Client Software - Manufacturer Software

Central Distribution Server

At the core of the 20-20 EDI system is the distribution server. This is a powerful application built upon the Windows 2000 Server technology.

The server spools orders into an SQL database. Next, a Windows NT Service application scans the spool database for new orders, then the server takes every possible measure to send the pending orders to the manufacturer. Various methods can be used to carry orders to the manufacturer's system. It can be done by Email, FTP, to an HTTP listener, or using our preferred solution, using IBM's Lotus Notes. The Notes solution is our standard offering, because of its robustness and the level of isolation and security it brings to your system. A Notes database at the manufacturer's location replicates with our server and then detaches the orders inside your network.

Our client software generates a PO in the XML format, which is fast becoming the world standard for data exchange. Before the order is sent to the manufacturer’s system, we can transform the XML order into any format required by the manufacturer’s system, including ANSI X.12. Since the final release is generated on the distribution server, the file format can be easily modified for all the dealers at once.

Every transaction is logged and archived for future reference, for a period of a year or so. The 20-20 EDI client talks with this server using an XML-based protocol, therefore our server is ready for Biztalk – the rapid growing B2B standard – and any other type of connection such as Unix server drives and traditional accounting software.