Electronic Data Interchange Technology Research Articles

Koncepcja narzędzia informatycznego „elektroniczny nakaz doprowadzenia” przeznaczonego dla organów wymiaru sprawiedliwości

The article presents the concept of good practice in IT and the implementation of EDI technology in the Polish judicial system. The concept of good practice was described in the implementation of the pilot project of good management of the subordinate units of the Polish Ministry of Justice as a part of the project “Education in the time and cost management of judicial proceedings – case management”. The project was partially funded by the European Social Fund within the framework of Human Capital. The aim of the good practice “Digital writ of habeas corpus” (abbreviated to d-writ) is to introduce tools for electronic data interchange (EDI). These tools facilitate orders bringing prisoners and/or witnesses to courts by the police (replace paper communication with EDI communication channel embedded in IS of interested parties). It uses XML-based EDI protocol and encrypted data channel. The digital writ of habeas corpus saves both the courts an police money, and reduces the duration and complexity of the process. The article presents the assumptions of good d-writ practice, the technology involved and the stages of the project’s implementation.

An integrated website of electronic data interchange and computer-aided process planning in production outsourcing

The assembly industry implements production outsourcing to meet the needs of assembly product components. The outsourcing of assembly product components is based on a relationship model between the contractor and the industry, between the industry with assembly parts and other processes, and more recently between the assembly parts and sales. In production outsourcing, there are generally no communication patterns established between the contractor/supplier and the assembly team regarding problems that may appear during the assembly process. Electronic data interchange (EDI) technology as a method to promote electronic communication between companies can be implemented for assembly teams and suppliers so that the former can relay component assembly problems during the assembly process. In order to improve coordination and communication with external business partners, the production outsourcing activities need EDI technology so they can communicate rapidly and accurately. To make EDI technology more useful, this method can be integrated with a manufacturing, planning system called computer-aided process planning (CAPP). CAPP is a link between design and manufacturing in a computer-integrated manufacturing environment. Commonly used by manufacturing engineers, CAPP can be used to develop a product manufacturing plan. The purpose of the present study was to design and develop a web-based software application integration initiative between EDI and CAPP that can be used as a communication means between the assembly team and the supplier, which will specifically help the assembly team to plan component assembly process so they can eliminate or reduce manual intervention in assembly planning

Electronic Data Interchange In The Automotive Industry In Morocco : Toward The Optimization Of Logistics Information Flows

The information systems conducted by the requirements of the internationalization of activities, by the organization of firms in networks and by the evolution of Information and Communication Technology, tend more and more toward the sharing of information in real time. The Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is among the tools that guarantee this exchange. EDI is a quick and effective means of transfer of business documents and ensures the optimization of the information flows of and their synchronization with the physical flows in the Supply chain. The objective of this study is to answer this research question “how the automobile industry in Morocco uses the EDI technology to optimize its flows?” We chose to adopt a case study approach to observing the reality of the practice of the EDI and its use as a tool for optimizing information flows. Thus, this article is the result of literature review and of the content analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted with professionals in the automotive industry.

Global Transfer of EDI Technology: A Multi-Level Approach

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a technology which has shown significant impact not only at the individual organization level, but at industry-sector and even at the country-level. As the issues to be addressed at these levels are different, a systemic study of EDI technology transfer incorporating multiple levels is necessary for developing a holistic understanding of the transfer process. This chapter provides such a framework of global EDI technology transfer which can be used for analyzing and planning EDI implementation within a country, an industry-sector, or an organization. The chapter explores EDI implementation across two dimensions: breadth and depth. The breadth dimension focuses on the scope of EDI technology transfer — a country, an industry-sector, or an organization. The depth dimension focuses on the maturity of EDI usage, which is differentiated into three levels roughly corresponding to 'learner', 'practitioner11 and 'expert11 levels. The chapter then identifies critical success factors across these two dimensions. These factors are grouped into 'critical success areas' which are used to define a conceptual framework of EDI technology transfer, and to apply this framework to some countries and industry-sectors as example. Finally, the chapter uses the framework for proposing an approach for planning the EDI technology transfer process.

The Effects of RFID and EDI Technologies on Supply Chain Dynamics

Process automation and information sharing are becoming increasingly important to the successful operation of supply chains. While previous works have investigated the effects of radio frequency identification (RFID), electronic data interchange (EDI), and other transparency technologies on model production/distribution systems, the studies completed to date have not fully examined the implications of these technologies on the supply chains' dynamic behaviour. This is especially true for supply chains which feature heterogeneously implemented transparency technologies. The present work seeks to fill this apparent technical void, by characterizing the impact of both heterogeneously and homogeneously implemented EDI and RFID technologies on the system dynamics of a prototypical multi-stage supply chain model: the beer distribution game. To this end, the effort utilizes high-throughput numerical simulation to characterize the influence of transparency technologies on transient performance metrics (e.g. settling time, cost, and stock outages), and to form a series of succinct conclusions on the technologies' relative utility.

