EDI FAQ

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the electronic exchange of business documents, such as Purchase Orders (PO), Invoices, and Advanced Shipping Notices (ASNs), between trading partners… Learn more

EDI messaging is the sending and processing of EDI messages between a sender and a receiver that are transmitted electronically. Learn more

EDIFACT stands for Electronic data interchange for administration, Commerce and Transport (UN/EDIFACT). It is an international EDI standard developed and maintained… Learn more

An EDI INVOIC message is an electronic invoice file that is based on the EDIFACT standard. Learn more

AS4 is a communication protocol that has been designed specifically to facilitate the exchange of business data over the internet… Learn more

An ASN (Advanced Shipping Notice) is a message that provides specific information to a customer about a pending delivery of items from a supplier. Learn more

Peppol is an electronic network based on a four-corner model where organisations and government/public sector bodies can connect to all of their partners to exchange electronic business documents… Learn more

Implementing EDI offers several benefits, including increased efficiency, reduced errors associated with manual data entry, faster transaction processing, improved accuracy, and enhanced collaboration with trading partners. It also helps streamline supply chain processes and reduces costs in the long run.

EDI works by standardizing document formats and using a set of predefined data elements. Trading partners agree on an EDI standard (e.g., EDIFACT, ANSI X12, Tradacoms) and use EDI software to translate their internal data into the agreed-upon format for exchange. This standardised format ensures seamless communication between systems.

The most widely used EDI standards are EDIFACT (International EDI standard), Tradacoms (United Kingdom EDI standard) and ANSI X12 (North American EDI standard). Each standard has its own industry-specific subsets to accommodate various business sectors.

No, businesses of all sizes can benefit from EDI. While larger enterprises often adopt EDI to handle high transaction volumes, smaller businesses can leverage EDI to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and improve relationships with trading partners.

Security is a paramount concern in EDI. Encryption, secure communication protocols (such as AS2/AS4 or SFTP), and authentication measures are implemented to safeguard data during transmission. Additionally, EDI systems often comply with industry-specific regulations to ensure data privacy and integrity.

Challenges may include the initial cost of implementation, the need for system integration, the requirement for partner collaboration, and staying up-to-date with evolving EDI standards. However, the long-term benefits typically outweigh these challenges.

Yes, EDI systems are designed to integrate with various enterprise resource planning (ERP), accounting, and other business systems. Integration ensures a seamless flow of data between internal systems and the EDI platform.

EDI improves supply chain efficiency by automating order processing, inventory management, and logistics. Real-time data exchange facilitates better visibility into the supply chain, reduces lead times, minimizes stockouts, and enhances overall supply chain responsiveness.

To get started with EDI, assess your business needs, choose an EDI standard that aligns with your industry, select an EDI solution provider, and collaborate with your trading partners to establish connections. Training and support from your chosen provider are crucial for a smooth implementation.

3PL stands for “Third Party Logistics” and serves as a solution enabling your company to outsource its operational logistics… Learn more