The Pros and Cons of in-house vs. outsourced EDI systems
There are so many options when you consider your EDI implementation that the entire process can become overwhelming. To make the comparison easier, Act Data Services, Inc. 1-800-ACT-DATA has put together a list of the pros and cons of staying in-house or outsourcing the project:
In-house
The pros of keeping it in-house revolve around control. You have control of the entire system and can decide and implement changes as you see fit. You can also execute those changes faster since you don’t need to go through a third-party. Also, you will be the point of contact for any issues. On the other hand, this will involve a significant staffing requirement with expertise in EDI, communication, and business systems. Along with the control, you will also get the responsibility for all maintenance, downtime, and issues. When something goes wrong, the buck will stop with the internal team.
Outsourced
Going with an EDI outsource operation means you give up control of the system to a third party. Also, you will have some issues when you want to switch to another company, as the migration process is non-trivial. On the positive side, you don’t have to worry about any of the technical issues or requirements. You will always have access to the latest systems. Also, the outsourcing company will have all the expertise you need to get the operation running smoothly.
Ultimately the decision rests on your requirements. However, for companies starting out on EDI or those who don’t have a large trading volume, outsourcing is the better choice.
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