What is EDI and why do businesses need it? Electronic data interchange is the transfer of electrical business documents, in today’s blog post we will discuss why implementing EDI is so important and beneficial.

The first step to implementing EDI is to become compliant, Using XEDI makes becoming 100% EDI compliant very simple.  Simply choose your trading partner and optional integration.
When a connection has been made you are ready to begin sending EDI documents.

Methods of integration

There are many types of methods that EDI can be integrated and different providers will utilise more than one method at a time.

Here are a few examples however for more information on the different systems and integrations click here.

WEB PORTAL – XEDI is often the best choice for small startup companies and medium-sized businesses, this system is often done over forms to transfer information between companies.

AS2 EDI – AS2 is a direct connection to an EDI, it provides safety and security by encrypting the transferred data.

VAN EDI – VANs (Value Added Networks) use private networks to transfer the EDI between businesses. This system utilised a “mailbox” system that lets business owners send and receive the EDI.

PTP EDI – PTP (point to point) EDI use a single connection to send EDI between partners. They connect individually to each other and speak directly instead of relying on a relay to keep EDI flowing.