Learning that you now have to collect and remit sales tax to a lot more states because of economic nexus can stress a business financially. Streamlined Sales Tax (SST), basically free sales tax services, makes this process simpler and cost-effective. As a result, you can file returns in 24 states for free if you qualify. Our partner Avalara is certified by SST and can also save you time and money by automating all your sales tax compliance-related activities. Curious if Avalara SST could be a cost-saving compliance option for you? Find out if you qualify.

an image of USA with banner text  offering free sales tax services sst streamlined sales tax agreement

Free Sales Tax Services

Do you find that it’s taking much longer to look up tax rates now that you must register and file in more states? That seems to be the norm now that remote sales are taxable. The Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) Agreement can help with the heavy lifting by providing free sales tax services. These free sales tax automation services including registration, rate calculation, remittance and returns filing in 24 states if you qualify. The states incur all costs. That means you pay no fees. This is your chance to automate tax compliance and get the states to pay for it! This state-subsidized program helps companies manage multi-state tax compliance. Did we mention that it’s free?

Our partner Avalara is certified by the SST to offer you these free sales tax services. Start the qualification process.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm, NetSuite Solution Provider and Epicor Gold Partner that offers professional services in business consulting, project management, and software implementation. We provide full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems. For businesses addressing the emerging challenges in corporate and operational growth, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. As experts in identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


An MTR is a certifiable document that communicates critical data for raw materials, such as steel and other metal alloys.

The document certifies the material’s compliance with contract and regulatory standards required for an application. The MTR is generally supplied by the material manufacturer and will follow the material throughout the supply chain. An MTR is an important document that ensures materials used in a specific application can handle the requirements of use.

What information is in an MTR?

An MTR will contain several easily identifiable characteristics of a material and many that are not so easily identifiable. Easily identifiable information includes the material’s general size and shape. Other details include heat number, material weight, classification, and grade. The Heat number is particularly important. It provides a way to trace the material back to initial production units and the process conditions during fabrication.

An MTR also includes detailed mechanical properties and chemical analysis. Chemical analysis refers to specific levels of each element aligned with the tolerances set for the material’s grade and use. Mechanical properties refer to the physical properties of a material and how they satisfy the standards set by regulatory bodies and international standards organizations.

You can find a sample MTR, here.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


The EDI invoicing process in Epicor is generally done behind the scenes with little to no intervention from the user. However, occasionally some kind of hiccup occurs. This may require a mass reprint of invoices to send out via EDI. For example, your network may have gone down just as your EDI invoices were processing. If those files never made it to your VAN or to the trading partner, you have to send a large number of files back out. Traditionally, we’ve accomplished this by assigning one person to sit in front of their computer, with a list of the impacted invoices, manually printing them one-by-one.

an image of the electronic data interchange principals used to allow Entrust EDI users to mass re-print edi invoices.

Mass Re-Printing Of EDI Invoices

There is a “Mass Print AR invoices” report in Epicor. However, this doesn’t work for EDI. The file generated ends up being one giant file with multiple records in it. Unfortunately, EDI maps cannot process a file like this.

A solution that we’ve recently been using successfully, has been to do a DMT update of the open invoices in question. Complete this at an “off” time for invoicing to maintain the normal flow of invoicing.

The process starts by identifying the outstanding invoices, and pulling them out of Epicor via DMT. The invoices will be opened in Excel for editing.  Once you have a working Excel spreadsheet to work from, it’s then time to start the update process.  Begin by setting the Auto-print BPM in Epicor to trigger off of the “document printed” field (InvcHead.DocumentPrinted) if the field is “true”.  Using DMT, reset all of the values in that field to FALSE and load DMT back in.  Your invoices are all now reset to not print.  Next, change your excel file to set that same document printed flag as TRUE and reload DMT.  This will trigger the BPM to fire and should result in the EDI output being generated.

If you have more than 200 files, it’s best to complete this task in sections. Try not to exceed 200 files per pass. This will minimize and control the load on EDI mapping software.

