Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and its relevance to container depot operations

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and its relevance to container depot operations

EDI accelerates the transmission and exchange of business documents generating enriched business efficiency.

For Container Depot operations, EDI accomplishes accurate document processing through automation and replacement of conventional documents.

EDI enables extensive reduction in paperwork, its related expenses and speeds up business cycles by 60%.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) software solutions enable the exchange of vital data in business documents across a variety of platforms. Becoming EDI-enabled is a prime requisite for business organizations aiming to stay up-to-date and relevant by employing the tools offered by modern technological innovations in the ever-expanding digitally connected world we live in today. EDI and supply chain go hand-in-hand, and this combination is one of the significant forces that steer global commerce today. It brings on a shared platform all business partners via their information systems enabling real-time “electronic exchange” of communication and data in a standardized format. It regulates the method by which relevant information in business documents is shared making the paperless exchange of data a reality. EDI replaces postal dependence, emails & attachments and other forms of document handling associated with conventional business communication.

Why is EDI an indispensable tool in container depot operations?

By means of a comprehensive Container Depot Reporting Solution with inbuilt EDI functionality, depot businesses can manage a variety of routine tasks with ease, generate and exchange important business documents. Such all-inclusive EDI-enabled solutions incorporate:

Repair Estimate generation with automatic customer-specific tariffs
Handling and Storage of Bills
Gate Pass for Inward and Outward Container Movements
Depot Inventory and Container History
Reserve Booking for Containers
Repair Approvals
Comprehensive Billing & Report Generation
Real-time communication and global data sharing
Billing for local and centralized users

Tax and service rates
Transmission of estimates to owners and lessee for approval with bulk email functionality
With a personal computer and internet connection, EDI-enabled depot reporting solutions widen your reach to seamlessly collaborate with trading partners, retailers and customers the world over.

Chief benefits of EDI capability

Standardization in the exchange of information
Streamlining of communication with trading partners is one of the key benefits that accrue because EDI documents are generated by a specific set of standards resulting in uniformity in the manner data is made available at the receiving end. This eliminates the necessity to modify documents to suit the specifications of the receiving party, and saves time and effort spent on scrutinizing and converting documents.

Reduction in working capital and labor costs
Significant reduction in working capital expenditure is attained with the elimination of costs associated with paperwork involving printing, recording, filing and despatch. Timely and systematic transmission of information results in prompt settlement of all aspects of the supply chain process including payments.

Transparency and efficiency in operations
EDI accomplishes higher accuracy in the processing and exchange of business data with clearly quantifiable progress in the supply chain workflow. Real-time tracking and exchange of important documents on time instill a sense of mutual trust and bond among the trading partners.

Heightened data security
With EDI functionality, only authorized personnel will have access to business documents. Therefore the possibility of confidential information passing on to wrong hands and data tampering is greatly reduced.

The world is interconnected on a scale never witnessed before. Modern businesses necessitate speed, accuracy and overall efficiency in their daily operations. EDI proves to be an essential tool in managing routine container depot operations by overcoming the shortcomings from data inaccuracy, unproductive documentation work, delays caused by the physical exchange of documents and data breach.

iInterchange Systems / www.iinterchange.com presents a choice of software on SaaS www.iboxsuite.com and “on-premises” model. Their flagship iDepo software is a web-based all-inclusive reporting solution for Container Depots.

iDepo incorporates EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) and a host of other vital functions that produce transparency, accuracy and speed in depot operations empowering asset owners to surpass the competition and stay tuned to the modern modes of business operations.