What's the best way to measure EDI system performance?

1 EDI transaction volume

One of the most basic and important metrics to track is the EDI transaction volume. This refers to the number and type of EDI documents that you send and receive from your trading partners. EDI transaction volume can indicate the level of activity, demand, and complexity of your business processes. It can also help you identify peak periods, trends, and patterns in your EDI operations. You should monitor your EDI transaction volume regularly and compare it with your historical data and industry benchmarks. This can help you plan your resources, budget, and capacity accordingly.

2 EDI transaction errors

Another crucial metric to measure is the EDI transaction errors. These are the errors that occur during the EDI process, such as syntax errors, validation errors, mapping errors, or communication errors. EDI transaction errors can cause delays, rejections, penalties, or disputes with your trading partners. They can also affect your data quality, customer satisfaction, and compliance. You should track and categorize your EDI transaction errors by type, source, frequency, and impact. You should also implement corrective and preventive actions to resolve and reduce your EDI transaction errors.

3 EDI transaction turnaround time

A third metric that you should measure is the EDI transaction turnaround time. This is the time it takes for an EDI document to be sent, received, processed, and acknowledged by your trading partner. EDI transaction turnaround time can reflect the efficiency, reliability, and responsiveness of your EDI system. It can also affect your cash flow, inventory, and customer service. You should measure your EDI transaction turnaround time by document type, trading partner, and business process. You should also compare it with your service level agreements (SLAs) and industry standards. You should aim to minimize your EDI transaction turnaround time and optimize your EDI workflow.

4 EDI system availability

A fourth metric that you should measure is the EDI system availability. This is the percentage of time that your EDI system is operational and accessible. EDI system availability can determine the continuity, security, and scalability of your EDI operations. It can also influence your reputation, trust, and loyalty with your trading partners. You should monitor your EDI system availability by using tools such as uptime monitors, alerts, and reports. You should also ensure that your EDI system has adequate backup, recovery, and contingency plans. You should strive to maximize your EDI system availability and avoid downtime.

5 EDI system integration

A fifth metric that you should measure is the EDI system integration. This is the degree of connectivity and compatibility between your EDI system and your other internal systems, such as your ERP, CRM, or accounting software. EDI system integration can enhance the automation, accuracy, and visibility of your data exchange. It can also enable you to leverage the full potential of your EDI data for analytics, reporting, and decision making. You should assess your EDI system integration by using criteria such as functionality, flexibility, and scalability. You should also seek to improve your EDI system integration by using methods such as APIs, middleware, or cloud-based solutions.

6 EDI system satisfaction

A sixth metric that you should measure is the EDI system satisfaction. This is the level of satisfaction and feedback that you and your trading partners have with your EDI system. EDI system satisfaction can indicate the quality, usability, and value of your EDI system. It can also help you identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of your EDI system. You should measure your EDI system satisfaction by using methods such as surveys, reviews, ratings, or testimonials. You should also act on your EDI system satisfaction by addressing the issues, celebrating the successes, and implementing the suggestions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?