Finally, validate the invoices have made it through mapping and successfully arrived at the trading partner or at the VAN.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm, NetSuite Solution Provider and Epicor Gold Partner that offers professional services in business consulting, project management, and software implementation. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems or addressing the emerging challenges in corporate and operational growth, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. As experts in identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


Join Encompass Solutions, SourceDay, and Dell for an educational webinar on how supplier collaboration improves business performance. Dell Technologies presents and details of how software has helped the company transform its workforce and supply chain.

an image of the live webinar banner for sourday encompass webinar on modernizing supplier collaboration, with dell case study

It’s Time to Modernize Supplier Collaboration

Escape the manual dance of phone calls and email with your suppliers. Learn how market leaders like Dell have digitally transformed the first mile of their supply chain. The company goes even further to improve visibility and accountability with suppliers through software. How could supplier collaboration software improve how you do business?

What to expect from our procurement experts

  • Dell’s Director of Supply Chain Gentry Pate will share how Dell used software to transform its workforce and make Dell’s supply chain more efficient.
  • SpendMatters’ analyst Nick Heinzmann will discuss why market forces are driving manufacturers to wring waste out of their supplier relationships.
  • SourceDay’s CMO Sarah Moore delivers best practices to start your journey.

Watch The Full Webinar 

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm, NetSuite Solution Provider and Epicor Gold Partner that offers professional services in business consulting, project management, and software implementation. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems or addressing the emerging challenges in corporate and operational growth, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. As experts in identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


Tax compliance is a challenging undertaking for a business of any size. Regulations are changing constantly at local, state, and federal levels. Business relationships with suppliers and customers undergo similar changes regularly. All of this ties into how tax liability is organized, calculated, and addressed. Streamlined sales tax can deliver the answers your business needs with ease.

Now, what would you say to an offer that included all of these services and more, for free? Kind of a no-brainer, right? Well, if your company does business in one of the 24 member states, you can take advantage of this special program, free of charge. Click here to get started.

an image of the Tax compliance is a challenging undertaking for a business of any size. Regulations are changing constantly at local, state, and federal levels. Not to mention, business relationships with suppliers and customers are growing and expanding, too. All of this ties in to how tax liability is organized, calculated, and addressed. Now, what would you say to an offer that included all of these services and more, for free? Kind of a no brainer, right? Well, if your company resides in one of the 24 qualifying states, you can take advantage of this special program, free of charge. Take advantage of: • Free state registrations • Free tax calculations • Free tax returns preparation, filing and remittance • Audit assistance. Here’s how you can apply at no cost to your business. The Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) Agreement enables participating states to simplify and modernize sales tax administration, in order to substantially reduce the tax compliance burden. As one of only a few certified SST service providers, our partners at Avalara perform the above tasks. In this case, the states pay Avalara for the services, while qualifying businesses get them for free. You can start the qualification process by visiting the following link: Get free tax services in 24 states. About Streamlined Sales Tax member states

Take advantage of free:

  • State registrations
  • Tax calculations
  • Tax returns preparation, filing, and remittance
  • Audit assistance.

Streamlined Sales Tax Agreement Details

Here’s how you can apply at no cost to your business. The Agreement enables participating states to simplify and modernize sales tax administration, to substantially reduce the tax compliance burden. As one of only a few certified SST service providers, our partners at Avalara perform the above tasks. The states pay Avalara for the services and qualifying businesses get them for free.

Contact Encompass Solutions, Inc. using the link below to start the qualification process.

About Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board Inc.

The effort that became the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board began in March 2000. The goal of this effort is to find solutions for the complex in-state sales tax systems that resulted in the U.S. Supreme Court holding (Bellas Hess v. Illinois and Quill Corp. v. North Dakota) that a state may not require a seller that does not have a physical presence in the state to collect tax on sales into the state. The Court ruled that the existing system was too complicated to impose on a business that did not have a physical presence in the state. The Court said Congress has the authority to allow states to require remote sellers to collect tax.

