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EDI Messaging - We make it easy for you

We handle the technical complexities for you, so you don't need prior knowledge of EDI messaging!

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EDI or OVT

What is EDI?

EDI, or Electronic Data Interchange, is equivalent to the Finnish term OVT (organisaatioiden välinen tiedonsiirto - inter-organizational data transfer). In Finland, the concepts of EDI/OVT are often associated with the EDIFACT message format. Most messages in the retail, wholesale, and transportation sectors are in accordance with the EDIFACT standard.

EDI/OVT refers to the automated exchange of information between the systems of organizations. This exchange can include updates to price lists and inventory levels, orders, and order confirmations.

What are the benefits of using EDI?

For suppliers, automatic order processing and invoicing reduce manual work.

EDI enables suppliers to accelerate the order-to-payment process, leading to more satisfied customers due to fewer errors compared to manual handling.

Order analysis facilitates forecasting and thus enables timely ordering of raw materials.

For purchasers, EDI allows a faster order cycle and deliveries, which in turn enables smaller inventory levels, meaning the company has less capital tied up in stock products.

Step-by-step EDI message implementation with OWS

The implementation project involves the customer, OWS, the system provider, the customer's trading partner, and the trading partner's operator.

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Step 1

The customer notifies OWS about the project initiation, and a designated project manager takes responsibility for the project.

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Step 2

If necessary, we hold a kickoff meeting. OWS coordinates the meeting, which involves the customer, the trading partner, the trading partner's operator, and, if needed, the system provider.

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Step 3

OWS is responsible for establishing the necessary connections in cooperation with the trading partner’s operator.

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Step 4

Testing of different message types and cases in the test system. OWS takes the lead, with all parties involved, including the system provider if necessary.

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Step 5

Transitioning to production. OWS leads, with all parties involved, including the system provider if necessary.

EDI Operator

Choosing an EDI Operator

A good EDI operator is a crucial partner when initiating message traffic. Extensive practical experience in implementing EDI connections helps and accelerates deployment. At OWS, our project manager works closely with the system provider, your company's message partners, and other EDI operators. You receive suggestions and practical advice on how to implement message traffic in the best possible way. EDI messages are reliably delivered according to your needs.

In simple terms, an EDI operator transmits electronic messages between different systems.

  1. Implementation. A good EDI operator is a crucial partner for the customer when starting message traffic. Extensive practical experience in implementing EDI connections helps and accelerates deployment.
  2. Routing. One part of the EDI operator's role is the routing of messages. This routing is based on the unique identifiers of the sender and receiver.
  3. Message Conversions. Message conversions are perhaps the most important part of the EDI operator's service for the customer. They are necessary because the messages produced by different systems are rarely compatible. For instance, a sending system might produce a message in XML format, while the receiver wants it in EDIFACT format. This is where the EDI operator's message conversions come in. Neither party needs to make changes to their systems; the EDI operator converts the XML message into the EDIFACT format desired by the receiver. The conversions done by EDI operators are often more cost-effective than making changes in one's own systems.
  4. Monitoring. The message transmission systems of EDI operators have versatile monitoring methods for detecting errors. Often, communication disturbances are identified by the operator before the customer notices them. The logs collected by the systems facilitate the resolution of message-related issues. The EDI operator's support monitors and responds to errors as quickly as possible and will inform the customer about any issues. Some errors can be resolved by the operator without the customer even noticing.
  5. Customer Service. At OWS, you receive personalized customer service from the start. Customer service is available in Finnish and English. OWS always assigns a contact person to the customer.

Form Service for small businesses

Engage in electronic transactions without an ERP system

With the Form Service, you can participate in electronic transactions even if you don't yet have an ERP system. This service allows you to receive orders— all you need is an email address. Orders arrive at OWS in real-time, and OWS converts them directly to your email. You avoid interpretation errors, as orders always appear uniform, organized by the ordering company. If desired, you can also print the order to assist with tasks like picking.

We convert incoming order messages into a ready-to-use order form, which we send to your desired email address. The Form Service is easy to upgrade to a genuine EDI service if your electronic transaction needs expand.

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Integrations

We implement monitored integrations between ERP, production systems, or e-commerce platforms

OWS connects to the systems to be integrated using the required methods. We handle the necessary transformations between different systems and monitor the functionality of the integration. OWS also documents the integrations.

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Discover our customers' experiences

We provide personalized service. Our overall customer satisfaction rating is 4.3 out of 5. We receive particular praise for our friendliness, reliability, speed, and expertise.

  1. With OWS's service, we have been able to develop aspects of our ERP systems that accelerate and enhance store operations. It has been a pleasure to work and collaborate with OWS over these ten years.

    Sarita Orpana

    Development Manager, Minimani Yhtiöt Oy
  2. I recommend OWS to anyone needing electronic messaging services. I would emphasize reliability as the most important aspect. We don't have to worry about whether messages are transmitted or not.

    Sami Haapasalmi

    CEO, Fresh Servant Oy

  3. In OWS's operations, I have especially appreciated the speed and customer-oriented approach.

    Lauri Ant-Wuorinen

    CEO, Oy Plastex Ab

  4. Based on my own experience, I can warmly recommend collaborating with OWS. Their expertise, responsiveness, and customer-centric approach are truly top-notch.

    Timo Pärssinen

    CEO, Prima Pet Premium Oy

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How can we help?

Are you concerned about issues related to message transmission for your business, such as digitizing the order-delivery chain or electronic invoicing? Get in touch, and we'll explore how OWS solutions can suit your business.