Step 1: Develop the Organizational Structure
EDI is a significant investment and developing the correct organizational structure from the outset will pay dividends as the program evolves.
Key elements of the structure includes:
- The EDI Coordinator: An IT professional with in-depth experience in delivering EDI. The Coordinator may come from in-house or be hired externally, depending on the EDI experience the organization already has
- The Steering Committee: Headed by the EDI Coordinator, the committee typically consists of department heads of affected business units, the head of IT and legal representatives
- Senior Management Sponsor: As with any major IT program, there needs to be senior management commitment if the EDI implementation is to be a success
- Dedicated EDI Team: The EDI team will be responsible for the actual implementation of the system.
The EDI Coordinator, as an important part of his/her function, must stay in communication with all sectors of the company that will be affected by the EDI program to ensure their support and buy-in. This on-going communication is vital for educating all organizations as to how the EDI program will benefit them and how it will impact their processes.