The result of this work is the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement. This Agreement simplifies and modernizes sales and uses tax administration to substantially reduce the burden of tax compliance. The Agreement focuses on improving sales and uses tax administration systems for all sellers and all types of commerce through all of the following:

  1. State-level administration of sales and use tax collections.
  2. Uniformity in the state and local tax bases.
  3. Uniformity of major tax base definitions.
  4. A central, electronic registration system for all member states.
  5. Simplification of state and local tax rates.
  6. Uniform sourcing rules for all taxable transactions.
  7. Simplified administration of exemptions.
  8. Simplified tax returns.
  9. Simplification of tax remittances.
  10. Protection of consumer privacy.

Today twenty-four states have adopted the simplification measures in the Agreement (representing over 31 percent of the population) and more states are moving to adopt the simplification measures.

About Avalara

Experts in all things revolving around tax compliance, Avalara makes tax compliance easy and efficient. This enables you to do what you do best, without constantly worrying about rate changes or filing deadlines.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm, NetSuite Solution Provider, and Epicor Gold Partner that offers professional services in business consulting, project management, and software implementation. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems or addressing emerging challenges in corporate and operational growth, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. As experts in identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


Below is a sample Material Test Report template, often called a mill test report or material test report. This guide on how to read important MTR documents includes an explanation of each relevant field. Manufacturers, inspectors, and customers should be able to easily identify and understand these fields. This will ensure the validity and conformity of materials and their proper application.

Sample MTR

an image of a sample MTR

Sample MTR Fields

The sample MTR contains eight (8) main fields. Read more about each field below.

#1 – Material Heat Number 

A material heat number is the main method of traceability for a given material. When comparing an MTR with raw materials, the corresponding heat number must be matched. This includes accompanying paperwork and marking on the surface of the material itself.

#2 – Material Grade (not pictured)

The material grade classifies various metals by their composition and physical properties. In the sample MTR, we can see that the material is 316/316L stainless steel.

#3 – Product Specifications Met

Product specifications refer to the ASTM and ASME standards applied to a given material. For example, metals used in pressure and vacuum applications have to meet specific product specifications. ASTM standards have a prefix including the letter “A”. Standards from the ASME have a “SA” prefix.

#4 – Material Dimensions

A material’s size and dimensions will be included on an MTR and displayed as material dimensions. This will change depending on the raw material. For example, metal plates are measured in thickness, while pipes are measured in diameter. In the sample MTR, the material is plate and labeled by thickness, width, weight, and length.

#5 – Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties are specific tolerances a material has when used in specific applications. If a material falls within the outlined tolerances, it can be used. If the specification extends beyond those tolerances, it cannot.

#6 – Chemical Analysis

Chemical Analysis, like mechanical properties, refers to a specific chemical makeup that certifies a material can be used for a given application without risk of failure.

#7 – Heat Treatment (not pictured)

Heat treatment refers to a specific process of heating or cooling, usually to extreme temperatures, a material undergoes. The reviewer will identify all processes in the product specification and confirm details are accurate. In the sample MTR, the solution has a minimum arrival temp of 1900F and was water quenched.

#​8 – Certified Mill Signature

The certified mill signature is provided by the responsible employee at the source mill. The employee signs to certify that the information is accurate.

MTR FAQ

Want more information on MTRs? Please visit the Encompass Solutions MTR FAQ page.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


Why Is An Material Test Report important?

An MTR is an industry-standard document that asserts all the characteristics of steel and alloy materials. It confirms the material meets regulatory standards for its many different grades, tolerances, and purposes. So, why is an MTR important? MTRs allow recipients to properly store the material to ensure quality is maintained most appropriately. The MTR also provides traceability that manufacturers, inspectors, distributors, and customers need for reference. This traceability goes back to its raw or recycled source materials. From the forge to the final destination, an MTR is used throughout the supply chain.

A Day In The Life Of An MTR

So, let’s say I work at a mill. My colleagues and I have sweated and bled through the process of creating a beautiful steel plate or pipe for you. It’s been forged, tested, and certified to meet or exceed all regulatory standards, as well as your project or order specifications.

The day it arrives on-site at your facility is joyous and the team comes together in celebration to welcome the inventory’s newest addition. Here’s where the MTR comes in. First, you need to confirm you got what you paid for. The MTR is your certified document that this is the case.