Extended system design for RFID enabled supply chains with non-RFID technologies

Currently, the coordination between supply chain participants is normally organised via a scan packing system and communicated through electronic data interchange technology. However, the scan pack process is costly and time consuming. Using the electronic product code technology defined by EPCglobal, two national demonstrator projects have been developed to explore the suitability of RFID to the fast moving consumer goods supply chain. The projects show that two major issues must be addressed for RFID technology to be used effectively in global supply chains. First, small and medium enterprises using different RFID standards are unable to participate. Second, RFID IT infrastructures are rigid and costly. This paper examines the capability of two new mobile technologies in relation to current RFID system designs and experiences in the national projects. An extended RFID system is proposed to enable these non-RFID technologies to be used in conjunction with EPC-based systems so that links to non-RFID sites can be established and the cost of system implementation can be more affordable.

Technology Adoption in Post-Conflict Regions

Post-conflict developing regions are special cases of developing countries which have received little attention in information systems research. They are emergency situations which attract significant aid designed to help create economic stability through, for example, the use of IT. This study compared the experiences of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) adoption in the extreme environment of a post-conflict region to other developing regions. Presenting data gathered from 68 companies in Kosovo, this paper provides an in-depth examination of EDI technology adoption in a post-conflict region. The findings suggest that EDI adoption in Kosovo comprises different features when compared with other developing countries, indicating that current theories of technology adoption have not fully accounted for EDI adoption in post-conflict regions. From this finding, implications for interventions in post-conflict regions are drawn. This paper contributes to the understanding of technology adoption processes and offers new insight into the process of technology adoption in this context. This paper provides a starting point for further work which creates a basis for more effective interventions in post-conflict zones, contributing to economic development and stabilisation.

The potential of XML technology as an answer to the data interchange problems of the construction industry

The complex supply chain relations of the construction industry, coupled with the substantial amount of information to be shared on a regular basis between the parties involved, make the traditional paper‐based data interchange methods inefficient, error prone and expensive. The successful information technology (IT) applications that enable seamless data interchange, such as the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) systems, have generally failed to be successfully implemented in the construction industry. An alternative emerging technology, Extensible Markup Language (XML), and its applicability to streamline business processes and to improve data interchange methods within the construction industry are analysed, as is the EDI technology to identify the strategic advantages that XML technology provides to overcome the barriers to implementation. In addition, the successful implementation of XML‐based automated data interchange platforms for a large organization, and the proposed benefits thereof, are presented as a case study.

EDI and the Internet in the E-Business Era

This article presents cost effective guidelines to assist hotels of all sizes with the usage of electronic data interchange (EDI) in the Internet e-business era. The evolution of web-based EDI makes it easier for hotels of all sizes to support their business processes with traditional EDI technology, but without the extensive capital outlay in computer hardware and software. This is an attempt to encourage investment in basic EDI technologies before implementing more sophisticated applications. The focus is to allow hotels of all sizes to improve their competitive advantage with successive EDI technological advances.

Multilanguage business document translator: an automatic translator tool

Electronic documents are traditionally and widely used in many industries without a standard format. This lack of a proper format produces many issues that hinder one from benefiting from those documents. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) solves this problem by proposing a standard format for each kind of industry. Unfortunately, EDI contains some drawbacks, such as the difficulty of converting old documents to that format. In this paper, a new approach is proposed for automatically converting any document to a specific EDI format without human intervention. It improves upon the EDI technology, especially in facilitating intercompany communication.

Design and development of an integrated quality control system

This study introduces a framework for design and development of Integrated Quality Control (IQC). The design features of the IQC are Quality Information System (QIS), Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Statistical Quality Control (SQC), Statistical Process Control (SPC) and ISO 9000 standards. To achieve the above objective, a systematic database in the context of QIS is developed. Data is stored, retrieved and exchanged electronically via EDI technology. Moreover, the IQC is developed in accordance with ISO 9000 international standards. The distinct feature of this study is the existence of an integrated mechanism in the IQC for evaluation of the performance of design, planning, procurement and production units. It is also a suitable and effective substitute for a Total Quality Control (TQC) programme. The prescribed framework is successfully designed, implemented and tested for a large industrial machinery manufacturer and its advantages are shown in a five year period by analysis of variance.

Accountability in EDI Systems to Prevent Employee Fraud

The technology associated with EDI (electronic data interchange) is decades old, but new fraud concerns due to the connectivity of the Internet and the accuracy of automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) delivery technologies have increased the interest in EDI safeguards and EDI's numerous vulnerabilities. As new technologies and software applications are supplanting traditional EDI applications, spyware and other technologies that facilitate computer-based fraud endanger the EDI framework that most financial transactions are based on today. In addition, smaller companies are also implementing EDI technologies for the first time.

Skills required in developing electronic commerce for small and medium enterprises: case based generalization approach

There has been a rapid growth in electronic commerce worldwide. However, the UK government and other governments had noted that electronic commerce uptake among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) has been slow. In this paper we examine the skills and knowledge required for successful electronic commerce projects in the UK SME sector based upon detailed case studies in three SME organisations from the Northwest region of England over a two year period. B2C electronic commerce appears to involve a greater requirement for skills relating to website animation, website promotion, content management, and relevant legislation compared to B2B electronic commerce. Conversely, B2B electronic commerce potentially requires more detailed knowledge of electronic data interchange technologies compared to B2C electronic commerce.

