Electronic Data Interchange or EDI forms the basis of the information links between purchasing, vendors, logistics suppliers, automated warehousing, flexible manufacturing, management, accounting, distribution, wholesaling, retailing and, often, the ultimate customers. Usually the emphasis is on compatible software modules from large scale applications. But, the best software solution in the world will grind to a halt without the right connectivity to get those EDI packets where they are going in a timely manner.
The possible solutions are dedicated networks, private networks, virtual private networks, public networks, or some combination of these.
By public networks, I'm referring to the Internet. It's cheap and universal, but not necessarily up to the task of highly reliable telephone services or secure data transfers. The Internet is best used for information research and as an easy interface to retail customers in their homes.
Between other elements of the supply chain, a virtual private network that includes some links through the Internet makes more sense. It still might not be up to the voice quality standards you want, but your data will be protected from prying eyes by encryption.
Private networks, such as Frame Relay networks, ATM networks, and private IP networks have the advantage of being more reliable than public networks and can be set up to manage quality of service so that you can converge VoIP phone calls and EDI information on the same network.
The ultimate in reliability, security and ability to control quality of service is the dedicated line. These are point to point circuits that you have exclusive use of. For critical links in your chain, nothing less than a completely dedicated line may be enough. Perhaps even an encrypted private line for the highest possible security.
In general, the more private the line and the more control you have of it, the more it will cost. Like other business services, it's a tradeoff between cost and performance. We have experts who can help you make those tradeoffs and choose the best mix of public, private, virtually private and completely dedicated services for your company. Request
a no cost, no obligation quote right now T1 Rex.