The problem with getting a new plate or pipe to add to your inventory is that it kind of looks like all the other plates and pipes in your inventory. Sure, within a few days of receipt you might be able to point it out and recollect the BOM it belongs to, its specific heat, chemical, and impact properties. However, as weeks and months may go by, its luster may dim, and your reference as to its specific qualities and characteristics alongside it.

Let’s face it, it’s nearly impossible to visually identify the differences in grades of steel for even the most seasoned metal fabrication veterans. The MTR is your certified record of all these details and more. It helps categorize, store, and dispatch materials when you need them. Without it, determining the materials’ exact specifications is exceedingly difficult. Getting the right materials out to customers, even more so. Now, you may be asking yourself, “how does a manufacturer or distributor keep track of all their MTRs?” in short, Encompass built a solution.

The MTR Solution

For many manufacturers and distributors, inventory from mills all over the world can fill warehouses throughout the operation. There it will patiently wait until called upon for any specific order or project. In that time, your MTR library is going to grow into a substantial catalog. Encompass has customers with more than 40,000 MTRs at their facilities. So, how do you keep track of it all?

In short, most people have a very hard time managing and interacting with their MTR catalog. Document management involves a lot of legwork. Whether your shop floor or sales force needs the info, keeping your MTRs in order can be a full-time job. Tracking it down MTRs, confirming the validity, and offering records involve enough back and forth to make your head spin. Keep in mind, that after a transaction has taken place records will be referenced for many years. Fortunately, purpose-built software can manage these records and help route them where and when appropriate. All this can be done within the confines of your well-ordered and secure ERP system. The tool even helps maintain your historical records in case you need to reference them years down the line.

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions on the subject of Material Test Reports, visit our MTR FAQ.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


Designed and fully integrated into Epicor ERP, the Epicor Mobile Warehouse is the next generation of handheld applications for the warehouse environment. A modern and intuitive application, Epicor mobile warehouse provides complex sort and filter options for users that include both part level and bin level validation. Scan validation is a configurable feature as well. Shortcuts to favorites and the frequently visited, as well as automated workflows triggered by scan events, improve the user experience.

an image of Epicor Mobile Warehouse handheld devices

Epicor Mobile Warehouse optimizes workflow for fast and accurate scanning, improves time to process transactions, increases accuracy, and reduces errors. It is compatible with the latest scanning devices running on Android® 5 or higher from Honeywell® and Zebra®. Simply download the application from the Google Play™ store into your device and start using it with minimal setup.

Epicor Mobile Warehouse Features

Receiving – Provides complete functionality to process an inbound container or purchase order, as well as intercompany and transfer order receipts. It provides users with effective and efficient serial and lot processing and multiple UOM scanning. Users can search for all open POs for a part by scanning parts’ barcodes.

Material management – Provides core warehousing functions allowing users to initiate adjustments and movements from the warehouse floor. Offers an increased efficiency with cycle counts and stock takes. Enables efficient entry with automated workflows triggered by scan events.

Material queue – Users can efficiently pick items assigned to their queue, grab items from the available queue, or return items to the queue. Users can select an outbound order and select all material queue transactions related to the order, to the users’ queue. Advanced sort and filter functionality allows users to save to a named query and dynamically add it to the sub-menu. Unpicking sales or transfer orders functionality is also included.

Shipping – Scan pick validation option included. Process outbound shipments direct from the device. Functions include creating Master Packs and standard Pick Lists for customers not licensed for Advanced Material Management (AMM).

Trackers – Trackers help shop/warehouse users in completing their daily routines. Powered by BISCIT Since its establishment in 2002, BISCIT has formed a strong relationship with Epicor and as a certified Partner is a proud expert in delivering successful Epicor ERP projects Australia-wide and overseas. BISCIT specializes in Epicor ERP services to deliver flexible, comprehensive, and value-driven business solutions.

Configurable MTR Software

Add Encompass’ MTR software to the equation and leverage a potent tool made for metal fabricators and distributors with an extensive library of Mill Test Reports and Certifications to manage. We make it easy for your teams to deliver the customer satisfaction and supplier relationships you need to thrive as a business.

