Frequently Asked Questions
The most commonly asked questions about the group, our standards, and what they can do for you.
01
How will EASI help my business?
Every business is looking for the key to getting ahead in our competitive economy. What is the key to getting ahead of the curve? Process standardization is one place to start. With standardized processes critical business transactions are unified, these include inventory statuses, customer orders, shipping confirmations from the distributor to the vendor – resulting in fewer errors, time savings and an increase to the bottom line.
02
What does it cost to join EASI?
A one-time, tax-deductible contribution of $500 per corporation is required for the purpose of joining the organization.
03
How do I join EASI?
Visit the Join EASI page or email support@easistandards.com and provide your contact information, your company’s type of business, and any questions or comments you may have.
04
What does EASI mean?
Embellished Activewear Standards Initiative.
05
What industries participate?
Historically speaking, our organization represents manufacturers of branded apparel and the wholesale distributors of this apparel who service the decoration industry (printers, embroiderers, etc.). Although the majority of our members are either manufacturers or wholesalers, we also welcome technology companies as members if they provide services to promote the standardization of processes and increased efficiency within our operations. If your company is a manufacturer, marketer, supplier, customer or a potential provider of such products or services to anyone within our market’s supply chain, you are encouraged to contact us and inquire into the work of the EASI organization and/or potential membership
06
Who are the members of EASI?
EASI members are wholesalers, manufacturers, distributors and software providers for the embellished activewear industry. A list of the members can be found here. Testimonials from the members can be found here.
07
What is the history of EASI?
In 2001, a dedicated group of wholesalers, manufacturers and distributors, the Embellished Activewear Standards Initiative (EASI) consortium, revolutionized their industry by standardizing the flow of electronic data . These open EDI standards are creating an environment of collaboration, visibility and predictability. More about the history of EASI can be found here.
08
What’s your Mission Statement?
To reduce the cost of doing business between manufacturers and wholesalers in the embellished activewear industry by maintaining standards for electronic transactions. EASI is streamlining the “Exchange” of data between trading partners, by creating standards.
09
How are the standards developed/established?
Any member may suggest new standards or changes to existing standards. These suggestions are reviewed by the Steering Committee and Technical Committee. If the new or proposed changes are accepted by the committees they are presented to the voting members for final approval.
10
Why EASI vs. EDI?
Although there are similarities between EASI and EDI transactions, EASI transactions are specifically tailored by and for the members of the embellished activewear industry.
11
What software do I need?
We suggest you work closely with your EASI partners and make use of their experience with EASI, or contact one of the EASI consultants or vendors listed here.
12
How often do you meet?
The EASI Group meets once a year at a location voted on by the group. The location varies from year to year, usually switching between east and west of the Mississippi. Recent meetings were in Orlando and Las Vegas. The Steering Committee and Technical Committee each meet monthy via conference call. Read more about our Annual Meetings.
13
What's this all about?
Do you have basic questions about the EASI Standards Group and EDI? Take a look at our Introduction to EASI document. Still have questions? We'd be happy to answer any questions you might have. Send us an email: support@easistandards.com
14
What if a voting member is not present for the meeting?
A proxy can be issued via email. Also, the voting period on issues presented at the meeting are extended for a period of one month beyond the actual meeting, allowing for member representatives to consult with others within their company that might not be present that could better clarify the position.
15
852 POS transaction - Correction
When a CO (Corrected) 852 POS file is being sent, does the customer send just the corrected data or all the data in the original file which includes the corrected data?
All data should be included in the resend - including unchanged lines.
16
832 Pantone Requirements
We have a question related to the Pantone requirements on the 832 PDD document. It appears that Textile, Solid, and Hexadecimal code values can be supported on the PDD. We are trying to determine if the standards require all three values to be provided or we chose the best fit for our products? For example; Textile would be the best fit and we could closely match to our products. Please advise how the intent fields for Pantone are to be deployed.
Because the Pantone fields are optional it’s entirely up to the 832 sender to determine what information they’d like to supply, if any. That being said it is normally best, for all parties, if optional fields are populated since providing the information then hands the option to the receiver. It’s then up to the receiver whether they use the information or not. Most optional fields are populated when the sender determines the value in providing and maintaining the data exceeds the costs of not maintaining it. If none of your trading partners are requesting or have use of the data there’s probably no need for you to invest the time/resources in generating it.
If textile values represent the best investment of your time and a return on that time (and the most accurate results) it makes sense to provide the information in that format. Again, a lot depends on the expectations of the receiver/s. If they are not capable of handling textile values, having the functionality to handle only Hexidecimal values, you may find it more valuable to provide them that data instead.