03/03/2008 : 'Software-as-a-Service' EDI hub : Babelway’s innovative product grabs the attention of distribution businesses.
It’s onwards and upwards for Babelway following the launch of Babelway 1.0 – the first web platform for automated data exchanges or EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) offered as ‘Software-as-a-Service.’ The simplicity of Babelway’s solution is already notching up a fan base amongst distributors. Projects are already up-and-running for the automated exchange of orders, delivery notes and invoices for Carrefour, Makro and Delfood (Louis Delhaize and Delitraiteur shops). All this in addition to eBay, one of the first to assign an automated exchange project to Babelway in 2007.
According to GS1, the organisation that regulates standards of data exchanges in distribution (e.g. bar codes), only 20% of businesses active in the sector have fully or partly automated their data exchanges - a mere 1000 businesses in Belgium. Clearly, most companies are still mainly relying on paper, fax and emails. When you take into account that the cost of handling a document in this manner ranges from 5 to 10 Euros, then the economic benefit of upgrading information flow processes becomes glaringly apparent.
Babelway’s mission is to make the integration of automated processes a piece of cake for any business. This simplification stems from Babelway’s ‘key-in-hand’ web accessible solution. The system requires absolutely no changes to the client’s existing software and permits automated data flow with any trading partner whatever the latter’s technical requirements may be. Truly revolutionary! An innovative tool with relevance that Babelway’s initial consumers are quick to grasp.
In the next few months Babelway aims to fine tune its web platform further for optimum user-friendliness and completeness.
