Our clients are sometimes caught off guard or are surprised when we ask:
Can we get your fax number?
Fax?!?! That’s how EDI happened back in the 80s!
True, but we still ask for it. Here’s why.
At eZCom, we assign each Lingo user a unique EDI ID and qualifier that are used to send and receive EDI documents. By using a unique number – a fax or telephone number – as the basis of creation, we keep the EDI ID specific to your company. The ID is used as an electronic stamp of your company to label your electronic mailbox. This mailbox receives all of your EDI orders and marks your outgoing EDI documents with your company EDI ID. This way, your trading partners know your documents from all the other EDI documents they receive from other brands on a daily basis.
Once we’ve created your EDI ID, we use it to set up your EDI connection with your trading partner. An EDI connection is an electronic connection that allows raw data files to be sent and received by the trading partner and vendor, or brand. This interchange of electronic data is known as EDI.
Depending on your trading partner’s preference, we can set up EDI connections via VAN or AS2.
A VAN is a Value Added Network. It’s an electronic connection that allows EDI files to be sent and received by your trading partner. Most trading partners have a preferred VAN. AS2 connections are direct connections between eZCom and the trading partner. Not all trading partners support AS2 connections. Therefore, the method eZCom uses to establish an EDI connection is based on each trading partners’ requirements.
So if eZCom asks for your fax number, and you don’t have one, no need to worry! A telephone number for your company will meet the EDI ID requirement so that eZCom can move forward with your requested EDI onboarding process.