Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are a few common questions and answers about WebDI.

What computer hardware and software do I need?
The only hardware requirement is a personal computer and an Internet connection. Software requirements are Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape Navigator 4.0 or higher.  WebDI is an Internet-based service that allows you to exchange electronic business documents with all your trading partners. As an application service provider, we maintain the service for you and you save money on software and support staffs.

What systems can WebDI connect to?
WebDI uses a non-proprietary architecture that allows you to communicate with all the systems and processes used by your trading partners. Recognizing that every company operates differently, the WebDI solution does not exclude business partners from participating based on their technology.

What standards does WebDI incorporate?
 WebDI supports practically any standard, including ANSI X12, EDIFACT, RosettaNet, SAP IDOC, BAAN, ASCII, XML, BizTalk, ebXML, and xCBL, as well as other proprietary and emerging standards.

How does WebDI compare to traditional VAN-based EDI?
The biggest comparative advantage of WebDI over EDI is cost. Price structures for VAN-based EDI can easily bring the access costs to $100,000 or more per year, compared to around $10,000 for high speed access to the Internet. Savings increase further when the Internet access cost is spread over other Internet functions such as e-mail, web, and remote access services.

Of course, traditional EDI also requires additional hardware and software, including host machines, EDI enabling software, and annual software maintenance contracts, as well as additional trained personnel. 

With WebDI, there are no software or hardware costs beyond the PC, Internet connection, Windows, and a browser. All translations take place within the WebDI server. You also won't need to add additional IT staff with WebDI. Unlike traditional VAN-based EDI, WebDI has minimal testing requirements and no internal set-up requirements.

I'm a small company, and my large customers are demanding that I eliminate paper-based processes with them. Can WebDI help?
Absolutely! WebDI is the perfect solution for small- and medium-sized companies that must meet a customer's requirement for electronic transactions. The barriers of high up-front cost and IT staffing are removed with WebDI - and WebDI can transmit your information directly into your customer's back-office system.

I'm a large company, but can get only a few of my trading partners to comply with EDI. Can WebDI increase EDI compliance?
You bet. WebDI supports all EDI standards, and is an ideal EDI alternative for small- and medium-sized companies. It's likely that only 20-25% of your trading partners are using EDI due to the high costs of implementing it. With such low up-front costs, WebDI virtually eliminates all the reasons for not going paperless.

How can I be sure that each of my vendors complies with my format requirements?
Your vendors can use forms-based WebDI (also called eForms), which ensures that the information they send to you is in the proper format. We will test to ensure that data flows from the forms to your network. Once that testing is complete, all forms users are compliant and individual testing is not necessary.

How can I be certain that my information is secure in the WebDI system?
WebDI uses a three-tier client/server architecture that enables us to provide the highest level of security. Trading partners interact with the WebDI server, while your information resides behind a firewall that protects against hackers and unauthorized access.

What type of training will my trading partners and I receive?
Our process is so intuitive and simple that very little training is required. However, we provide online training via our inside support staff and our demonstration site.

What type of customer support do you offer?
Our operations team offers support 24 hours each day, 7 days a week.

Can WebDI provide data directly into my ERP system?
Yes, we can integrate WebDI with your back-office system. This means that information is delivered directly to your system in the format that it requires. See the Integrated WebDI section for more information.

Can I print WebDI documents?
Yes. All documents can be printed, downloaded to your local hard drive, or deleted. Your electronic documents are stored on the WebDI server for 90 days.

Can I use WebDI to send information other than invoices or purchase orders?
Yes. You can use WebDI to exchange practically any type of business information, not just traditional EDI documents. For example:

• Product Information - inventory, forecasts, sales information

• Warranty Information - registrations, claims processing

• Business Documents - invoices, purchase orders, ship notices, etc.

• Catalog Data - provide a link to updated website product information

• Consigned Inventory - monitor sales history, automate fulfillment processes, book revenue to sales

What about reliability and availability of transmissions?
We do daily backups of all transmissions and use backup servers to ensure no transmissions are lost.