why portalink
We’re the most trusted IT folks in NY
Vertical Intelligence focuses on creating solutions to real data challenges whereas Artificial Intelligence is task driven and comes at a later stage.
Smart technology
- Large, diverse data sets
- Structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data
- Different data sources
Best methodology
- Best methodology for each use case
- Real-time integration
- Data validation
- Complex processes and workflows
- Audit trail
- Governance
Human intelligence
- Portalink helps CSR’s fix errors (e.g. pricing) and learns from their actions. Portalink’s mapping is AI-Assisted.
- Our human mapping experts achieve the best outcomes for every trading partner.
- Cognitivity
- Education
- Training
- Agile thinking
- Emotional (EI)
- Ethical practices
Independent technologists prove Portalink is No. 1
In early 2020, a global Fortune 500 company committed to finding the best PDF-to-EDI system. Extensive research had established a shortlist of nine software providers that were considered best-of-breed for document digitization.
A team of Technologists in Boston MA were tasked with setting up and testing each platform to determine which system delivered the best Zero-Touch outcomes. Converting PDF Purchase Orders into digital EDI files is complex, requiring accuracy and precision. Hundreds of actual PDF orders were processed through each system to test critical benchmarks. Despite being the smallest company selected for the test, Portalink outperformed all other systems and has since been successfully implemented globally by the Fortune 500 Company.
The testing also proved that systems that only use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for data capture, and systems that are dependent on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for mapping, cannot be trusted for Zero-Touch.
Portalink outperformed all other systems in the critical benchmarks tested
Best data
accuracy
Best data
context
Easiest to
set up
Best user
interface
Best technical
support
Most scalable
system
Risk Mitigation Check List
Captures granular data with 100% accuracy
System must be trusted to accurately capture header and line-level data. Systems that rely on OCR make too many mistakes and cannot achieve Zero-Touch.
Multi-dimensional processing
System must be able to automate any document or file from any sender. Systems that are one-dimensional, such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA), are task specific and cannot adapt to complex variables.
Mapping service provided
System must be able to scale rapidly without putting your business at risk. Systems that provide mapping-as-a-service remove the burden of mapping internally. The mapping service must be quick without compromising quality. It must be able to map any template and document type, and use multiple methods for each document type to ensure EDI accuracy for every sales order.
Low cost mapping service
External mapping service must be provided at a low one-off cost per trading partner to enable you to automate all transactions, from the biggest to the smallest. Systems that charge high annual fees per trading partner do not scale, leaving potentially thousands of trading partners that will still need to be manually entered.
AI-Assisted, not AI dependent
Systems that rely on Artificial Intelligence (AI) are prone to mistakes. AI still cannot be trusted to map templates or capture data with 100% accuracy. One mistake in a hundred, or even a thousand is unacceptable. Most AI engines use OCR which further exaggerates risk of error. And when AI hallucinates, Machine Learning (ML) learns badly in a false positive loop.
Flexible and adaptable
System must complement your bespoke business rules and workflows with flexible customization options. Systems that are not built for the specific purpose of transaction type they are processing (e.g. orders versus invoices) will require you to make too many compromises.
Fully integrated
The system must be able to integrate seamlessly with your ERP, and any other required databases such as CRM and/or WMS where necessary. Provider should be able to adapt in/out files to accommodate your preferred integration methods, whether that be API and/or SFTP, and your established file formats, such as EDI.
Validate all data
You cannot control the quality or accuracy of the data from your trading partners. Systems that have limited or no data validation capability will transfer errors into your business environment which are often difficult to detect. This puts your business at risk and results in double/triple handling in your ERP, which slows order-to-shipment cycles. If the system cannot process a high percentage of transactions with Inbox-to-Pickslip accuracy, it is not True-Touchless.
User-friendly and intuitive
ERP’s are cumbersome. An order automation system must have laser focus to simplify order management for the Customer Service Team. Incorporating familiar terminology, fields and business rules that align with the ERP further reduces risk. The system should be quick to learn (days, not months) and quick to earn the trust of all users.
Security
Whilst not at the top of this list, it must be at the top of your list. Systems that offer Single-Sign-On (SSO) and single tenant mitigate risk. Multi-tenant systems may be suitable for small-to-medium businesses, not enterprise companies. Of course there are many other security checks that the system must pass, too many to mention here.
Support
Yes, quick and diligent support during your working hours is super important. And careful project management during the implementation and hypercare phase is critical to set the stage for success. But great support goes much further. Quick mapping that does not waste your CSRs time. 24/7 monitoring with quick fix response when a customer template changes and a mapping adjustment is required (even better when this is provided at no additional cost). And a genuine commitment to help you optimize your Zero-Touch outcomes, not just at deployment, or during hypercare, but for the life of the license.
Happy customers
Unfortunately, software projects are littered with over-promised and under-delivered horror stories. Before committing to a system, ask to speak to the provider’s other customers. Their experience can be far more meaningful than what you hear from a sales team who want to sell you a product. And any excuses or resistance to make an introduction is usually a red flag. The team at Portalink will happily introduce you to any of our customers.
See if Portalink is the right solution for your business
We understand the importance of making sure our order automation solution will fulfil your business needs before you commit. We will help you fast track the process.
1
Discovery
Let us get to know you and gain an understanding of your challenges. We will demonstrate Portalink™AnyOrder, consider your wish list and provide a cost estimate.
2
Proof-of-Concept (POC)
There is nothing better than a POC to help your team evaluate the pros and cons. Let your team experience Portalink™AnyOrder in a safe parallel working environment. Allow us to show you how quickly we can automate 100 of your most difficult customer’s orders.
3
Business Case
A decision of this size requires buy-in. If the POC convinces you and your CS team that Portalink™AnyOrder is the right solution that can help drive your business to the next level, we will help you build a business case, including ROI estimates and implementation guidelines, to present to your Executive Team.
4
Proceed
If/When you get to this point, you will probably want Portalink™AnyOrder yesterday. We will provide a highly experienced project team who will do most of the heavy lifting. Our step-by-step process ensures that your Portalink™AnyOrder solution is implemented quickly, tested thoroughly and ready to transform your Sales Order processing within 8-12 weeks.