strongly discouraged from making any changes to core code, but more importantly customers will no longer be able to remain on a version indefinitely. Microsoft, for example, has implemented a policy of "One version, with all customers on the latest available version". With this policy effective as of January 31, 2019, all users were required to update to a specific version. Going forward there will be twice per year (April and October) mandatory upgrades for all customers using the Microsoft flagship D365 suite of ERP.

Microsoft will disable potentially disruptive new features by default and intends to make the releases backwards compatible to minimize impact to customizations. However, the impact to customers with an embedded EDI solution or a heavily customized ERP will most likely be extensive twice annual regression testing, followed by more code changes and updates to take advantage of new functionality. This will most likely make an embedded EDI solution very difficult and expensive to maintain and why Data Masons promotes the stand-alone approach.

To learn more about how our stand-alone EDI approach can save you time, money, and headaches, contact us or fill out this form to schedule a demonstration with our EDI and ERP experts.

Partnership to Benefit Microsoft Dynamics Customers in Automotive, Manufacturing, Food, Distribution and Retail Industries.

Chesterfield, United Kingdom; Amsterdam, Netherlands

eBECS, a Microsoft Gold Partner in Delivering and Managing Microsoft Total Business Solutions and Data Masons, a Microsoft Gold Partner providing Microsoft Certified EDI solutions for Dynamics AX and Dynamics 365, are pleased to announce their strategic partnership for B2B business.

“We share a common goal to address the rapidly changing supply chain needs of our B2B customers. By combining Data Mason’s cutting-edge EDI solution with our skills and industry expertise in ERP, we enable ourselves to offer an all up service to customers in this space. We are very excited about the opportunity this partnership offers.” said Sam Dharmasiri, UK Sales Director, eBECS.

Read the complete press release here.

It’s the beginning of a new year and you may have either just gone live with your new Dynamics 365 environment or are well into your implementation. This implementation is just part of a corporate-wide initiative to improve operational efficiencies, maximize employee productivity and increase customer satisfaction. However, now it’s time to address your customer’s EDI mandates and requests, but you have no idea where to begin.

Selecting the right EDI solution can be a daunting task, especially when EDI is not a core competency within your company. Nothing can impact a new EDI project more aggressively than choosing a solution based on assumptions or “facts” not thoroughly researched, only to find out later that the solution you selected cannot support all your company’s needs and/or Trading Partner’s requirements. It’s an all too common occurrence, but by understanding some basic principles you can eliminate unexpected surprises, reduce risk, and maximize the overall performance of your new EDI solution.   

Here are a few items you should consider when selecting EDI software for Microsoft Dynamics 365 for full automation and integration:                                  

1. Choose a provider that specializes in EDI for Microsoft Dynamics
2. Choose a comprehensive EDI integration platform that is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Certified
3. Consider future scalability and performance needs for potential new EDI Trading Partners
4. Evaluate and understand automation needs to eliminate manual processes
5. Consider the importance of having complete visibility into historical document lifecycles
6. Consider future Dynamics 365 version upgrades and what impact that will have with EDI
7. Understand the ongoing costs needed to customize a tool(s) to meet ongoing compliance requirements
8. Understand the ongoing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) when factoring in transactional fees

If you’re interested in learning more about EDI best practices and more detailed information to consider when selecting EDI software for Microsoft Dynamics 365, download this paper, “Dynamics 365 - A Radical Change for AX: Critical Information for Companies Upgrading Dynamics AX to Dynamics 365 for Operations”.

Algood Food, Dynamics AX customer, shares the business advantages of working with Data Masons.

Louisville, KY based, Algood Food understands the importance of a good EDI partnership. Manufacturing peanut butter, jams and preserves since 1995, this family-owned business first implemented web EDI in the 2000s. Kelly Kane, MIS Manager says that was a big deal back then, but it also came with some challenges.

Kelly shares, "Data Masons has really helped me bridge that [technology] gap and...help[s] us get data in an efficient manner. I can just pick up the phone and I am talking to Nick or Steve or one of the guys on the support team and they are helping me through the issues, right then and there!"

In this short video Kane shares that they have seen a great return on their Data Masons investment and that they look "forward to our continued work together as a team".

If you missed Summit 2017, or our EDI for Dynamics presentations while you were there, you're in luck. We presented the same content following Summit in webinar format.  Led by our Dynamics EDI experts Glenn McPeak and Brian Lynch, these presentations share EDI integration best practices with Microsoft Dynamics ERP end users.

