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Contents
of Section:
EDI Procedures
Detailed Business
Cycle Current/Revised
Electronic
Commerce
Interim
Support with
Dofasco
EDI Procedures
Summary
| Contents: |
| Overview |
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COMPORD Version |
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ANSI ASC X12 Version |
Detailed Business Cycle Current/Revised Summary
| Contents: | |
| Current Procedure | |
|
Revised Procedure |
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|
Current Procedure |
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|
Revised Procedure |
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|
Current Procedure |
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|
Revised Procedure |
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Electronic Commerce Interim Support with Dofasco Summary
| Contents: | |
| Interim Support Strategy | |
Chapter 2
Dofasco wants to work with our Outside Processors and Storage Facilities to make the electronic business cycle a reality. EDI is a cornerstone of electronic commerce.
In this Chapter we have outlined EDI procedures, along with the current and revised information flows.
We have also listed Dofasco experts, ready and willing to work with you to make EDI and electronic commerce the preferred method of doing business together.
2.1 EDI 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 implementing EDI.The transaction sets, their data segments lists and the data element values are provided in Chapter 3.
In this document, we:
- list commonly asked questions about EDI and provide the answers you need
- provide an implementation checklist
2.1.1 Overview
In this document, we discuss the:- ANSI ASC X12 version to be used
- Dofasco's VAN
- Mailbox transmission requirement
2.1.2 COMPORD Version
COMPORD was the industry standard and can be supported by Dofasco. The preferred standard however, is ANSI ASC X12.
2.1.3 ANSI ASC X12 Version
Effective immediately all new EDI links with Outside Processors and Storage Facilities will use version 3030. However, as the ANSI publishes revised transactions, Dofasco expects to use version 3040. Installed EDI transactions will be left “as is” unless there is a business reason to change.Dofasco 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.
VAN Mailbox Exchange Requirement
Dofasco will be exchanging transactions with our VAN on an event-driven basis. We expect each Outside Processor to use an event-driven approach or check their mail box according to an agreed upon schedule. This may change as business requirements change.
Outside Processor Roles and Responsibilities
We have defined the roles and responsibilities of Outside Processors and Storage Facilities in Section 1-2.
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.
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. Therefore, as a member of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) which represents all steel mills in North America, Dofasco has adopted the Metals Industry Implementation Guidelines for Outside Processing and Storage, as its starting point. Chapter 3 of this guide is a further definition of the AISI guideline and it represents information which is specific to Dofasco.
For further clarification, ANSI is the acronym for the American National Standards Institute. ASC is the acronym for the American Standards Committee and X12 serves as the name of the committee that works on the standards, as well as the name of the standard.
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.
Generally these costs are considered the cost of doing business. Start up costs are funded by the Outside Processor.
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 I know Dofasco received my document?
Transaction set 997, the Functional Acknowledgment, is designed for that purpose. You issue this transaction to let your partner know you received the document that was sent.
What benefits can I expect when I implement EDI?
Because you no longer need to rekey 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
Dofasco will have high quality, comprehensive and fully competitive Electronic Commerce relationships with Outside Processors and Storage Facilities.
Implementation Checklist
Click here to see this handy checklist that
will keep you on track when managing your EDI start up activities.
Customize the list to suit your environment.
2.2 Detailed Business Cycle Current/Revised
You are familiar with our current procedure for shipping and receiving steel. In this document, we explain the current manual procedures and how we are enhancing these procedures to communicate electronically.The detailed layout and content for all transaction sets in the electronic
business cycle are explained in Chapter 3.
2.2.1 Current Procedure
As you know our current procedure is very simple.
When material is ready in a Dofasco shipping location and our internal system is updated, a lineup is created. An OPOR (Outside Processor Order Release) is created to enable shipment of steel and a Commitment list is prepared. This information is faxed to the Outside Processor.
Depending on demand and "crisis" orders, lineups could be prepared several times a day.
Upon receipt of shipment at the Outside Processor, no report is filed, unless material is damaged.
2.2.2 Revised Procedure
The revised procedure will entail manual as well as electronic processes.
The lineup will still be faxed to the Outside Processor, but as material leaves Dofasco, an ASN transaction will be sent to the Outside Processor. Upon receipt of the steel, the Outside Processor will send Dofasco a Material Receipt transaction, acknowledging the shipment.
2.2.3 Current Procedure
The Outside Processor faxes or couriers the Production Reports. These are posted to Dofasco internal systems as received (there can be a gap of 12 - 24 hours). Where there are no inspectors, Dofasco monitors by phone. Production reports are sent by fax, courier or dropped off by inspectors.
2.2.4 Revised Procedure
The Outside Processor will send Production Reporting transactions as material is processed during the day, which will update Dofasco’s internal systems directly. This will enable Dofasco personnel to have access to accurate and timely order status.
Sometimes it is necessary to reassign steel to different orders. In such cases, Dofasco will send the Outside Processor a Reapplication Advice. In some instances, the Outside Processor will automatically reassign steel based on business rules, in which case, the Outside Processor will send Dofasco a Reapplication transaction.
When material is held, the Outside Processor will send a Hold transaction and when the material is released, Dofasco will send the Outside Processor a Release transaction.
2.2.5 Current Procedure
After processing, a Bill of Lading is created. The Customer contacts Dofasco or the Outside Processor to arrange pickup by phone. When the goods are shipped, the Outside Processor notifies Dofasco by phone/fax, and Dofasco sends an ASN transaction to the Customer. For non-ASN customers, the Outside Processor will fax to Dofasco, a “material-shipped-yesterday” list.
2.2.6 Revised Procedure
The Outside Processor will ship steel directly to a Customer. Upon shipment, an ASN transaction will be sent to Dofasco, who will in turn send an ASN transaction to the Customer.
2.3 Electronic Commerce Interim Support with Dofasco
Dofasco is currently investigating a support infrastructure for EDI and other Electronic communications. In the interim, this document lists the names and numbers of personnel who will be able to assist you during your EDI implementation.2.3.1 Support Strategy
Please feel free to call our Business and Technical experts during your implementation.Business Contact
Ken Hayward
(905) 548-7200 (ext 6219)
ken_hayward@dofasco.ca
EDI Technical Contact
Susan Barnfield
(905) 548-7200 (ext 6195)
susan_barnefield@dofasco.ca
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