DECS Connectivity Option

Suppliers will need to decide how they wish to connect to DECS whilst taking into consideration the organisation's e-business strategy as well as the type and volume of trade conducted with the MOD. A number of options are available, designed to provide accessibility to different types of supplier relative to size, budget and IT capabilities.  Details of these can be compared below.

Connectivity Option   Features   Factors for suppliers to consider   Typical Time to Implement





Exostar		 Internet- based connection to the leading commercial aerospace and defence trading exchangeEnables e-business with the MOD and other Exostar subscribers via the same channel Suppliers are included in the Exostar Trading Partner directory Ability to handle large transaction volumes (MachineLink service) or low/medium volumes (SCP service) Ease of set-up (SCP) - just a web browser required. Extent to which you trade with Exostar Buyer Members as well as the MODAspirations for B2B trade - which may include e-sourcing and buying - with other organisations in the aerospace and defence business Requirement to integrate with back-office systems (MachineLink) Single user interface and integration mechanism for all orders from MOD and other Exostar buyers




2 - 4 weeks

 

Please see Exostar website. System Requirements.  

Please Note:  Apple Macs with Safari and Firefox are not currently supported.




EDI		   Exchange of structured messages via a Value Added Network (VAN)Proven technology Capable of handling large volumes of transactions Reliable, resilient and secure Potential to integrate with back-office systems   Transaction volumes on MOD contractsIs EDI part of your existing and/or future strategy? In-house or third party expertise required for message translation and processing Set-up and ongoing costs for VAN and other software  
Typically 4 - 20 weeks depending on the specific solution adopted



XML/HTTPS		 Exchange of structured messages via an HTTPS linkUse of OAGIS ver 9.00 XML messages Proven technology Capable of handling a large volume of transactions Potential to integrate with back-office systems Exchange of structured messages via an HTTPS linkUse of OAGIS ver 9.00 XML messages Proven technology Capable of handling a large volume of transactions Potential to integrate with back-office systems

Typically 8 - 20 weeks

 

 Connectivity Costs  Suppliers will have to decide the way in which they wish to connect to DECS, various options are available and the investment will range from a few hundred pounds to several thousands, depending on the solution that is chosen. An indication of the costs associated with each connectivity option can be seen below:


  EDI   Exostar Supplier Membership   XML/HTTPS

Setup Charges		 Depends entirely on internal costs to develop "in house", or to employ a third party supplier. None Initial certificate costs (see below) plus internal costs to develop "in house", or to employ a third party supplier.



Recurring Charges		   As above   Transaction based charge ranging from Zero to $2,750 per annum per account.
0 - 24 Free
25 - 100 $449
101 - 1,200 $895
1,201 - 4,200  $1,750
Over 4,200 - $2,750		   You will require a Trustis Server and Client Certificate. The cost of the Production certificates are:1 year TLS certificate £275 2 year TLS certificate £470 3 year TLS certificate £615


Notes		   Specialist companies exist that will provide EDI development services, if you do not wish to develop "in house"   Prices are per Exostar account, not per user.MachineLink, if required, is additional cost and can vary depending on particular implementation   Guidance on how to apply for the certificates will be provided by the Trading Partner Take-On Team once you have registered for P2P.

 

 Security Moving from a paper based to an electronic purchasing process means that systems have had to be developed to meet the strict security requirements of the MOD. Please note that Capgemini will work with you to establish your INITIAL connection to DECS as part of our contractual arrangements with the MOD.  If , after you have been made “DECS Ready”, you subsequently decide to change your connectivity method, or make changes to your internal systems that impact the messages passing to/from DECS, assistance or testing to re-affirm connectivity will not be covered by any existing commercial arrangement so may result in additional charges to you Useful links