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Supply chain data sync.
Getting the data on ODN may not be so hard as validating that data with other participants. This is the first stage where data is evaluated and verified across several participants in supply chain. This stage proved to be one of critical stages of the entire process since it is first time where participants need to synchronize results of their previous efforts. This is the stage where this kind of problems need to be resolved so next stage can be executed. There are common issues that occur in this phase that we are going to discuss:
If two DC have different ERP systems or different SP, they can structure the data differently than other entity. This can happen by different interpretation of FRD document or data discrepancy between ERP data structure of different ERP vendors.
Each DC sends data from their ERP to ODN. Two DC who are making transaction should provide same data to ODN. In early stages of development this usually is not the case. For example, two DC can provide their own product ID code, that will be different on ODN, even though it is the same product. Those DC need to establish the same codes for the same products so ODN can validate them. This brings another new level of issues that we call "master data synchronization". Currently, ODN doesn't have mechanism or tools to resolve this problem. Participants in the supply chain need to establish common master database that will enable them to exchange data.
Like master data, transfer data can have similar issues. There are common problems of quantities discrepancies or number of records provided for the same transaction. This issues are usually resolved by better communication between DC and SP. They can make procedural solutions by adjusting business process which don't involve additional development or they will do upgrades to ERP customization.
DC will upload data on ODN per their own setup. Some business processes need to be updated on more frequent intervals. For example producer can upload data on the end of the day, and distributor should sync in the morning. If data about orders is exchanged than data needs to be sent to ODN and maybe immediately received on the other end (downloaded by other DC). This procedures need some calibration to work as they are supposed to.