FAQs

VIRADIX is pleased to provide definitions of important terms associated with e-commerce , RFID and supply chain. We have also compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) we encounter about e-commerce, RFID, and the supply chain and have compiled our answers here.

What is electronic business?
Electronic business (e-business or e-biz) represents the Internet based marketing channel that has emerged, first slowly, then explosively, since the mid 1990’s.  more

What is electronic commerce?
Electronic commerce (e-commerce) is a business to business (B2B) initiative aimed at communicating business transaction documents on a real time or near real time basis between known trading partners, such as suppliers, customers and increasingly, between a suppliers’ supplier or a customers’ customer. Use of electronic representations of business transaction documents can reduce processing and handling; thereby, reducing processing costs, data entry errors and cycle times.   more

What is EDI?
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is commonly defined as computer-to-computer electronic exchange of business documents in a standard format.   more

What is RFID?
Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) is a way of storing information on a small tag that communicates via radio frequency with a reader and/or antenna.  more

What is Sunrise 2005?
Sunrise 2005 is an initiative that was launched in 1997 by the Uniform Code Council (UCC), which mandates that U.S. and Canadian companies be capable of scanning and processing up to 13-digit bar codes by January 1, 2005. more

What is XML?
eXtensible Markup Language (XML) is a high-power Web language developed for conducting electronic business.   more

What is B2B e-commerce?
Business-to-business (B2B) electronic commerce (e-commerce) is companies buying from and selling to each other electronically, but it has evolved to included supply chain management. This is done as more companies outsource their supply chain to their trading partners.

What is B2C e-commerce?
Business-to-consumer (B2C) electronic commerce is consumers purchasing your goods or services online. This has grown to including tracking their order and shipping information.

What is the difference between B2B and B2C e-commerce?
B2C only requires offering a product or service online for consumers to purchase. B2B usually requires negotiation over price, delivery and product specifications and that the information is transmitted into the other’s system without human interaction.

What is the difference between RFID and Bar Code?
A bar code needs to be visually read with a line of sight where as RFID tag transimits the information without any need for line of sight. more

What is collaborative B2B e-commerce?
It is integrating your supply chain with your e-commerce for your trading partners to share real-time data. This includes your sales forecast, inventory, and shipping information.

What exactly does e-commerce software do?
The data that you receive from your vendors or customers usually come in a different format then your system needs to be able to load the data into its system. The software makes mapping the data easier and cost effective to use then writing software to do the same thing.

I thought my ERP system was e-commerce ready? What does that mean and do I still need e-commerce software?
Most ERP systems are e-commerce ready, but it needs some sort of e-commerce software. The ERP system is set up to export and import data for use with e-commerce, but it does not have the capability to translate the data and communicate with your trading partners. The e-commerce will transform the data that comes out of your ERP system into what the customer needs. The question then becomes what e-commerce software do you need for your ERP system and your customer needs now and in the future. This is a where Viradix can come in to assist you in you e-commerce software selection and implementation.

Must the e-commerce software be compatible with my specific ERP system?
No, it does not have to be, but it helps. There will still be work that needs to be done to get the two to communicate with each other and to have the transactions come in and out of the ERP system.

OK, I've got the ERP system and the e-commerce software, what are my next steps?
You’ll need to have them communicate with each other. Start with a smaller trading partner when implementing for the first time before going with your larger ones.

Should I upgrade my current e-commerce software or should I go with different e-commerce software?
Will the upgrade in the software meet the needs of your business currently and in the future? Why put all the time and money in upgrading if the upgraded version will not meet your needs? That is were Viradix can come in to assist your current and future needs to see if the current upgrade will meet them.