EcSalesdata Teams With EC Outlook for Smoother EDI
Los Angeles-based ecSalesdata Solutions is continuing to make inroads on the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) front. The 18-month-old firm recently inked a deal with Houston-based EC Outlook Inc. to link its customers to EC Outlook’s Smart Document Interchange (SDI) Server, which will provide them with seamless EDI exchanges and save as much as 30 percent in expenses as a result.
By using the SDI Server, ecSalesdata customers should substantially reduce the rate of chargebacks resulting from obsolete documents produced by changes in EDI formats from other trading partners, said ecSalesdata chief executive officer Patrick Bertagna.The company’s customers had previously been using translation software and associated maps to accommodate format changes and required installations for each change. Its software now notifies SDI’s server, which automatically makes the changes to the map.
“By combining [the] SDI server’s any-to-any data translation capabilities with our own software’s robust data-management functionality, we’re able to quickly and cost-effectively create a virtual private exchange,” Bertagna said. “This enables our customers and their trading partners to easily and securely exchange information electronically without purchasing additional hardware or software or adding staff.”
EcSalesdata will make a hosted version of its software, which will also include linkage to EC Outlook’s SDI Server software, available over the Internet.
“This relationship speaks to the compatibility of our solutions with other leading-edge technologies and how companies can leverage EC Outlook’s core B2B integration platform to achieve compelling benefits for both their customers and themselves,” said Matt Verghese, president and chief operating officer of EC Outlook.
Bertagna said he sees this move as one that allows small-to-mid-size companies to benefit from collaborative commerce. Half of his client list is based in the apparel market, and he sees more demand coming for logistical-support software as a result of more trade being conducted offshore.
Bertagna said he thinks his company has an edge in apparel because he spent 16 years in apparel manufacturing.—Robert McAllister