Top 10 EDI Facts You Wish You Knew for Dynamics 365, AX 2012 and Prior

Learn what makes Dynamics 365/AX a great platform for integrating your business activities with customers, suppliers, 3PL's, carriers, and more. This discussion will cover the top 10 facts which are helpful to know in advance of an EDI implementation, the benefits of electronic integration, and the challenges of doing it the wrong way. Presented by Glenn McPeak. WATCH THE ON-DEMAND WEBINAR

 

EDI Made Simple^® for Dynamics GP – Integration Without Customization

Dynamics GP customers have options when it comes to EDI or XML integration solutions, but without the right preparation and expertise, the effort can be expensive and complicated. Knowing the right questions to ask and best practices of successful implementations can help you decide on the right integration path for your company. Join us for this critical information and leave being able to turn EDI and eCommerce into a strategic advantage at your organization. Presented by Brian Lynch. WATCH THE ON-DEMAND WEBINAR

EDI Made Simple^® for Dynamics NAV – Integration Without Customization

Dynamics NAV customers have options when it comes to EDI or XML integration solutions, but without the right preparation and expertise, the effort can be expensive and complicated. Knowing the right questions to ask and best practices of successful implementations can help you decide on the right integration path for your company. Join us for this critical information and leave being able to turn EDI and eCommerce into a strategic advantage at your organization. Presented by Glenn McPeak. WATCH THE ON-DEMAND WEBINAR
 

Get the answers to your EDI for Dynamics AX and Dynamics 365 for Operations questions!

Microsoft Dynamics AX and Dynamics 365 customers have options when it comes to EDI or XML integration solutions. But without the right preparation and expertise, the effort can be riddled with expensive and complicated errors.

On Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 10am AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time) join MSDynamicsWorld.com and Data Masons as we help you to understand the right questions to ask to make sure you're heading down the right integration path for your company:

• Should you customize Dynamics AX/365 or embed custom code to handle your requirements?
• Do prepackaged external applications work?
• Is a SaaS or an on-premise solution a better way to go? Can you have both?
• Do you really have to pay document fees?
• How do Dynamics updates impact your EDI process?

We'll cover these critical questions and more in this informative session. Come away from the event with information that can turn EDI and eCommerce into a strategic advantage at your organization.

  

Dynamics AX customer Stack-On finds increased cash flow, smoother invoicing and improved efficiencies with Vantage Point EDI - VIDEO

Vantage Point EDI and Dynamics AX customer, Stack-On, a commercial and residential manufacturer of storage solutions, has been using Vantage Point EDI with tremendous success. Watch the short video to learn how Stack-On went from being flooded with orders and challenged with trying to manually keep up, to having a system which offers:

• an increase in efficiency
• smoother invoicing
• increased cash flow
• significant reduction in errors
• a surprisingly easy implementation
• and is a very easy and intuitive program to learn and use, just ask Jim Sanders!

 Watch the video...

Data Masons' Vantage Point EDI Solution for Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations is the First Dedicated EDI and eCommerce Integration Solution to be listed on Microsoft AppSource

Data Masons Software, LLC., the leading provider of Integrated EDI and XML solutions for Microsoft Dynamics customers, announces the availability of its Vantage Point EDI for Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations solution in Microsoft AppSource, an online marketplace by Microsoft Corporation for enterprises to find and use SaaS solutions from the company and its partners. Data Masons delivers the first dedicated EDI solution for Microsoft Dynamics 365 to be certified on Microsoft AppSource.

“For the past 17 years Data Masons has dedicated our development efforts on supporting the EDI and eCommerce integration needs of companies that utilize the Microsoft Dynamics AX, GP and NAV ERP platforms. Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations is a breakthrough cloud-based ERP platform and we are proud to deliver our next generation EDI processing platform for Dynamics 365. Our long-standing alignment with Microsoft’s go-to market strategy means we have the solution set and expertise to support Dynamics 365 around the clock and around the globe. AppSource is the marketplace for Dynamics 365 and being the first dedicated EDI solution available will certainly help drive new opportunities for our valued partners.  Additionally, we will enable companies running Dynamics AX using customizations to handle EDI inside AX to shed those customizations and accelerate their migration to Dynamics 365 for Operations” stated Glenn McPeak, Principal, Data Masons Software.

The Vantage Point EDI Platform delivers an all-in-one approach to EDI for Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations without customizations. Available for deployment in the Data Masons’ public cloud, private cloud and on-premise, our customers have the flexibility to deploy their EDI in a manner that best suits their business needs. Combined with Data Masons’ huge library of existing connections and compliance maps, the company helps Microsoft Dynamics customers worldwide quickly turn EDI into a competitive advantage.

Data Masons offers education on EDI for Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations in an Executive Brief, "Dynamics 365 - A Radical Change for AX: Critical Information for Companies Upgrading AX to Dynamics 365 for Operations." In this brief, Data Masons shares the vastly improved integration options that have been introduced in Dynamics 365 and compares them to the legacy technologies that were deprecated from the Dynamics AX era.

About Data Masons

Since 1996, Data Masons has specialized in EDI Made Simple^®, offering advanced, turnkey EDI & XML solutions for Microsoft Dynamics 365, AX, GP and NAV. Data Masons' Vantage Point EDI solution provides a complete EDI processing platform that enables users to become more competitive through tight EDI integration and ongoing compliance - all without the need for expensive and disruptive ERP platform customization. Data Masons' compliance services, product flexibility, extensive EDI and ERP integration knowledge and partner-driven experience have made Vantage Point EDI the winning choice for high-performance business document integration at more than 1,500 customers across North America. Additional information about Data Masons and its solutions is available at http://www.datamasons.com and follow the EDI conversation at #EDImadeSimple.

