St. Louis, Missouri, USA - Data Research Associates, Inc. (DRA) (Nasdaq: DRAI) announced today that it has teamed up with Ingram Library Services to make EDI Purchase Order and Invoice capability using the X12 format available to DRA customers. X12 is a current EDI standard supported by BASIC (Book and Serials Industry Communications), the book industry organization responsible for the development of EDI standards. The DRA-Ingram partnership gives libraries using the DRA Classic system the immediate ability to process X12 purchase orders and X12 invoices. Libraries using the DRA Taos system will achieve this capability with Ingram when the Taos Acquisitions module is released.
The DRA-Ingram collaboration streamlines the acquisitions process for library customers ordering materials from Ingram. Electronic invoicing reduces the amount of staff time needed to process invoices by eliminating the need for manual keying of invoice lines and manual linking errors. Also by using a unique control number in both the X12 purchase order line item and the associated X12 invoice line item, the DRA-Ingram collaboration allows DRA libraries to automatically perform an error-proof match during the automated upload process.
DRA President and CEO Mike Mellinger said, "The new EDI functionality between DRA and Ingram represents an efficient acquisition solution. It can improve inventory management as well as allow libraries to increase productivity."
Jim Kelly, President of Ingram Library Services, stated, "Partnerships between library automation vendors and library materials suppliers are critical in serving our mutual customers. Ingram Library Services is dedicated to nurturing our strong partnership with DRA, and this implementation of X12 PO and Invoice gives DRA/Ingram customers the added advantage of the flexibility and transactions that the EDI formats offer. We are committed to continuing our work with DRA to further utilize the EDI standards to provide superior service to libraries."
Data Research Associates, Inc., headquartered in St. Louis, is a leading systems integrator for libraries and other information providers, offering its own proprietary information services software, third-party software and hardware, Internet, World Wide Web and other networking services; and other related support services.