Want to know more about Epicor ERP Mobile Warehouse or Configurable Material Test Report Software? Get in touch with an Encompass Solutions representative today using the contact link below.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm, NetSuite Solution Provider, and Epicor Gold Partner that offers professional services in business consulting, project management, and software implementation. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems or addressing emerging challenges in corporate and operational growth, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. As experts in identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


The Epicor ERP cloud framework is one that modern businesses are increasingly looking toward with an interest in more agile and efficient operations. Lending the environment necessary to deliver leading intelligent ERP software to businesses all over the world, cloud ERP systems are not a fringe fad, but the platforms of the future.

Epicor ERP Cloud Features

As with many other cloud-based technologies, Epicor ERP cloud deployments deliver access from anywhere, at any time. The impacts on productivity and performance can be realized almost immediately. Designed to fit a business’s unique needs and industry requirements, Epicor ERP Cloud users reap the benefits of modern tools built for a modern workforce.

Want to simplify your company’s technology landscape? Cloud ERP features a distilled technology profile to reduce the costs a business incurs with upfront purchasing and ongoing maintenance of in-house hardware. This leaves more room for IT teams to focus on internal projects and improvements. Not to mention, Epicor delivers one of the most trusted and secure ERP cloud solutions that are easy to deploy, use, scale, and extend.

an image of the epicor erp cloud and Microsoft azure logos

The Cloud ERP trifecta consists of security, performance, and innovation. Incorporating these essential three concepts continually, Epicor ERP on Azure keeps your business data protected and your competitive edge strong.

“Microsoft’s focus on the ‘Intelligent Cloud’ and ‘Intelligent Edge’ complement our customer-centric focus. We looked at several public cloud options. Microsoft Azure offers the best foundation for building and deploying enterprise business applications that will enable our customers’ businesses to adapt and grow. Today, we are seeing more than three-quarters of prospects ask about cloud ERP. As that deployment model becomes the norm, we are ready to enable our customers to move to the cloud with confidence leveraging the reliability, security, and scalability of Microsoft Azure.”
-Steve Murphy, CEO, Epicor

The Great Migration To Cloud ERP

By staying abreast of the most innovative and forward-thinking technologies available to businesses, it is more likely for a business to succeed in growth and remain competitive. Clinging to manual, disconnected processes makes it increasingly difficult for a business to do exactly that.

The great migration to cloud platforms is well underway and businesses leading the movement are already reaping the benefits. IT operations, inventory management, product manufacturing, and keeping mobile workforces connected are all part of the equation. The result is increased development in even more efficient and powerful technologies, including big data analytics, robotics, eCommerce, digitization, Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, and more. Microsoft Azure and Epicor ERP work together to deliver an enterprise-grade global cloud platform that is value-driven and cost-effective.

What Is Microsoft Azure?

Microsoft Azure is an open, flexible, and enterprise-grade public cloud computing platform. It serves more than 50 regions globally and leads the industry in security and privacy standards. With hundreds of data centers around the world and millions of servers, Microsoft Azure is the leading, most trusted public cloud platform for the enterprise. Epicor leverages this proven foundation to build and deploy enterprise business applications that enable your business to adapt and grow.

“Standardizing cloud deployment of its world-class manufacturing and distribution solutions on Microsoft Azure is a natural step for Epicor with its history of leveraging forward-looking technology to deliver the utmost value to its customers. With Epicor solutions running in the cloud, customers will reap the benefits of greater agility, faster innovation, and favorable economics of Azure as they embrace digital transformation.”
-David Willis, Corporate Vice President Microsoft

Learn More About Microsoft Azure And Epicor ERP Cloud Options

For a complete breakdown of the Epicor Cloud deployment options available with Microsoft Azure, download the free brochure: Download

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm, NetSuite Solution Provider, and Epicor Gold Partner that offers professional services in business consulting, project management, and software implementation. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems or addressing emerging challenges in corporate and operational growth, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. As experts in identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


Over the last 40 years, electronic data interchange (EDI) has become known as a business standard format for relaying documents electronically between trading partners in a network. While EDI comes with great benefits, it is not without its challenges. Fortunately, for the vast majority of businesses, the benefits of EDI far outweigh the drawbacks. Modern methods and technology have only served to provide more potent EDI benefits for small and medium businesses.

