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The integrEDI division of Compu-Trol Technologies Inc. develops
and supports integrated Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) software and systems.
What is integrEDI?
Although the business computer enabled companies to
store and process data electronically, companies needed an expedient method to
communicate the data. This method was realized by the widespread use of computer
telecommunications. Using telecommunications, companies could transmit data
electronically over telephone lines, and have the data input directly into a
trading partner's business application. These electronic interchanges improved
response time, reduced paperwork, and eliminated the potential for transcription
errors. Computer telecommunications, however, only solved part of the problem.
Early electronic interchanges were based on proprietary formats agreed between
two trading partners. Due to differing document formats, it was difficult for a
company to exchange data electronically with many trading partners. What was
needed was a standard format for the data being exchanged.
In the 1960's a cooperative effort between industry groups produced a first
attempt at these common data formats. The formats, however, were only for
purchasing, transportation, and finance data, and were used primarily for
intra-industry transactions. It was not until the late 1970's that work began
for national Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) standards. Both users and vendors
input their requirements to create a set of standard data formats that:
were hardware independent;
were unambiguous, such that they could be used by all trading partners;
reduced the labor-intensive tasks of exchanging data (e.g., data re-entry);
and allowed the sender of the data to control the exchange, including
knowing if and when the recipient received the transaction.
Although today there are many syntaxes for EDI, only two are widely recognized:
X12 and the Electronic Data Interchange For Administration, Commerce, and
Transport (EDIFACT). These two families of standards are mandated for use within
the Federal Government.
integrEDI is the "bridge" between manual data
entry and the automated exchange of business documents between enterprises.
integrEDI is a "bridge" between a manual filing
cabinet and the accurate archival of business documents.
integrEDIleverages the strengths of multiple
software packages to create a powerful, flexible, extensible foundation to meet
the challenges of your business.
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