Data Interchange - an Epicor Solution
Connecting Businesses and Trading Partners with EDI

For more than thirty five years, Data Interchange, an Epicor Solution, has been a global leader in electronic data interchange (EDI), spearheading the digital transformation of supply chains with its innovative solutions. The company offers simple, global B2B integration, which unlocks the full potential of trading relationships for customers and stakeholders in the supply chain.

“Our cloud-native solutions offer a versatile portfolio catering to the unique needs of various businesses and tiers within the trading relationship,” says Stuart Nisbet, Head of Sales at Data Interchange.

Recognising enterprises’ distinct supply chain needs, Data Interchange’s cloud-native platforms and managed service offering serve as business-critical, user-friendly, and hassle-free systems that provide customers with complete visibility over their supply chain, from material procurement and component manufacturing through to assembly, logistics and aftermarket. This enables automotive, retail, and third-party logistics manufacturers to streamline their supply chain with unparalleled efficiency.

The company’s commitment to security in transferring data extends from its on premise to its cloud-native applications, offering high accuracy, data security and services, and effective disaster recovery. This applies to all its deliver models from self-service, hybrid, and through to fully managed services. For example, Data Interchange introduced the Odette File Transfer Protocol (OFTP2) in 1986, a mandated protocol for the European automotive sector that sets the benchmark for flawless and safe B2B data transmission. It ensures the swift and secure exchange of confidential and sensitive data between suppliers and manufacturers, making it an indispensable tool for the industry.

Data interchange’s commitment to secure data transfer continues today, as they work with industry leaders to develop ever more secure protocols, API’s and first-class connectors which help to integrate the world’s leading ERP and MRP systems with their supply chains. The company’s Value Added Network (VAN) functions as a cloud integration platform that secures data transmission by reducing the number of supply chain connections and processing power needed to increase efficiency. Whilst the concept of VAN is not new, Data Interchange, an Epicor solution, has invested heavily in recent years to rebuild the platform from the ground up with cloud-native architecture, ensuring its success for many years to come. This network serves as a digital hub where communications between businesses of all sizes, ranging from tier one manufacturers to small suppliers, are streamlined.

Data Interchange’s focus on web-based EDI also offers customer portals for transforming data into other formats while adhering to predefined standards. This data is efficiently transferred and translated into various electronic formats through APIs and other protocols within the firm’s cloud integration platform, ensuring accurate and validated information is delivered to the intended endpoints. Several client success stories showcase Data Interchange’s exceptional impact on supply chain management. One instance involves Yusen Logistics UK (YLUK) seeking the firm’s assistance to improve their internal and external data processes and provide scalable support with the business, which is crucial for meeting client demands. The client used Data Interchange’s B2B Gateway for on-premise integration, which included managed file transfers (MFT) for internal processes and EDI capabilities for external client data requirements. YLUK seamlessly integrated internal systems with client enterprise resource planning (ERPs) through MFT solution, ensuring flexibility, visibility, and a near real-time audit trail of their assets.

Various OEM companies, including BMW and Volkswagen, use the Data Interchange’s VAN to transmit data with their supply chain. Data Interchange manages all these connections, which assists clients in quickly onboarding a new buyer or supplier within the supply chain. Another example of the company’s expertise was demonstrated when Nifco Poland required an EDI solution to ensure seamless communication with Ford and future partners. They turned to Data Interchange’s help for an out-of-the-box EDI solution. Subsequently, the firm used the Darwin product from Data Interchange, a special setup crafted for small enterprises without inherent integration or ERP systems, to ensure quick compliance with Ford’s specific requirements. The solution integrated MFT solution for seamless connections and data mapping software for data transformation. This enabled Nifco Poland to commence trading with Ford successfully without any penalties. It centralised all their EDI functions and communication in one place, allowing them to exchange data with more than forty partners.

In another notable illustration, the firm assisted Volkswagen UK (VWG UK) in transforming their client’s operations, which included changing many legacy core processes and systems. It helped them design and configure the product to meet the needs of the VWG UK business processes. Over 500 dealers were successfully onboarded after Epicor collaborated with the retail outlets. This enabled the client to go live within a single weekend, completing the entire delivery on time and within budget.

Data Interchange, an Epicor Solution is a bridge that connects thousands of businesses and trading partners globally, facilitating the quick and accurate exchange of business-critical data, thus enabling the make, move and sell economy.