EDI (electronic data exchange) is the process of exchanging business information from one company to another and the supply chain is teeming with it 24/7 worldwide. 

While 50,000-pound trucks traverse our highways sending goods from A to B, there’s an entire technical backend to these heavy-duty deliveries. Transporting inventory requires a lot of sensitive business information to be shared digitally. That’s why we have entire teams dedicated to the management of it and rely on certain types of people to be trusted with it. 

While completing her computer science degree at Concordia, Maria joined Fuel and quickly proved herself to be one of our most valued EDI analysts. “When a company sends us loads, we ensure they’re being translated properly into our system. If any issues arise, we can fix it on the backend.”

EDI is a dynamic part of logistics because an issue of any kind can arise at any moment. “It might take a day if it’s a quick fix, or a few minutes even, or it could take longer if we have to go back and forth with the client.”

Maria needs to work with clients and third parties and navigate the technical system all while the clock is ticking. “Sometimes you’re expected to work really fast on a project within the week, and you have to go back and forth with external parties, and you can’t control when they reply. But I wouldn’t say it’s stressful.”

As is the case in many logistics roles, it helps to have a calm head, and Maria is not easily rattled. If anything she thrives under pressure. “I do better when there’s a deadline. Something ignites me when I really have to get it done.”

The role of EDI analyst does more for Maria than keep her on her toes. She’s here for the growth. “I like that it’s always evolving. Every day you might come across issues, which is not necessarily a bad thing. You have to learn something new to be able to solve the problem. You gain new knowledge, so the next time you’re better.”

Maria’s penchant for self-betterment shows up in her personal life too. The gym in particular. “I usually go to the gym a few times a week. I love it. When you’re disciplined in one aspect of your life it translates over to other aspects of your life.”

Maria embodies everything we love to see from one of our team members – disciplined, hungry to learn, and cool under pressure. There’s just one thing she has yet to learn and we’re rooting for her to take the plunge. “I can’t swim. I wanted to take swimming lessons but didn’t end up doing it. I definitely want to.”

If Maria can dive into the world of logistics and come up swimming, she can handle the actual ocean. Maybe we just need to give her a deadline.