What to expect when you start with BOLD VAN
Whether you're moving from another VAN, moving your EDI to the cloud, setting up EDI for the first time or connecting partners who don't do EDI, getting started follows the same simple path: a conversation, a setup we handle, testing with your partners and then go-live, with US-based EDI experts at every step.
Four steps, and we handle most of them
Start your way
Talk to an EDI expert, or sign up online from our pricing page. Either way, your mailbox is typically ready the same day. Sign up online, and you book your onboarding call right away. On the call, we'll recommend exactly what fits, and nothing more.
We set you up
We set up everything you chose: your connections and trading partners, and whatever fits how you work, such as maps into your ERP or platform, your warehouse and retailer labels, ordering for customers who don't do EDI, or your product catalog.
Testing with your partners
We test with your trading partners and coordinate with them, so their requirements are met before anything goes live.
Go live, with support
Documents start flowing, every one is tracked in the portal, and our team stays with you as you add partners and as their rules change.
Typical timelines
Most companies are further along in days than they expect. Going live with a trading partner also depends on that partner's own testing, so the sooner you start, the better.
| If you're... | Typically |
|---|---|
| Connecting EDI you already map yourselfBOLD Transmission and Connectivity | New connections are live within about a business day. |
| Moving from another VANVAN migration | We typically schedule a VAN switch about two weeks out, and the move happens on the day you choose; on-premise and Gentran moves are scoped individually. You keep your existing IDs, and the switch is invisible to your trading partners: they don't need to do anything differently. |
| Building and maintaining your own maps in the cloudBOLD Cloud Mapping | Your account is set up within about two days. If our team builds your maps, you're testing within about four days. |
| Having us map EDI into your ERP or other systemBOLD Integration | Maps are ready to test in about two days. |
| Connecting a platform such as Amazon or Shopify through its APIAPI integration, part of BOLD Integration | Your connection is ready to test within two days of kickoff. |
| Shipping to retailers from your own warehouseBOLD Fulfillment | An onboarding call comes first, then you're testing in about three days. |
| Connecting customers or vendors who don't do EDIBOLD Exchange | An onboarding call comes first, then you're testing in about five days. |
| Sharing product data with your buyers, or getting it from your suppliersBOLD Catalog Network | Your account is set up within about a business day. |
Not sure which describes you? Help me choose.
What we'll ask you for
Not much. Most of the work is ours, and you can send these as soon as you sign up; we'll give you an easy way to do it.
- Your trading partner list, or the retailers you've just been accepted by.
- Your partners' requirements, usually their vendor manual or EDI guidelines. If you don't have them, we'll help you get them.
- Access to the system you want EDI in, if we're connecting your ERP, WMS or platform.
- A contact on your team who can answer questions during setup and testing.
New to EDI? We'll help right away.
No EDI ID yet? We'll provide one. A retailer sent you an EDI setup form? We'll help you fill it out.
Switching from another VAN?
You keep your existing IDs, and the switch is invisible to your trading partners: they don't need to do anything differently. Our US-based team plans and manages the move, and in the days before it, the portal shows you the status of every trading partner. Running more than one VAN? Bring them all onto one network.
After you go live
No black box
Every document and its status is in the portal, with notifications when something needs your attention.
New partners, one email
Adding a trading partner starts with one email. If we handle your mapping, we build the new maps for you.
Kept current
If we manage your mapping, we update the maps when a partner changes its requirements, so you don't have to track every change yourself.
Pricing is simple: you pay by trading partner. See pricing.
Common questions about getting started
Can I sign up online?
You can sign up online for available EDI plans from our pricing page, or talk to us about the right setup. For BOLD Catalog Network, book a setup call. When you sign up for EDI, your mailbox is typically ready the same day, and you book your onboarding call right after.
How long does it take to get started with BOLD VAN?
It depends on what you're doing. New VAN connections are typically live within about a business day, maps are typically ready to test in about two days, BOLD Fulfillment customers are typically testing in about three days, and BOLD Catalog Network accounts are set up within about a business day. Going live with each trading partner also depends on that partner's testing.
Do I need an EDI person on my team?
No. If you'd like us to handle the mapping, we build and maintain it for you. You only need someone who can answer questions about your business and partners during setup.
I don't have an EDI ID yet. Can you provide one?
Yes. If you're new to EDI, we'll provide your EDI ID and help you fill out your retailer's EDI setup form, so you can get started right away.
Will my trading partners notice the switch?
No. You keep your existing IDs, and the switch is invisible to your trading partners: they don't need to do anything differently. We review every connection with you before the move.
What if I'm not sure what I need?
That's what the onboarding call is for. Tell us what you have and where you need to go, and we'll recommend exactly what fits. You can also start with Help me choose.
Is there a cost to get started?
You pay by trading partner, so your cost depends on how many partners you connect. Talk to us for a quote that fits your setup.
Ready to see what your setup would look like?
Tell a US-based EDI expert what you have today and where you need to go. No pressure and no obligation.
Start with a conversation
We'll show you exactly what fits, how long it typically takes and what we'll handle for you.
Talk to an EDI expert
