VOTE FOR ALC AS A TOP 10 3PL
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Please vote for the Allen Lund Company as Inbound Logistics' Top 10 3PL for 2013. Thank you!
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Contact Information |
Scott Fletcher, Co-Editor Matt Balsly, Co-Editor
Allen Lund Company
Dallas Office
(800) 730-5863
Iowa
Steve Moss, Mgr.
(800) 709-5863
Kansas City Joe Creedon, Mgr. (800) 458-5863 Los Angeles Ty Tallakson, Asst. Mgr. (800) 777-5863 Louisville Doug Mesecher, Asst. Mgr. Jill Deaton, Trans. Bkr. (800) 825-5863 Memphis Toni Rooney, Mgr. (800) 432-5863 Minneapolis John Wittman, Mgr. (800) 889-5863 St. Louis Dawn Davenport, Mgr. (800) 370-5863 San Antonio Troy Magers, Mgr. (800) 456-5863 ALC LogisticsMike Garrity, Mgr. (800) 444-5322
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I & E Commerce
Electronic Data Interchange ( EDI), widely adopted in the 1980s, is a method for transferring structured data between different computer systems. Historically, only larger companies used EDI with the same protocols for e-commerce purposes, such as sending orders to warehouses or tracking purchase orders. Due to the Internet and the standardization of electronic communication, many small to mid-size companies can compete on a level playing field for e-commerce. As a result, new industries are using it to gain a competitive advantage in many global markets. EDI has standards and document numbers for each transaction. These standards were developed to allow the sender and receiver to transmit documents using agreed upon methodology. There are two primary sets of EDI standards utilized today: - EDIFACT - The UN recommended international standard (used primarily outside of the US)
- ANSI X.12 - US standard for North America
EDI is a stable component for conducting e-commerce today. However, there are certain pros and cons when transmitting EDI documents. PROS - Standardized, efficient method of transferring large quantities of data and information
- Minimizes chance of human error when storing and manipulating data
- Speed of information sharing - maintain better internal controls (i.e. inventory levels)
- Strengthens customer relations
CONS- EDI requires a considerable investment
- A translator must be utilized for consistent EDI interface between companies
- The EDI file format is complex and not easily implemented
- A functional EDI expert is needed to maximize utility
- Lack of interest or glamor and will only work if everyone uses same methodology
EDI is a proven method and has created a strategic advantage for many organizations worldwide. The question is how much do companies want to invest in their own EDI solution? Currently, the perception is that EDI may no longer be an essential business tool in today's global marketplace. People erroneously believe that as non-Internet methods of transmitting data are being replaced by the Internet, so will EDI documents. However, the future of EDI is very clear, as it is continually a growing part of e-commerce.
John Hartmann
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John Hartmann is a National Accounts Manager, ALC Logistics office with 21 years of experience in the transportation industry and formerly with YRC Worldwide and RTS Financial. Hartmann is a graduate of the University of Missouri completing the University of Arkansas Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFaR) program within the Supply Chain Management business school. He has been with the Allen Lund Company for over 2 years.
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About Allen Lund Company: Specializing as a national third-party transportation broker with nationwide offices and 350 employees, the Allen Lund Company works with shippers and carriers across the nation to transport dry, refrigerated, and flatbed freight; additionally, the Allen Lund Company has a logistics and software division, ALC Logistics.
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Newsletter TopicsYou are a Valued MIF reader. If you have an idea for a topic you would like explored in a future edition, please let us know. Your feedback is appreciated! Sincerely, The Moving It Forward Team
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