Quality and efficiency through electronic data interchange
Up-to-the-minute information in all systems through automated data interchange, high data quality due to the elimination of input errors and more efficient processes for all concerned: an increasing number of DACHSER customers and partners are discovering the benefits of Electronic Data Interchange – EDI for short.
But what does EDI mean at DACHSER? Nearly all logistics business processes at DACHSER can be electronically mapped. From forwarding orders, through loading lists and delivery information, to the shipping notice to the consignee and billing information to the invoice recipient. DACHSER’s EDI centre serves as a central communications platform. This is where the electronic data is processed and forwarded to the right recipient – customers, partners or branches.
In addition to the specially developed Domino Transport Management System and Mikado Warehouse Management System, the DACHSER EDI centre in Kempten is an important component of information logistics – one of the company’s core competences. In the meantime, 17 of the 218 IT specialists employed at DACHSER’s Kempten head office are responsible for EDI communication. Another EDI team of 6 staff members work in La Verrie in France to the same high DACHSER standards.
DACHSER supports a broad-based portfolio of data formats, including internationally recognized standards such as EDIFACT, as well as its own standards and customer-specific formats. DACHSER can also respond to its customers’ requirements regarding technical communication and offers various types of communication such as AS/2, FTP, HTTP, HTTP/S or OFTP. This enables DACHSER to integrate practically any ERP system of its customers. However, DACHSER also defines minimum requirements that must be met for EDI integration, for example gap-free transfer of the unique Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC). This further helps to assure high quality and the related benefits of electronic data interchange at DACHSER.
EDI integration is always realized in close cooperation with the customer and the responsible branch, which is also the customer’s first port of call for all EDI-related matters.
Moët Hennessy Deutschland GmbH is the 5,000th DACHSER customer to rely on EDI. The logistics provider has in the past two years more than doubled the number of its customers who utilize Electronic Data Interchange. “Through data interchange with and via DACHSER, we have achieved a level of information quality and timeliness that meets our quality standards as a producer of premium products, as well as those of our customers,” stresses Frank Floc’hlay, managing director of Moët Hennessy Deutschland.
“EDI brings the participating companies significant increases in efficiency because they save time and avoid errors,” says Michael Schilling, managing director of DACHSER European Logistics, explaining the benefits.
overview eLetter 03/2009
