Why have smaller companies NOT made the commitment to use EDI?
The major reason small companies have not entered the EDI arena in large numbers is that they do not gain all the benefits that EDI can offer unless their trading partners also conduct transactions with EDI. And because smaller companies dont have the leverage to require EDI of their trading partners (unlike the Fortune 500), many simply choose not to conduct business electronically. In addition, until now, the technology has been expensive and sometimes difficult to initiate and maintain. Smaller companies dont always have the technical staff to support EDI installations. • Why would the future of EDI in small businesses be any different? One major factor is the many Electronic Commerce initiatives launched in Washington, DC by the Clinton administration. For instance, beginning in 1993 Congress enacted legislation requiring the US Internal Revenue Service to implement an electronic funds transfer system to be used by businesses of all sizes and replace the paper-based coupon system f