Business-to-business data sharing: A source for integration of supply chains

The flow of information between parties in a supply chain is crucial for carrying out an effective and efficient transition of consignments. To support the flow of information, diverse communication systems exist. Although the electronic data interchange technology has been around for more than 30 years now, it has not reached small- and medium-sized enterprises to any significant extent. The results of more than 20 case studies imply that smaller companies run the risk of being permanently excluded from integrating their logistics operations in the supply chain. However, the advent of the Internet and concepts of electronic business open up new perspectives for small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Forces Driving Adoption of New Information Technologies

This paper investigates the forces that drive construction firms to adopt new information technologies. The research focuses on CAD and electronic data interchange technologies and studies in-depth eight innovation adoption decisions. The paper presents the findings regarding the forces that created the managerial stimuli for innovation and the organizational characteristics that played an important role in the adoption. The investigation identified four forces that drive innovation: competitive advantage, process problems, technological opportunity, and institutional requirements. These forces change over time and drive the diffusion of a technology in the industry. The study also found that different organizational characteristics determine a company's sensitivity to each force. The paper proposes a new model of diffusion of new technologies and presents the implications for increasing the rate of innovation in the industry.

An empirical study of EDI trading partner selection criteria in customer-supplier relationships

Electronic data interchange (EDI)-enabled trading partnerships are even more important now that EDI and electronic commerce-based technologies are underlying long-term strategic business partnerships. This study investigates the trading partner selection criteria used by firms in a customer-supplier dyad and their relative importance according to EDI implementation level is also established. Using the survey method implementing paired questionnaires for a dyad of customer-supplier firms, the study gathered data from 152 respondent firms. Factor analysis yielded six factors in trading partner selection: strategic commitment, trading partner flexibility, joint partnering for EDI, readiness for high-level EDI, EDI infrastructure, and communications. MANOVA and t-tests were used to test differences in the means of the responses of customer and supplier firms to the selection criteria. Overall, customer firms assigned higher means to all six factors than did the supplier firms. The gap between the two groups of firms were widest for the factors readiness for high-level EDI, trading partner flexibility, and communications.

EDI network and logistics management at Unilever‐Sagit

Unilever‐Sagit is the main Italian competitor in the Italian frozen food market. The company has very recently innovated its distribution channel by creating a private Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) network. Examines the effects generated by the implementation of EDI technology on supply chain management. Discusses the theoretical aspects of the impact of EDI on strategic management of logistics and examines the Unilever‐Sagit EDI network in detail.

From Electronic Data Interchange to Efficient Consumer Response

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) enables businesses in the food industry to serve their customers more efficiently. EDI technology failitates operations along the food chain, and has opened the door to Efficient Consumer Response (ECR), producing benefits for both customer and distributors.

Mobile Data Communication and Electronic Data Interchange Technology in European Road Freight Operations: Evaluation of Pilot Applications

The results of a 3-year research work that investigated the impact of the introduction of mobile data communications (MDC) and electronic data interchange (EDI) on road freight operation is presented. Pilot applications were set up throughout Europe and evaluated for a number of months for both MDC and EDI. A total of 63 trucks belonging to five transport operators were equipped with MDC equipment, while five EDI liaisons were established to deal with transport order handling, contract status reporting, and ferryboat booking. A comprehensive evaluation of these pilot applications followed, and the results are presented and discussed. For MDC, tangible benefits were identified that can recover costs of the complete installation within 3 to 6 years. Specific benefits included an increase of about 2–3 percent in productive vehicle-kilometers, savings in fuel costs of 1–3 percent, and reductions in dispatch times of 5–6 percent. For EDI, certain preconditions for success were found to be necessary before tangible benefits occur: There must be a certain minimum of business done by EDI compared to the total business of the company—about 15–20 percent of all transactions—and there must be an overall acceptance and use of EDI in the business environment as a whole, in other words, a “critical mass” of wider EDI use. The integration of MDC and EDI within the same company will help maximize the benefits from both systems. In the pilot applications presented here, the EDI installation payback period was not positive, but several points regarding the conditions under which positive results could be obtained are made and actions are recommended.

Mobile Data Communication and Electronic Data Interchange Technology in European Road Freight Operations: Evaluation of Pilot Applications

The results of a 3-year research work that investigated the impact of the introduction of mobile data communications (MDC) and electronic data interchange (EDI) on road freight operation is presented. Pilot applications were set up throughout Europe and evaluated for a number of months for both MDC and EDI. A total of 63 trucks belonging to five transport operators were equipped with MDC equipment, while five EDI liaisons were established to deal with transport order handling, contract status reporting, and ferryboat booking. A comprehensive evaluation of these pilot applications followed, and the results are presented and discussed. For MDC, tangible benefits were identified that can recover costs of the complete installation within 3 to 6 years. Specific benefits included an increase of about 2-3 percent in productive vehicle-kilometers, savings in fuel costs of 1-3 percent, and reductions in dispatch times of 5-6 percent. For EDI, certain preconditions for success were found to be necessary before tang...