This study of the relatively recent phenomenon of EDI offers cases spanning a wide range of industries. It aims to make readers aware of EDI in practice and further its diffusion into, and acceptance by, the entire European business community.

EDI in Europe How It Works in Practice During the last decade, the use of information technology to support the exchange of information has been constantly growing. One of the most important areas of growth has been the application of technology to the exchange of structured information between companies - generally referred to as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). While adoption of EDI is widespread in the US, usage in Europe is reported as scant. This book addresses itself to the European situation and the potential for EDI in Europe. EDI in Europe begins by introducing the basic elements of the concept, and its benefits. It goes on to analyse 14 case studies drawing out the lessons to be learned - all of which gives the reader the opportunity to evaluate their own situation and choose the most suitable approach.

Partial table of contents:
Electronic Data Interchange--Concepts and Issues (R. O'Callaghan &
J. Turner).
EDI in Procurement and Flexibility Strategies --The Case of Alcatel Bell Telephone in Belgium (R. O'Callaghan).
A Standardized Success?
The Case of Leroy-Merlin in France (T. Jelassi &
C. Loebbecke).
EDI and Activity Based Management for Business--The Case of Whirlpool in Italy (P. Pasini &
J. Chaloux).
DANZLINK and Beyond--The Case of Danzas in Switzerland (O. Schalch &
J. Griese).
The EDI-Invoice Project--The Case of Ciba-Geigy in Switzerland (R. Boller &
J. Griese).
EDI in the Food Industry--The Case of Barilla in Italy (C. Ciborra).
EDI in Regional Healthcare--The Case of RHCNET in The Netherlands (P. Ribbers).
References.
Index.