Dofasco will work with our Customers to make the electronic business cycle a reality. In this Chapter we outlined EC procedures, along with the current and revised information flows. We have also listed Dofasco experts, ready and willing to work with you to make EC the way we do business together.
EC Procedures
There are a few Dofasco procedures that we'd like to explain to you in the form of some commonly asked questions and answers. We've also included a checklist to help you get started in implementing EC. The EDI transaction sets, their data segments lists and the data element values are provided in Chapter 3.Overview
In this document, we discuss the:- ANSI ASC X12 version to be used
- Dofasco's VAN/Direct Link
- Mailbox transmission
- ANX
ANSI ASC X12 Version
Dofasco supports current EDI standards (see Chapter 3 for details). However, as the ANSI publishes revised transactions, Dofasco will use upgraded versions as the business requires. Installed EDI transactions will be left "as is" unless there is a business reason to change.VAN
Dofasco is using GEIS for all VAN - based electronic commerce communications.ANX
Dofasco is using the ANX for a major part of its EDI exchanges and currently only supports FTP file transfers. The ANX is preferred over a VAN connection to minimise costs.Electronic Exchange Requirement
Dofasco will be exchanging electronic transactions on an event-driven basis as much as possible. We expect each Customer will exchange transactions on a similar basis.
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Commonly Asked Questions
What are Dofasco's EDI Standards?
Over the years, a variety of standards have been developed, which have been primarily industry or computer specific. However, today the ANSI ASC X12 Standard is recognized as the most widely accepted EDI standard in North America. For further clarification, ANSI is the acronym for the American National Standards Institute. ASC is the acronym for the American Standards Committee, ASC X12 serves as the name of the committee that works on the standards, as well as the name of the standard. Most industries and/or companies are now adopting Implementation Guidelines, in order to specifically state how the standard will be deployed within their community of trading partners. Chapter 3 of this guide is based on AIAG guidelines which are Dofasco's preference. AIAG is the acronym for Automotive Industry Action Group who publishes EDI guidelines for the automotive industry.What are the costs?
Your costs will depend on a number of factors. Start up costs include hardware and software costs. If you have a computer and modem, you are part way there. You'll also need translation software, communications software and a mailbox on a VAN (Value-Added Network) or subscribe to the ANX service. Typical start up costs can vary, depending on the platform you using and your existing environment. Ongoing costs include the maintenance of the standards, transmission costs to send your electronic transactions over the network and monthly mailbox fees.Why do we use commercial networks?
In the electronic world, networks become your electronic courier, ensuring your electronic messages reach their destination on time. Commercial networks insulate Trading Partners from the specific technology configurations at each company, and typically support "one-to-many" communications links. Dofasco prefers to avoid proprietary or private solutions. Dofasco uses GEIS as our VAN and the ANX Private internet service. The choice of VAN or direct link technology will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. You do not need to use the same commercial network as Dofasco because most commercial networks interconnect. You need to consider your Electronic Commerce requirements, and the costs and services, when you decide on the commercial network you will use. If you are unsure about commercial network selection, please refer to Section 2-3 for technical assistance.How do we know documents have been received?
EDI transaction set 997, the Functional Acknowledgement, is designed for that purpose. E-Mail read receipts can be used to confirm receipt of E-Mail documents.What benefits can I expect when I implement EC?
Because you no longer need to reenter the information that you receive from your trading partner, you immediately eliminate keying errors. You are also able to handle an increased volume of transactions while decreasing your overhead and workload. Other shared benefits are:* timely delivery of information
* improved information for planning
* elimination of paper
* manpower savings
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Implementation Checklist
This handy checklist will keep you on track when managing your EDI start up activities. Customize the list to suit your environment.Obtain commitment from key management
Arrange for EC Education
Establish a plan
Designate EC business and technical contacts
Review internal systems and business procedures
Determine and purchase related computer software
Subscribe to the ANX network service or Establish a VAN mailbox with a VAN or a direct link
Establish a VAN mailbox with a VAN or a direct link
Install the EDI translation software and/or E-Mail and FAX gateways
Obtain EC implementation guide from trading partner
Review data contained in documents exchanged
Develop an overall design, i.e. System data flow diagram
Code and test the interface to in-house systems, and update directions
Conduct system test with translation software and network
Conduct complete parallel testing with trading partner. This testing will validate not only the communications link, but more importantly the integrity of the data between the two companies.
Install into production
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Business Procedures Current/Revised
Current Procedure
Receiving Orders
Order Releases state the customer's requirements for defined time periods. Currently, these documents are exchanged with Customers through several alternatives, fax, phone, paper mail and EDI.
Revised Procedure
Receiving Orders
Current Procedure
Order Status
Revised Procedure
Order Status
Current Procedure
Shipping Orders
Revised Procedure
Shipping Orders
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EC Support with Dofasco
Dofasco is currently investigating an EC support infrastructure. In the interim, this document lists the Electronic Commerce professionals who you can call for assistance.Primary Electronic
Commerce Business Contact
David M. Lloy
(800) 363-2726
(ext 4449)
(800) 816-6333
(ext 4449)
(905) 548-4449
(905) 548-4252
FAX
dave_lloy@dofasco.ca
Secondary
Electronic Commerce Business Contact
John Paulowich
(800) 363-2726
(ext 4523)
(800) 816-6333
(ext 4523)
(905) 548-4252
FAX
john_paulowich@dofasco.ca
EDI Technical
Contact
Janice Naraine
(800) 363-2726
(ext 6760)
(800) 816-6333
(ext 6760)
(905) 548-4292
FAX
janice_naraine@dofasco.ca
EDI Technical
Contact
Helen Gentili
(800) 363-2726 (ext 2033)
(800) 816-6333
(ext 2033)
(905) 548-4292
FAX
helen_gentili@dofasco.ca
ANX Technical
Contact
Claude Frisina
(800) 363-2726 (ext 4407)
(800) 816-6333
(ext 4407)
(905) 548-4554
FAX
claude_frisina@dofasco.ca
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