These are some of our most frequently asked questions:

• What is the purpose of the UIG?
• What function does the UIG serve?
• Who are the members of UIG?
• Should my company join the UIG?
• Where do I go from here?

What is the purpose of the UIG?

The effectiveness of an industry's Electronic Commerce (EC) and/or Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) program depends on how well the available standards address the Industry's specific needs. For the Utility industry those needs are made known to the various standards-setting bodies by the active involvement of the Utility Industry Group, Inc.

What function does the UIG serve?

The function of the Utility Industry Group is to represent Utility industry participants, their suppliers, their customers, and other interested parties as an Industry Action Group for their EC/EDI business needs, specifically to ASC X12, governmental bodies, and other appropriate organizations involved in the standards-setting process. A main focus of the group is the development of electronic transactions to address the business needs of UIG members.

The UIG also encourages, promotes and establishes conventions for the use of ASC X12 standards as the "recommended" method of EDI. The group is involved in the development and coordination of implementation standards, guidelines, and tools used to promote the growth and timely implementation of EC/EDI within the industry.

The UIG provides a forum for the exchange of ideas related to EC/EDI, such as bar coding and electronic funds transfer. The UIG addresses these and many other topics that are important to the business needs of the industry.

Who are the members of UIG?

Utility Industry Group full membership is open to companies involved in the Utility industry and to any company that exchanges business information within the industry, including customers and other suppliers of material goods, software, and other services. Liaison membership is open to other organizations that share the interest of the UIG in encouraging and promoting electronic commerce and electronic data interchange.

Yes, if your company is a regulated Utility, such as an electric, gas, refuse, sewer or water utility; if your company is a Competitive Market Participant in the Utility industry; if your company supplies goods or services to this industry; or if your company is a customer of this industry, you should join the UIG.

EDI is helping utilities, their customers and suppliers to:

1. Achieve more timely delivery of business transactions that can reduce lead time and the overall stock replenishment cycle.
2. Reduce lead times and improve the stock replenishment cycle through timely delivery of business transactions.
3. Reduce material costs associated with printing, mailing, and handling of paper-based transactions.
4. Improve cash flow due to reduced inventory and more timely invoicing and payment.

Where do I go from here?

Here is how to Get Started:

• Download your copy of the UIG Implementation Guideline.
• Contact the Membership Coordinator of the UIG.
• Distribute this information within your company. It should be of interest to:
  
  • Purchasing
  • Accounts Payable
  • Treasury
  • Customer Billing
  • Traffic
  • Legal
  • Information Systems
  • Others.....
    

• Attend a UIG meeting.
• Get educated in Electronic Data Interchange.
• Begin planning your own EDI program with the help of experienced UIG members.