As any business grows, its needs become more complex and simple accounting packages just don’t do enough. The next step for organizations that experience rapid growth is an evaluation of their current ERP offering. More often than not, a decision to upgrade to a more functional ERP system follows. However, there are other considerations, like integration with existing systems like your EDI service bureau.
The process of choosing an ERP system is critical. For example, one decision is in the level of integration the ERP will have with your EDI system. Since an ERP system is a software application, it can theoretically integrate with any other system. However, there is the ability to integrate, and then there is native integration. Native integration is the best option by far. When you use other means of integration, there is a possibility of data corruption in transit. Also, if one of the two systems changes in any way, the integration software will need to be updated. With native integration, there are no such issues.
The only other considerations are how you host the new systems and how they will interface with the existing systems. Vendors like Act Data Services, Inc. 1-800-ACT-DATA are experts in EDI integration and provide any information you will need for your project. Contact your EDI vendor and discuss any potential ERP changes to ensure that there are no issues going forward.
It is absolutely critical that any new ERP works well with the existing EDI system.