Initiating the EDI implementation process might feel daunting for brands, but with the right partner guiding the way, it’s not as arduous as you might think.
Here’s how we go about it with our clients.
We start with the GS1 Company Prefix
The GS1 Company Prefix is a 6-10 digit number used as the basis for assigning UPCs to each product being sold. This prefix is used by Lingo to generate the brand’s unique GS1-128 carton label numbers. If these label numbers are repeated, the brand will receive chargebacks. This is one of many ways that eZCom protects Lingo users from chargebacks and fees. The GS1 Company Prefix is absolutely necessary when the vendor is required to send EDI ASNs. However, it is highly recommended that all vendors have a GS1 Company Prefix prior to initiating the EDI testing process.
Establishing Invoice Terms
Brand and trading partner must decide on the invoice terms to determine when the brand can expect payment for their goods. An example is Net 30, meaning the brand will receive payment from their trading partner within 30 days of receipt of the merchandise. This is absolutely necessary when the brand is required to send EDI invoices.
First EDI Order
If a brand has already been told by their trading partner when they can expect their first EDI order, they should inform eZCom so that eZCom can do all we can to meet the order deadline. If the shipping window (otherwise known as the order date to the cancel date) has also been specified, eZCom would need this information to ensure that the brand does not miss its first shipment deadline. Information is power and communication is vital to making EDI connections functional in a timely manner.
Those are the First Steps
Needless to say, there’s more to come! Stay tuned
