Key Barriers to EDI Implementation |
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The slide shows the most common barriers to implementing EDI systems within organizations. Most barriers are internal, not external.
Knowledge and Understanding: The most common barrier is lack managerial knowledge of EDI and its benefits.
Trading Partner Willingness: Trading partners are often unwilling to implement an EDI system because the investments can be large and it can take a long time before the partners begin realizing benefits.
Business Process Change: People will have to change the way they work, both internally and with trading partners, when an EDI system goes online. People naturally resist change. Also costs associated with training and support cause further resistance to implementing the EDI system.
Technical Obstacles: This is commonly a problem with level 1 companies that are just beginning to implement an EDI system.
Investment and Priorities: Because the benefits of EDI are realized only after a relatively long period of time, upper management is often initially unwilling to fund development of a system. Another problem is setting and measuring inappropriate goals. Legacy systems sometimes cause problems – it's difficult to justify investments in new systems when the legacy system seems to be working fine. A lot of the EDI design and implementing process involves integration with existing legacy systems.
Organizational Dynamics: A company-wide EDI system requires smooth
communication between departments. In companies where departmental communication
is a problem – for example, adequate communication systems are not in place
– it can become difficult to implement an EDI system.