Microsoft BizTalk (2002, 2004, 2006, & 2006 R2), Covast, and EDI
To whom do you turn when you need expert help implementing EDI using Biztalk 2002, 2004, or 2006 Base EDI, or BizTalk 2006 R2 native EDI? Finding a provider that has expertise in the BizTalk application is simple, finding one that also has expertise in EDI is difficult. If you are reading this, then you have located the one provider that has been providing EDI using BizTalk or BizTalk-based applications since BizTalk became available. No one else has the same depth of knowledge in building EDI infrastructures with BizTalk.
Hottest News!
We now have a map converter that does the bulk of the work converting maps from Covast schemas or base EDI schemas to BizTalk 2006 R2 schemas! No map converter can do a complete conversion of maps that contain scripting (such as C# or XSLT) and there are some areas where we don't want to assume what was mean in the original map, but we have reduced the time required to migrate maps by as much as 90%. See this document for more:
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We also have an X12 Schema Generator Service for BizTalk 2006 Base EDI. Call or email us if you need X12 schemas that do not come with the Base EDI. Note this is not for R2, which has a full set of schemas built-in to the product.
Converting from Gentran or Application Integrator to BizTalk? We have converted many maps from Gentran and Application Integrator. In doing so we have developed a number of tools that facilitate that process. Need help here? Give us a call.
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The basis for a project involving BizTalk and EDI is understanding the business processes that drive EDI. Our technical staff averages over 15 years each in the EDI industry. We not only understand EDI standards such as ASC12, EDIFACT, HIPPA, and so forth, but we also understand warehousing, supply chain management, purchasing, and those business processes for which EDI is critical. Our experience with BizTalk extends from BizTalk 2002 through BizTalk 2006 R2.
Our primary expertise lies in implementing BizTalk as an EDI engine. This includes the Base EDI Adapter, which may be used in lieu of the Covast EDI Accelerator in BizTalk versions prior to BizTalk 2006 R2, and the new native EDI adapter that is a part of BizTalk 2006 R2. Our experience with BizTalk includes installation, implementation, integration with applications, mapping, orchestrations, configuration, and so forth.
We were selected as the primary services provider for training, implementation, and integration of the Covast EDI Accelerator for BizTalk because we were the only provider who worked with the Accelerator from the beginning. Second Star was the first Covast partner, working with their products and providing services on their behalf before they became Covast. No one other than the Covast team knows the product better than we do.
Mapping EDI transactions with the BizTalk Mapper
Because the structure of EDI transactions often reflects the underlying business processes, mapping involves more than just connecting lines. That is true regardless of the mapping engine used. The main difference between the BizTalk mapping engine and other EDI engines is simple -- traditional BizTalk mappers more often than not have no knowledge of EDI or of the business processes represented in EDI. Whereas they can produce excellent application flat file to/from application XML maps they struggle when the XML maps are EDI. We have seen maps with 60 functoids in one segment where no functoids were necessary, because the mapper mapped to the X12 segment definition without understanding how the segment was actually used.
Our experts at Second Star have experience with many mapping tools, including Mercator and GXS Application Integrator, thus we have a unique perspective on mapping with the BizTalk mapper. Since EDI mapping with BizTalk is one of our primary focuses, we have discovered methods of optimizing BizTalk of which others are not aware. If you are looking to work with EDI maps in BizTalk, then look to Second Star. If you have good mapping specs and production data to use in testing maps, we guarantee our maps to work or we fix them for free.
SSPS NEWS
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February 2008 -- Avid Medical Finding themselves in a bind after poor performance by a previous contractor, Avid Medical called on SSPS to help them get critical EDI systems working -- immediately switching from BizTalk 2006/Covast EDI Accelerator for 2006 to BizTalk 2006 R2 |
January 2008 -- Spear Systems Second Star returned to Spear to migrate them from their earlier BizTalk/Covast model to the new BizTalk 2006 R2. Spear was a return customer as SSPS handled the implementation of the existing system. |