Simpler EDI operations with reduced vendor layers and double handling.
Smooth transition tailored to ERP upgrade, with specialist guidance throughout.
Easy engagement with expert support from SMEs, account manager and support team.
“MessageXchange simplified our technology landscape and reduced the operational complexity, which is expected to improve our operational efficiency. They had the right knowledge, people and support processes. They can understand and resolve both our and our partner’s issues.”
“The engagement and implementation were easy from the beginning. We received strong support from multiple MessageXchange teams, and access to the account manager and subject matter experts, which was comforting.”
Kunal Shetty, Senior Domain Architect, Toyota Australia
Background
Toyota Australia uses EDI to send invoices to a clearing house when a dealer in its franchise network sells a vehicle. When Toyota embarked on a major ERP transformation, it had an opportunity to review its wider technology ecosystem and modernise the integrations into its new SAP environment.
Toyota needed a new provider that could upgrade its EDI capability and offer the right people, processes and support throughout the transition.
Solution
Toyota was looking for a provider who had experience in this domain and who was local. Toyota also wanted a long-term partner who it could onboard future suppliers to.
“We were looking more at the people and processes, rather than the technology. And we wanted someone who was based locally. The fact that MessageXchange is in Melbourne is even more ideal.”
Kunal Shetty, Senior Domain Architect, Toyota Australia
Toyota searched for a provider who had dealt with this use case before and who could provide the required functionality.
“We were well supported from the beginning with the help of MessageXchange’s Account Manager. The proposed approach aligned well with our requirements.”
Once MessageXchange was shortlisted, Toyota went through a due diligence process and spoke with existing MessageXchange customers about their experience.
Toyota then shared its EDI requirements with MessageXchange and agreed on commercials. It also chose to undertake a feasibility study to ensure the solution was fit for purpose.
“The process was very straightforward because we already understood our current landscape. We sent our requirements to MessageXchange so they could assess the feasibility before we commissioned them as a partner.”
A dedicated MessageXchange EDI Gateway was implemented to connect Toyota’s SAP environment with trading partners and support EDI invoice exchange. “The fact that MessageXchange supported iDoc as standard functionality was a plus,” Kunal said.
The commercial agreement and implementation approach were also tailored to Toyota’s ERP upgrade timeline.
“MessageXchange accommodated our schedule well, allowing us to set up SAP first and activate the EDI Gateway once the broader program went live. We had a specialist guiding us throughout the build and testing period, which was very smooth.”
Results
Straightforward transition
Toyota experienced a smooth and well-managed transition process, from the first engagements through to launch.
The early feasibility assessment confirmed that the required solution was achievable before Toyota committed to the implementation.
“Right from the initial enquiry stage, through to requirements, quoting, proof of concept, Gateway setup, installation and testing, the onboarding process was simple and really good.”
Kunal Shetty, Senior Domain Architect, Toyota Australia
MessageXchange also accommodated the timing of Toyota’s wider ERP transformation, allowing the EDI Gateway to be prepared, tested and ready before the SAP rollout was completed.
Simpler EDI operations
“MessageXchange simplified our EDI landscape. They had the knowledge and the people to do it. How it’s operating now is just what we were looking for. The new EDI model reduced handoffs between participating organisations, and simplified operational and support processes.”
Toyota’s clearing house also uses MessageXchange. With this arrangement, Toyota reduced the number of vendors and technology layers involved. This created a simpler path for solution design, communication, escalation and issue resolution between the two organisations.
“MessageXchange is now the one point of contact who can understand and resolve problems between us and our partner. We can also avoid double handling and improve operational efficiency, which makes the arrangement more economical.”
Reliable expertise and fast support
Toyota’s decision to switch to MessageXchange was not based solely on EDI technology. The key consideration was how well the provider understood the requirements, offered fast access to the right specialists and worked effectively with the different organisations involved.
“We were looking more at people and process than the technology. We need people with specialist knowledge who understand the operations and complex structures between our organisations.”
Toyota valued the fast support provided by MessageXchange’s different teams throughout the planning and implementation stages.
“We were looking for an easy engagement process and access to the account manager and SMEs (subject matter experts). We received that support well from the beginning through MessageXchange’s support team, integration specialists, architects and account manager, which was comforting. They responded fairly fast when we emailed.”
EDI expertise is not always easy to build internally, so access to the right people gave Toyota confidence.
“With the SMEs’ EDI expertise, the project was delivered in line with the agreed objectives and timeline.”
Future-ready EDI foundation
Toyota also considered how its EDI environment could support future requirements. MessageXchange’s EDI Gateway establishes a foundation that can support additional partners and structured EDI exchanges.
“We were looking to the future. The implemented solution on MessageXchange’s EDI Gateway provides a platform capable of supporting future EDI onboarding requirements.”
Advice for businesses
For businesses who are considering switching EDI providers, Toyota recommends looking beyond the technology and comparing the complete support model offered by each provider.
While EDI providers may appear similar in terms of core functionality and cost, Toyota believes the greatest differences are in:
- ease of engagement and implementation
- access to knowledgeable specialists
- monitoring and incident management
- ongoing operational support
- understanding of organisations involved.
“It’s important to consider the ease of engagement, implementation and deployment, as well as the ongoing support. These will give you assurance that your EDI is in good hands and a strong support model that can help minimise operational disruptions.”
Kunal Shetty, Senior Domain Architect, Toyota Australia
Looking to improve your EDI?
Whether you are reviewing a legacy EDI setup or seeking better EDI support, the transition can be easy and straightforward with the right people and support model.
MessageXchange is an Australian EDI provider with over 30 years of local expertise. We offer expert support in your time zone for businesses of all sizes. Speak to our experts today and see how you can manage EDI more easily.
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