Getting started with VAN

The information in the section helps you get started with IBM VAN.

About this task

The procedure is split into sections. Make sure that you complete all steps that are spread across all sections.

Procedure

Setting up an IBM VAN account
  1. Account registration
    1. Sign up for IBM VAN services through the IBM B2B Integration VAN portal.
    2. Define your organization details, including business name, contact name, phone, email, industry type, and transaction volume.
  2. VAN configuration
    1. Establish your EDI mailbox, which is your primary inbox for all incoming and outgoing transactions.
    2. Configure network settings, security policies, and communication protocols to align with your business requirements.
    3. Set up authentication credentials, such as user IDs and passwords for secure access.
Define trading partner profiles and document types
  1. IBM VAN supports the following standards.
    • EDI documents, such as Purchase Orders (850), Invoices (810), Advance Ship Notices (856), DELFOR, DELJIT, ORDERS.
    • EDI standards, such as ANSI X12, EDIFACT, TRADACOMS, VDA, RND
    • Non-EDI formats, such as XML, JSON, CSV, TXT, PDFs. This format is applicable for only hybrid B2B integration.
Choose connectivity options
  1. Depending on your capabilities, choose from the following secure connectivity options.
    • Applicability Statement 2 (AS2)
    • Secure File Transfer Protocols (SFTP)
Monitor transactions by using Sterling Document Tracking
  1. View live transaction statuses by using interactive dashboard.
    • Access detailed audit logs
    • Filter and search transactions based on document type or Partner ID
    • Search for erroneous documents
    • Sender and receiver details
  2. View delivery acknowledgments alerts.
    • IBM VAN provides automated functional acknowledgments for X12 or CONTRL (for EDIFACT)
    • Configure automated email alerts
    • Custom notifications for business-critical messages that are based on your communications protocol