Switching your B2B VAN/EDI provider may create some initial concern as you decide whether or not it is worth the risk. However, you can deliver considerable cost savings and improve trading partner relationships by migrating to a vendor that delivers exceptional service.
With today’s intense focus on cost control and maximizing productivity, you can’t afford a VAN that isn’t providing the highest level of performance, service and value.
This how-to-guide guide has been designed to help you better evaluate a VAN provider and determine the real value of the offer. And armed with this guide including four easy-to-follow checklists – you will now have the information you need to make the decision to switch VANs today.
VAN technology, the fenix of B2B communications
VAN technology was originally introduced to help companies better manage their supply chain through electronic exchange of documents such as purchase orders, advance ship notices and invoices.
Since its inception, the marketplace has undergone numerous changes, including:
- Heightened competition and consolidation of providers
- Improvements in technology and platform capabilities
- Increased outsourcing of customer service and technical support
- Introduction of new message formats and protocols, including Internet-based options
- Growing adoption and usage by small and medium-sized companies
However, not all VAN/EDI providers have evolved to meet the demands of the 21st century and the needs of their customers. As a result, man experience issues on a daily basis that impact their bottom-line,including:
- Aging technology and an outdated, inflexible platform
- Unsatisfactory customer service and slow problem resolution
- An unreliable network with too much downtime
- Cumbersome on-boarding of new trading partners
- Manual, time-intensive tracking of exceptions and costly errors
- Costly fee structure with the potential for unexpected charges
That’s why it’s important you consider more than just price when approached by a new VAN provider. You need to look beyond the hard costs to determine if the vendor provides the right transaction management capabilities to reduce errors, accelerate cycle times and improve cash flow.
Switch or Stay with Your B2B EDI/VAN Provider? Get your eGuide now!
Cláudia Wada on