Fast integrated: EDI connection parallel to the ERP project

The automated connection of companies via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) brings benefits that are obvious: less time, more efficient processes and digital order processing. On the other hand, there is the question of whether such a solution is worth the money.

This is precisely the question that wimatec MATTES, manufacturer of knives for harvesting machines, asked itself - and ultimately answered.

More than a motto, a fundamental company philosophy is the slogan "Durable. Better!". wimatec MATTES is an OEM manufacturer for the agricultural machinery industry. The company's core technologies are hard coatings and the heat treatment of wear parts. The result: ready-to-install assemblies for agricultural machinery. "To be able to connect partners to our ERP system, we wanted to use an EDI solution," recalls Michael Emhart, responsible for sales and planning at wimatec MATTES.

The contact between wimatec MATTES and Yaveon came about through a joint partner with whom wimatec MATTES introduced the ERP system Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. The Yaveon solution was able to meet all of wimatec MATTES' requirements for the EDI solution.

What can the Yaveon solution do?

The Yaveon solution is fully integrated into Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, formerly NAV, and automates cross-system data exchange. Users use the solution to seamlessly connect suppliers, partners and customers without the need for an external converter.

What does wimatec MATTES use?

• Import delivery call-offs (EDI and VDA standard)
• Consignment orders
• Packing instructions
• Shipping notifications / export shipping notifications (EDI and VDA standard)

Both the ERP and EDI projects started in October 2019 - the planned go-live was January 2020. By the time the connection to the ERP system was possible, it was already November - so things had to move quickly. "There was little time for extensive testing and that's exactly what worried me," recalls Mr. Emhart. He approached his contact person with these concerns and hoped for support. "We took this very seriously from the very first second and responded immediately," reports Wolfgang Riedle, Software Developer at Yaveon. The result: wimatec MATTES was given the knowledge it needed to use the EDI solution in on-site meetings and targeted training sessions.

Thanks to the Yaveon solution - fully integrated into the ERP system Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central - wimatec MATTES no longer has to enter delivery call-offs manually. Whereas sales orders were previously entered manually, the delivery call-off now suggests which goods need to be delivered at which time. The entire process is covered with just a few mouse clicks.

Another benefit is the enormous amount of time saved. This has been particularly noticeable since wimatec MATTES connected several companies directly, as order entry has been made much easier. "The connection of our partners went absolutely smoothly and our customers didn't notice anything about the changeover," says Mr. Emhart happily.

Despite the tight timeframe, the project was implemented on schedule. The go-live took place as planned in January and was not the only highlight: wimatec MATTES moved into new premises at the same time. A new ERP system, automatic connection via EDI, and fresh office space—a good start to the new year on all levels.

Was it worth it?

Back to the question of whether the EDI connection is worthwhile not only in terms of benefits, but also from a financial perspective. “From a purely economic point of view, such a solution naturally costs money, and these costs must first be recouped. But only with the EDI connection were we able to cope with the growth of wimatec MATTES. The solution was necessary and every cent was well invested,” summarizes Michael Emhart.