In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses must adapt to new technologies to streamline their operations and ensure smooth communication with partners. For BCP Global Fintech, Asitek successfully implemented Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) solutions using IBM Sterling B2B Integrator and IBM ITX (Transformation Extender). This implementation allowed BCP to exchange business documents seamlessly with its trading partners, eliminating manual interventions, and significantly enhancing process efficiency.

What is EDI?

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a digital method for businesses to exchange documents automatically and securely without human intervention. Prior to the adoption of EDI, companies often relied on outdated and time-consuming methods such as faxes, mail, and paper-based invoices for transactions. These traditional systems were prone to delays, errors, and inefficiencies, making it challenging to keep up with the speed of modern business.

EDI eliminates these hurdles by facilitating real-time, automated data exchanges, which greatly enhance operational efficiency, speed, and accuracy.

Business Benefits of EDI for BCP Global Fintech

Asitek’s implementation of EDI for BCP Global Fintech brought numerous benefits to the organization, including:

• Cost Savings: By eliminating manual processing and paper-based transactions, BCP experienced significant cost reductions.
• Automation & Efficiency: Automation of business document exchanges reduced human error and boosted operational efficiency.
• High Throughput: IBM Sterling B2B Integrator enabled BCP to handle a large volume of transactions quickly and accurately.
• Just-in-Time (JIT) Processing: The solution enhanced BCP’s inventory and supply chain management, improving operational agility.
• Security & Compliance: The EDI system ensured secure document exchanges while adhering to global compliance standards.

EDI Standards Used in Implementation

To meet BCP’s business needs, Asitek configured IBM Sterling B2B Integrator to support multiple EDI standards:

• ANSI X12: A North American standard used for various documents such as purchase orders (850) and invoices (810).
• EDIFACT: A global standard used for trade and logistics transactions.
• VICS & TDCC: Industry-specific standards tailored to particular sectors.

These standards ensured that BCP could exchange documents efficiently across various regions and industries.

Key Processes Implemented by Asitek

As part of the EDI implementation, Asitek successfully optimized the following key processes:

1. Outbound Document Flow (BCP to Trading Partners)

• Source System: SAP (Backend System)
• Data Format: IDOC (SAP Intermediate Document)
• Transformation with IBM ITX:
  • Transformed SAP IDOC into EDI X12/EDIFACT formats.
  • Applied business rules and validation to ensure data integrity.
• Enveloping via IBM Sterling B2B Integrator:
  • Added EDI envelope segments (ISA, GS, ST) for structured data transmission.
• Transmission:
  • Enabled secure data exchange using AS2, SFTP, or VANs.

2. Inbound Document Flow (Trading Partners to BCP)

• Data Receipt: BCP received inbound EDI files (X12/EDIFACT) from trading partners.
• Parsing in IBM Sterling B2B Integrator:
  • Extracted relevant data from EDI segments (ISA, GS, ST).
  • Converted EDI files into SAP IDOC format.
• SAP Integration:
  • The parsed IDOC was sent to SAP for order processing and other necessary actions.

Enveloping and Parsing in EDI Transactions

• Enveloping (Outbound Process):
  • Purpose: Group multiple documents for transmission.
  • Implementation: IBM Sterling B2B Integrator dynamically added envelope segments (ISA, GS, ST, IEA, GE, SE) to comply with partner-specific configurations and global EDI standards.
• Parsing (Inbound Process):
  • Purpose: Extract individual transactions from inbound EDI files.
  • Implementation: IBM Sterling B2B Integrator parsed inbound EDI documents and mapped them to SAP IDOCs, removing the envelope segments (ISA, GS, ST) before sending data to SAP for further processing.

EDI Translation and Mapping Using IBM ITX

Asitek leveraged IBM ITX (Transformation Extender) to:

• Translate EDI transactions into structured business documents.
• Automate data validation, ensuring that all business rules were followed and that the data was accurate.
• Support multi-format capabilities for EDI X12, EDIFACT, and other custom file formats, enabling BCP to exchange documents with a wide range of partners across different regions.

EDI Transaction Structure – ANSI X12 Standard

Each EDI transaction follows a structured format that ensures secure and accurate document exchanges. For example, a Purchase Order (EDI 850) follows the structure outlined below:

• ISA Segment – Interchange Header
• GS Segment – Functional Group Header
• ST Segment – Transaction Set Header
• BEG Segment – Beginning of Purchase Order
• REF Segment – Reference Numbers
• N1 Segment – Party Identifiers (Buyer, Seller)
• PO1 Segment – Line Item Details
• SE Segment – Transaction Set Trailer
• GE Segment – Functional Group Trailer
• IEA Segment – Interchange Trailer

This structured approach to EDI transactions helps ensure consistency, compliance, and accuracy in document exchanges.

Outcome of Asitek’s Implementation

The EDI implementation by Asitek led to the following outcomes for BCP Global Fintech:

• Reduced Processing Time: By automating transaction processing, delays were minimized, and transactions were completed more quickly.
• Improved Data Accuracy: Eliminating manual entry reduced human errors, ensuring more reliable data exchanges.
• Enhanced Partner Integration: Seamless EDI connectivity enabled smoother interactions with global partners, boosting collaboration and operational efficiency.
• Scalable & Secure Solution: IBM Sterling B2B Integrator provided a robust, scalable, and secure platform for continuous business growth while ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

Industries & Companies Using IBM Sterling Integrator and IBM ITX Worldwide

IBM Sterling B2B Integrator and IBM ITX are trusted by organizations across industries to automate and secure their data exchanges:

• Retail & E-commerce – Walmart, Amazon, Target, Carrefour
• Banking & Financial Services – JPMorgan Chase, HSBC, Wells Fargo, PayPal
• Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals – Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, UnitedHealth Group
• Manufacturing & Automotive – Ford, General Motors, Siemens, Bosch
• Logistics & Supply Chain – FedEx, DHL, UPS, Maersk
• Government & Public Sector – US Federal Agencies, European Commission

Conclusion

Asitek’s EDI implementation for BCP Global Fintech using IBM Sterling B2B Integrator and IBM ITX has successfully transformed their operations, ensuring faster, more accurate, and secure data exchanges. By reducing manual processes and automating document flows, BCP has gained significant operational efficiency and cost savings. As the business grows, the scalable, compliant, and secure EDI solution will continue to drive success for the organization, positioning them for future growth and agility in a competitive market.

If your business is looking to streamline its operations with secure, automated data exchanges, reach out to Asitek today. Let us help you enhance your B2B integration and EDI capabilities for long-term success.