As the CEO of Eradani, I’ve had countless conversations with trucking and logistics executives across North America. One theme comes up time and time again: the challenge of modernizing EDI processes while preserving investments in legacy IBM i systems. Just last month, I sat down with a CIO who summed it up perfectly: “We love our IBM i for its reliability, its low cost of ownership, and the way our applications support how we do business. However, our EDI processes (which are critical to our business) are old, slow, and difficult to maintain. How do we move forward without starting from scratch?”
It’s a common dilemma, especially for companies that have recently undergone mergers or acquisitions or those embarking on modernization initiatives. The good news? You don’t have to choose between your trusted IBM i platform and cutting-edge EDI capabilities. Let’s explore how you can have the best of both worlds.
The Legacy Dilemma
Many trucking companies find themselves in a tight spot:
- They have significant investments in reliable IBM i systems with highly customized applications that have served them well for years.
- Their EDI processes are central to communications with their customers and partners.
- Their EDI systems are complex and challenging to maintain. They require people with special expertise to keep them running.
- There is a shrinking pool of experts who understand both the legacy systems and EDI intricacies. Many of the current experts are approaching retirement.
- EDI solutions haven’t kept pace with modern business demands
These challenges can be even more daunting for organizations undergoing mergers or modernization efforts as they try to integrate multiple disparate systems.
Wouldn’t it be great if there were a way to bridge this gap without dismantling your existing infrastructure?
Eradani Connect: Bridging the Old and the New
At Eradani, we’ve developed a solution that doesn’t force you to choose between your legacy systems and modern EDI capabilities. Here’s how Eradani Connect brings these worlds together:
- Seamless integration with IBM i: We built our platform with IBM i in mind, ensuring it works harmoniously with your existing IBM i programs and data.
- AI-assisted EDI management: Our intuitive interface and AI guidance make EDI processes accessible to a broader range of personnel, reducing reliance on specialized knowledge. Using a natural language interface, users can update data mappings, add new partners, and create support for new EDI forms.
- Create secure connections: The Eradani AI Assist engine generates the security code necessary to help ensure your communications are safe.
- Flexible deployment: Deploy the EDI solution on-premise or in your private cloud – it’s your choice.
One of our clients, a large trucking company that had recently acquired two smaller firms, managed to unify their disparate EDI systems while keeping their IBM i infrastructure intact. Their CTO told me, “We thought we’d have to rip and replace everything. Instead, we must keep what works and modernize where it counts.”
The Best of Both Worlds in Action
With Eradani Connect, you’re not just patching old and new systems together – you’re creating a powerful, unified EDI environment:
- Preserve your IBM i investment: Keep the reliability and familiarity of your existing systems.
- Accelerate EDI processes: Modify documents and create new types in hours, not weeks.
- Future-proof your operations: Our AI-assisted platform evolves with your business needs.
- Retain institutional knowledge: Our system ensures continuity even as EDI experts retire.
A mid-sized logistics company I worked with recently used our platform to integrate a new last-mile delivery system with their existing IBM i-based warehouse management. The result? They launched a new service offering in record time, all while leveraging their trusted legacy systems.
Charting Your Course to Modern EDI
If you’re feeling torn between your legacy systems and the need for modern EDI capabilities, it’s time to consider a blended approach. Here’s how to get started:
- Audit your current EDI processes: Where are the bottlenecks and pain points?
- Assess your IBM i infrastructure: What aspects work well and deserve preservation?
- Identify modernization priorities: Which EDI capabilities would have the most significant impact on your business?
Once you have a clear picture of your needs, it’s time to explore how Eradani Connect can transform your EDI operations while respecting your existing infrastructure. We’re not just offering a new EDI solution – we’re providing a bridge between your trusted IBM i platform and the agile, AI-assisted EDI capabilities you need to thrive in today’s fast-paced logistics landscape.
Ready to blend the best of both worlds? Let’s talk. We can walk you through how Eradani Connect integrates seamlessly with your IBM i platform, supports your modernization initiatives, and gives you the EDI agility you need – all without disrupting the systems that have served you well for years.
Don’t let the fear of disrupting your legacy systems hold you back from EDI modernization. It’s time to embrace a solution that respects your past investments while propelling your business forward. Reach out to us at Eradani, and let’s ensure your EDI processes are as robust and reliable as your trusted IBM i platform.
Remember, with Eradani Connect, you’re not choosing between old and new—you’re getting the best of both worlds. Keep the stability of your IBM i systems while gaining the flexibility and speed of modern, AI-assisted EDI. No more compromise, no more tough choices—just a seamless blend of legacy reliability and cutting-edge capabilities.
Let’s keep your trucks rolling and your data flowing, powered by the perfect combination of trusted systems and modern EDI technology. After all, in trucking and logistics, adaptability and reliability aren’t mutually exclusive—they’re essential partners for success. With Eradani Connect, you’ll be ready to face any EDI challenge, leveraging the strengths of your legacy systems and modern technology. Drop us a note today to learn more, we’d love to hear from you!
