An EDI (Electronic Document Interchange) translator performs the function of transforming unstructured data into EDI formats that can be easily transferred between different users. In other words it converts data from irregular, enterprise-specific forms into a standardized structure that is compliant with EDI standards.
This function can also be performed in reverse where EDI structured data is converted into a specific format required by an enterprise. EDI Translator India efforts can be performed in-house using specialized software, or can be outsourced to third party providers. Because of the complexity of the process and the need to manage it manually for some aspects many companies outsource these functions to providers in India because the amount of data they need to translate is large and the cost of doing so in India is significantly less. EDI translator India often specialize in the field and already own the specific software and hardware that is need to perform this process; usually it is a one-time effort since after conversion a company creates new data in an EDI compliant format.
The conversion process is performed through either EDI processing and integrated EDI processing. In the former, the data is analyzed and printed reports are used to manually key the information into an enterprise’s system. This is referred to as ‘rip and read” or ‘print and re-key’ and can be a labor intensive process. Integrated EDI processing uses software to convert data into an EDI format that is compatile with an enterprise ERP or accounting system and then automatically inserting the data into those systems (and extracting them when required). EDI translator software is compatible with Windows, Unix, AS400 and a range of other operating systems.
Some companies deliberate about whether to perform EDI translation in-house. This was often done in the early days of EDI implementations but the costs of developing and maintaining an in-house team and custom software while also meeting compliance requirements with ever-changing EDI standards has made this prohibitively expensive in today’s environment. For this reason many companies choose an EDI Translator India to outsource the performance of this function for a fraction of the cost than doing it themselves.
Cost, however, is not the only consideration and the lowest cost option may not be the best. Some providers offer only basic services and expect clients to understand EDI thoroughly. An EDI translator service needs to be assessed based on the benefits it provides and how much expertise and preparation is expected on the client’s side.
