Electronic data interchange use in German and US organizations

Abstract

This paper investigates the adoption of electronic data interchange (EDI) by large German firms. In particular, the positive and negative impact of various factors on EDI selection decision is analysed, along with realized benefits of EDI application. Large German user and non-user organizations have been surveyed and several follow-up interviews have been conducted. The findings are compared with the results of a similar survey conducted recently in the USA. A strong interest in trading electronically and a steady growth in the application of EDI was found as companies began to realize the early benefits. Among users the actual quality of EDI use was found to be low in many cases. Typical findings were high levels of forced EDI adoption by large organizations and only limited achievement of high level benefits of EDI. Several obstacles for widespread EDI adoption and its effective use have yet to be overcome. The far reaching impact of EDI on the organization and its integration cause major problems. Because the EDI scene in both countries is the result of a patchwork of effectively closed trading communities, we cannot yet expect any single document standard to dominate.