Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the benefit of using a Value Added Network (VAN) vs. handling messaging within our company?
- How are Agilink services different from those of a traditional VAN?
- How do I send messages electronically?
- Do I still need a VAN if I have translation software?
- Does Agilink offer after hours support?
- Do I have to be in the transportation industry to use Agilink?
- Does it matter what size company I have?
- Does it matter how many trading partners I have?
- How is Agilink priced?
- What is "in-network transformation" and why is it important to my business?
- How secure are the Agilink services?
- Is there a disaster recovery site?
- My company does not need message transformation for every trading partner. Will I be paying for services that I do not need?
- Will we receive training on Agilink Messaging when it's implemented?
- What relevant experience does Transentric have?
What is the benefit of using a Value Added Network (VAN) vs. handling messaging within our company?
Most companies with whom you exchange electronic messages with today have different legacy operational systems. These range from "off-the-shelf" software to very complicated internally developed systems. The differences in these systems can create formatting and communication barriers to exchanging electronic messages. One of the purposes of a messaging service provider is to eliminate these barriers by providing connectivity and message transformation. Additionally the purpose of the VAN is to provide access or connectivity to the trading partners with which you wish to exchange data. The VAN you choose should also manage these trading partner communities to relieve you of that task. Finally, the capabilities of the VAN you choose should allow you to avoid the cost of personnel, software and hardware to manage and facilitate electronic message exchange.
How are Agilink services different from those of a traditional VAN?
Our solutions add value to a message, rather than just transferring bytes from place to place. In message processing, Agilink translates the message, eliminates any duplicates, applies customer business rules, validates data, and creates audit trails. With over 10,000 active trading partners, we also offer a very large trading community that allows us to eliminate many issues with establishing and maintaining a trading partner community for your business.
How do I send messages electronically?
At Transentric, all you need to do is tell us what trading partners you need to connect with and what type of format in which you need to send and receive messages. After that, we do the work for you. If mapping or in-network transformation is required, we provide that service so that you don’t need to acquire and maintain additional software. We also maintain the connectivity and establish any new connectivity you require for your trading partner community.
Do I still need a VAN if I have translation software?
Depending on the needs of your company, in most cases a VAN is needed to provide the connectivity to your trading partners, while the software is simply a means for message transformation. Other traditional VANs provide connectivity for trading communities and require you to purchase translation software from another vendor. If you choose Transentric as your VAN, no additional software is required for message translation. Transentric performs this for you on an ongoing basis with no extra recurring charge for translation.
Does Agilink offer after hours support?
Yes, you are supported by a network that moves millions of transactions daily and monitors them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our staff operates with a system of standards and alerts to make sure that your trading community is always connected. If there are service issues, we will work proactively with you, your trading partners, or the responsible communication carriers to obtain prompt resolution. In addition, our support desk is available to field any issues or concerns you may have.
Do I have to be in the transportation industry to use Agilink?
No. Agilink can provide solutions for companies in any industry. In fact, the majority of our trading partners are outside of the Transportation industry.
Does it matter what size company I have?
No, Agilink provides solutions for any size company. Large companies have many connectivity options and we can provide mapping and translating capabilities. We also provide solutions for small to mid-sized companies.
Does it matter how many trading partners I have?
No, the number of trading partners is not a factor in the solutions Agilink provides. We have customers of all sizes that have both small and large trading communities.
How is Agilink priced?
We offer flexible pricing and are willing to do a comparative analysis for your company at no cost. We offer both flat pricing and tier based pricing models.
What is "in-network transformation" and why is it important to my business?
In-network transformation means that Agilink performs the message translations within our own systems. You send us the message in whatever format is easiest for you, and then we "transform" the message into the appropriate format for your trading partner (e.g., X12, EDIFACT, XML, and proprietory flat files) By allowing us to do this, you don’t have to worry about investing in any software, servers, maintenance fees, and staff to develop the message transformations and run the equipment. All you have to do is tell us the participants in your trading community. We do the rest! In-network transformation saves you time, money, and the headache of maintaining your own solutions.
How secure are the Agilink services?
Agilink's legacy systems are completely secure and allows you to send and receive messages anywhere, depending on the receiver’s requirements, even if another system isn’t as secure.
Is there a disaster recovery site?
Yes, we have two live functional data centers in St. Louis as well as two disaster recovery sites independent of each other that provide immediate back-up services. Our systems ensure your ability to continue doing business, in the case of uncontrollable events.
My company does not need message transformation for every trading partner. Will I be paying for services that I do not need?
No, there is no additional charge for messages being transformed. For our customers that do not need any type of transformation, we offer that service as well at very competitive pricing. Transentric offers a suite of Agilink solutions with different features, in order to meet our customer’s diverse needs. For example, Agilink Relay offers a unique solution for companies who need connectivity to their trading partners, but don’t need the full Agilink Service that includes message transformation. See our Products page for more information about our suite of solutions.
Will we receive training on Agilink Messaging when it's implemented?
No. There is no training needed. Setting up your trading partner network is simple and easy. The Transentric team works with you to define the messages you want to exchange with each trading partner. We then work to map the messages so Agilink can speak to each trading partner in their format. For common message types, connectivity can be achieved in a matter of days. For more complex or unique applications, Transentric will develop a project plan and handle the work for you.
What relevant experience does Transentric have?
Transentric has a proven track record with 20 years of success in transportation EDI, operating systems and shipment tracking. We also benefit from a stable financial backing and a profitable history. Transentric prides itself on its solid reputation and its experienced staff. Transentric has extensive domain knowledge in transportation operations and the connectivity needs of carriers, shippers and third parties in the transportation arena. In addition to transportation, shipping and purchasing transactions, we are able to handle any other type of transaction you would like to communicate electronically. Our staff has a deep understanding of business rules and messaging priorities, allowing us to provide you with excellent service.
