Implementing Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) at the Defense Fuel Supply Center

Abstract

This thesis examines the implementation of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) at the Defense Fuel Supply Center (DFSC). The general history and concept of EDI is discussed along with a background on DFSC. The results of surveys of DFSC's employees and DFSC's contractors are analyzed to provide insight on the barriers and impediments of implementing EDI at DFSC. The major conclusion drawn is that DFSC can successfully implement EDI in its operations with its contractors. It was determined that the following key factors are crucial to the successful implementation of EDI in this environment: (1) selection of the proper personnel to run the program; (2) proper training of all DFSC personnel that will interface with EDI; (3) the need to advertise DFSC's EDI program to its potential trading partners: (4) ability to recognize the EDI standards that have been adopted by the petroleum industry and to comply with them; and (5) ability to recognize when and where EDI best fits in to the organization's business process, and to only implement EDI in these areas. These efforts would allow DFSC to successfully integrate EDI technology into their operations in the most efficient manner.