Paul - I have been in the same boat...no mapping experience but no tool to use either. I eventually landed a support job that allowed me to teach myself mapping on the side and there are training courses and such that different companies provide. I know Sterling Commerce has mapping courses available so if you have the money, they have the info. Their products seem to be popular right now (along with GXS's suite of products - including BizManager) so I suggest concentrating on those applications first and then branch out if you want to.
You can try to google EDI training, free mapping tools, etc. but I'm not sure if any of that will exist or help you out much. You really need a tool to play with so you can test your map. That is where the learning starts. I taught myself mapping using Gentran:NT/856 transaction type (user-friendly interface; challenging document). I figured that would cover all of the advanced rules and looping issues that come up in nearly every map you will design in the future. So, get access to a tool and start going through the tutorials. The GIS/SI suite (Sterling Commerce) is more technical and you don't have to actually set up envelopes/partners/routing/etc. to test a map. I personally believe that's part of the mapping process so having to go through all of that as well will allow you to see the entire process from start to finish. However, the SI mapper interface is just as user friendly as Gentran:NT so if that's all you want then go for it. I've been in your shoes so I know how frustrating it is to find mapping training outside of a work environment. Good luck! -Ashlie PS. Consider landing a support role and working your way into mapping if you want to do that...that will give you free tools to teach yourself while also receiving a paycheck. :) That's what I did!!!! ----- Original Message ----- From: Ken Etter To: pkam74 ; [email protected] Sent: Friday, February 04, 2011 6:47 AM Subject: Re: [EDI-L] How to get EDI Mapping / Technical Experience As other responses have indicated, there are a number of EDI Translator products out there, from: Gentran Integration Suite (GIS) TrustedLink Series (400, Windows, Enterprise) Bizmanager/Bizlink Application Integrator (AI - hope I got that name correct) Gentran Server Biztalk Websphere A number of mainframe apps (Benchmark) You're gonna have to be more specific. And actually I'm not aware of anyone who really has their own copy of the larger packages, or even the smaller ones for that matter. Most of the members here have real-time OJT experience. I personally have experience Another area I saw missing in your list below was system administration... Ken [email protected] ________________________________ From: pkam74 <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Thu, February 3, 2011 10:28:14 PM Subject: [EDI-L] How to get EDI Mapping / Technical Experience I am looking for suggestions in gaining mapping experience in EDI. I've managed EDI projects but always had programmers do the mapping/programming. Most EDI positions these days want someone with hands-on mapping experience. I have 3 years experience managing EDI projects as the lead business contact. I can read, analyze, and troubleshoot EDI transactions and have knowledge of all aspects of EDI Implementations (requirements, comm setup, testing, troubleshooting, etc). How can I get hands on mapping experience to complete my skill set? Below are examples of how I've been involved in EDI Implementations: - updating/maintaining company EDI implementation guides - gathering customer requirements - ensuring the business and internal core systems can meet the EDI needs internally - setting up test plans/scenarios to be followed - write up of logical mapping from core applications to EDI and vice versa - contact with VAN's to setup communication links: exchanging TP ID/Qualifier, interconnects, etc - entering test data into our internal core apps for end to end testing in test env - managing production cut-over - troubleshooting business/technical issues once live Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks Paul [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ ... Please use the following Message Identifiers as your subject prefix: <SALES>, <JOBS>, <LIST>, <TECH>, <MISC>, <EVENT>, <OFF-TOPIC> Job postings are welcome, but for job postings or requests for work: <JOBS> IS REQUIRED in the subject line as a prefix.Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EDI-L/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EDI-L/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