Last week, MSDynamicsworld.com held their first free, virtual conference for the Dynamics community in quite a few years.  Dubbed, 2017 Innovation Expo, thousands of Dynamics gurus and prospective users explored new vendor technologies, collaborated with peers, and learned new exciting ways to create value from their Dynamics technology.

During the online conference, Data Masons shared our EDI Made Simple for Dynamics solutions through a series of webinars. While you may have missed the live broadcasts, the recorded webinars are now available for on-demand viewing. Check them out below!

Register to watch the following on-demand webinars:

EDI Made Simple for Dynamics 365/AX
Microsoft Dynamics AX and Dynamics 365 customers have options when it comes to EDI or XML integration solutions, but without the right preparation and expertise, the effort can be riddled with expensive and complicated errors that could have been easily avoided.

Understand the right questions to ask to make sure you're heading down the right integration path for your company. Should you customize Dynamics AX/365 or embed custom code to handle your requirements? Do prepackaged external applications work? Is a SaaS or an on-premise solution a better way to go? Can you have both? Do you really have to pay document fees? How do Dynamics updates impact your EDI process? We'll cover these critical questions and more in this informative session. Come away from the event with information that can turn EDI and eCommerce into a strategic advantage at your organization.

EDI Made Simple for Dynamics GP
Microsoft Dynamics GP customers have options when it comes to EDI or XML integration solutions, but without the right preparation and expertise, the effort can be riddled with expensive and complicated errors that could have been easily avoided.

Understand the right questions to ask to make sure you're heading down the right integration path for your company. Should you customize Dynamics GP or embed custom code to handle your requirements? Do prepackaged external applications work? Do you really have to pay document fees? How do Dynamics updates impact your EDI process? We'll cover these critical questions and more in this informative session. Come away from the event with information that can turn EDI and eCommerce into a strategic advantage at your organization.

 

EDI Made Simple for Dynamics NAV
Microsoft Dynamics NAV customers have options when it comes to EDI or XML integration solutions. Understanding those options and how to leverage the native capabilities of NAV can help avoid expensive and complicated projects that can put your business at risk.  

From this webinar you will gain an understanding of external solutions that eliminate the need for invasive customizations. The webinar should help your organization decide whether it is better to use embedded customizations or the alternative in your long term technology strategy.  Other strategic factors that will be covered is cost of ownership in SaaS, on premise perpetual and transaction based models. We'll cover these critical topics and more in this educational session. Come away from the event with actionable information that can turn EDI into a strategic advantage.

Data Masons Achieves the Microsoft Gold Enterprise Resource Planning Competency

Data Masons Software, LLC., a leading provider of Integrated EDI and XML solutions for Microsoft Dynamics customers, announced today it has attained the Gold Microsoft Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) competency. Microsoft grants this accreditation to the top 1 percent of its partner ecosystem that demonstrate a “best-in-class” ability and commitment to meeting Microsoft customers’ evolving needs in today’s dynamic business environment.

To earn a Microsoft competency, partners must successfully complete exams (resulting in Microsoft Certified Professionals) to prove their level of technology expertise. Partners must also submit customer references that demonstrate successful project implementation and pass technology and/or sales assessments. For gold competency accreditation, partners must also execute an annual customer satisfaction survey and, for many competencies, meet a revenue commitment.

For over 20 years Data Masons has been committed to supporting the EDI integration needs of customers and partners utilizing the Microsoft Dynamics AX, GP and NAV ERPs, and most recently added Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Operations to its supported platforms. The company’s EDI solutions and services deliver an all-in-one approach to EDI for Microsoft Dynamics and is available both as an on-premise installed software product and as a fully cloud-based service, giving companies the flexibility to deploy EDI as needed. Combined with Data Masons’ compliance management services, the company helps Microsoft Dynamics customers worldwide turn EDI into a competitive advantage.

"Adding the Microsoft Gold competency to our portfolio further assures our Microsoft Dynamics partners and customers that we are dedicated to and invested in supporting Microsoft Dynamics technology,” stated Glenn McPeak, Principal, Data Masons Software. “Our customers’ success is highly-dependent not only on our EDI expertise, but our deep knowledge of the Microsoft Dynamics ERPs, and having that dual level of expertise is a significant differentiator for Data Masons as an EDI provider.”

Data Masons is a sponsor of MSDynamicsworld.com’s Virtual 2017 Innovation Expo on June 14, 2017. During this event, attendees can join one of Data Masons’ live educational sessions: “EDI Made Simple for Dynamics 365/AX” at 9:00am and 4:00pm ET; “EDI Made Simple for Dynamics GP” at 10:00am and 2:00pm ET; and “EDI Made Simple for Dynamics NAV” at 11:00am ET.  Find out more about this event, register for the webinars and learn how you can meet Data Masons’ EDI experts...

 

Read Complete Press Release