EDI Major Advantages Include: Speeding the Flow of Information, Better Control of Inventory, Elimination of Errors and the Streamlining of Operating Procedures.

• Improvement in service by speeding the flow of information.

• Control of inventory using timely,critical information.

• Elimination of errors by reduction of manual handling of information.

• Streamlining of operating procedures and the reduction of associated costs.

Bethlehem EDI is fully integrated with our marketing control system. This allows orders to be fully processed...from entry through shipment to invoicing and payment. Data once entered is never reentered. Output information is internally processed, without manual intervention. Complete accuracy and timeliness are assured.

An example of a partnership program to cut costs in the areas of material receipts and payment systems comes from major automotive companies.

Information is processed as follows:

A shipment is made by Bethlehem and an electronic shipping notice transaction is transmitted on a real time basis, sent to the customer's computer system and stored awaiting the shipment.

On arrival at the customer's plant, the shipment is recorded into inventory via a verification transaction by comparing actual material receipts using bar coded tag data to the EDI shipping notice data within their own system.

The computer verifies the data and authorizes payment via a banking transaction with remittance advice being sent electronically.

The net result is a cost savings in time and manpower with the elimination of potential human errors which might have occurred at several points. Similar efficiencies are possible using a variety of other transactions.

A Program for Partnership

Integration of Bethlehem EDI into your operations is the ideal way to begin electronic commerce. While a standard format provides the foundation “rules” for trading, the key element in a successful partnership is the electronic program which is shared. Bethlehem EDI provides a level of participation that goes beyond the expected. Once established, the wide range of transactions enables you to expand to other vendors who are utilizing the X12 format. Our expertise and assistance make the difference.

Your operation may not be ready for, nor require at present, a full EDI integrated package. Our partners can implement a full or partial package to suit their needs. We are capable of processing the full range of EDI transactions. Bethlehem's staff will match available resources and requirements with you. In addition, high priority transactions for other specific needs are continually being developed as the total program expands. Bethlehem EDI never becomes outmoded...only updated!