Financial Benefits Of EDI

Because EDI is a digital means of communicating for businesses, it comes with many advantages over paper-based systems. Not only this, but it saves on costly errors, wait time, and a host of other factors that businesses not utilizing EDI will suffer from.

Take for instance paper and postage, the most obvious difference between EDI and other communication systems. Because all EDI transactions are completed electronically and instantaneously, the expense of paper, postage, envelopes, forms, ink and transit costs are cut out of the equation. EDI not only saves on waste and materials within a business but also resources beyond the walls of the business, such as fuel and labor associated with shipping and transit activities. Administrative and maintenance costs are also impacted by EDI, due to storage, filing, and retrieval costs no longer being part of the equation.

an image of the financial benefits of edi

Labor costs are reduced, as well. This is because data entry, manual review of documents, and other administrative tasks, like sorting, copying, and filing, are no longer necessary with EDI. The automation provided by EDI frees time to take on and complete constructive tasks for teams while cutting down on costly errors significantly. The work hours involved are reduced significantly and order processing can essentially be put on autopilot, save for the instances and conditions a business has built into its EDI processes.

Operational Benefits of EDI

We touched on the automation EDI provides in the section above, but those improvements go beyond the cost-savings and financial benefits of EDI. When your business runs more efficiently, trading partners and customers are more inclined to return to you with their business.

Maintaining accuracy in a paper-based trading network is a full-time job. Even with expert administrators and financial professionals, these tasks are wrought with problematic processes. There are many opportunities for human errors when it comes to re-keying data from orders, processing returns, and carrying out payment processing. EDI is an as-in, as-out technology. This means that the data received is the same as the data transmitted from trading partners. There is no need to re-enter data manually. The result is fewer erroneous entries, product returns, and lost orders.

an image of the operational benefits of edi

On the topic of order fulfillment, EDI provides businesses with better visibility into their supply chain and inventory. The lead-time necessary to process an order is reduced and a business can move closer to a Just-in-Time (JIT) system.

Order accuracy is maintained at the highest level via digital records. When tied into a business’ ERP system, order, supply chain, and inventory data are ready and accessible for better and more informed decision-making. When a business is more able to adapt to market conditions and respond to supply chain issues, they are better positioned to outperform its competitors.

EDI has a tremendous impact on operations, from speed and accuracy to automation and efficiency. However, security is a topic increasingly at the forefront of conversations between trading partners and businesses with their customers. EDI delivers enhanced security protocols that place several layers of transactional data protection between businesses and their networks, as well as their customers.

Trading Partner and Customer Benefits of EDI

Beyond all the internal business benefits of EDI, there are many external trading partners and customer benefits of EDI.

One example emerges in a business’s ability to respond to changes in market conditions more quickly and effectively. Response time to environmental factors can be shaved down to seconds with EDI, resulting in fewer order disruptions and streamlined processes between sales and trading partner activities. The precision this facilitates ensures that production planning, order fulfillment, delivery, and response time are more precise and in alignment with a trading network or customer’s best interests.

an imag eof the tradin partner and customer benefits of edi

The internet has connected the world on a scale never seen before in history. As a result, those we communicate with expect updates to be quick, accurate, and on-demand. EDI facilitates all three of these demands by providing information on process statuses, such as acknowledging receipt of orders, invoices, changes to purchase orders, pending payment status, and more.

Delivering on customer expectations is the key to securing their business long-term. EDI ensures that businesses are equipped to do so while also making accurate and timely updates available. In a competitive marketplace, where the buyer has the power, businesses need to leverage every advantage available. A high level of customer service is essential to thrive and EDI can help provide customer benefits their competitors may lack.

Trading partners and trading networks are often the driving force behind EDI implementation. EDI compliance can open the doors to more fruitful and expansive trading networks for businesses. Once the standards are put into place, EDI trading partner benefits are numerous and serve to grow a business’ trading network.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions, Inc. is an ERP consulting firm, NetSuite Solution Provider, and Epicor Gold Partner that offers professional services in business consulting, project management, and software implementation. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems or addressing emerging challenges in corporate and operational growth, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. As experts in identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.