Integrating with your existing IT Systems

When deciding whether you should be using a standalone solution such as Spectrum, or an integrated solution such as Spectrum Pro, you need to ask yourself some qualifying questions:

Would a link to your accounting package save time, effort and money?

Most integrated solutions cost from around £1000 more to implement than a standalone equivalent. The on-going cost savings however can quickly recoup this cost, especially for high volumes of documents where the labour saving is considerable.

What about linking electronic messages with the Delivery Company or Warehouse?

If you use a third party organisation to store and deliver your goods then automatically sending them copies of received electronic Orders may well give them additional advance notice of items for picking thus reducing lead times. Some hauliers are already EDI enabled, and messages can either be duplicated by the retailer or forwarded to a haulier via EDI from a supplier. Freeway's solutions allow for distribution of messages in a range of formats.

I run a bespoke / custom back office package, can this be linked to Freeway's Spectrum applications?

Freeway publishes Interface File Formats for use by software developers. Freeway has the advantage of using single interface files (in simple flat file format) which are fast becoming the industry standard for integrating EDI and ecommerce, and are used by many of the leading back office system vendors. Alternative interfaces are also supported if the Freeway file format is not suitable.

Should I automate my ecommerce operations or run them manually?

With a properly configured schedule, electronic documents can be timed to arrive to suit your business. An example could be the automated receipt and printing of Orders or the import of Orders into a back office system prior to the arrival of warehouse staff, ready for the day's work.

Can I link other messages and Web orders with my accounting solution?

When purchasing an ecommerce solution, care should be taken to ensure that it encompasses all of the business need, not just the messages sent or received in pure EDI format. Alternative communication via Web, email, or even across local and wide area networks is available. For example, a company receiving Orders from a web site for smaller customers and EDI orders from larger customers can use the same integration solution for both, maximising the return on investment and significantly increasing efficiency and productivity

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