What is EDI?
EDI, which stands for electronic data interchange, is the intercompany communication of business documents in a standard format. The simple definition of EDI is a standard electronic format that replaces paper-based documents such as purchase orders or invoices. By automating paper-based transactions, organizations can save time and eliminate costly errors caused by manual processing.
In EDI transactions, information moves directly from a computer application in one organization to a computer application in another. EDI standards define the location and order of information in a document format. With this automated capability, data can be shared rapidly instead of over the hours, days or weeks required when using paper documents or other methods.
Today, industries use EDI integration to share a range of document types — from purchase orders to invoices to requests for quotations to loan applications and more. In most instances, these organizations are trading partners that exchange goods and services frequently as part of their supply chains and business-to-business (B2B) networks. For more information watch our video.
How do we Implement EDI?
For some enterprises, EDI can be difficult to implement. One reason is the need to keep pace with shifting government regulations, standards and updates. It is also inherently complex, as it needs to accommodate the complexities of global business needs. For example, each trading partner in a B2B network can present individual requirements. Even though two partners may agree on which EDI document to use, each can have unique formatting requirements that need to be supported. These factors, and others, have led many organizations to outsource their EDI solutions.
Whether in-house or outsourced, there are some basic conditions, capabilities and resources needed to implement EDI effectively. In addition to factors such as agreement on document types, secure transmission methods, and requisite hardware and software, an effective EDI implementation should consider:
Translation or mapping software
This type of transformation software takes fields such as names, addresses, currency amounts, part numbers and quantities, and maps them from business application formats into standardized documents and vice versa.
Batch enveloping or de-enveloping capabilities
These capabilities support large EDI message batches by enabling senders and receivers to wrap and unwrap transactions. The transactions can then be grouped from or split into several divisions or areas of a trading associate’s business.
Message routing mechanisms
After a message is de-enveloped, routing mechanisms are required to sort the messages for different groups and deliver them to the appropriate targets. Message transformation may also be required to get the message into the correct format for its destination.
Trading partner agreements (TPA)
TPA clarifies terms and conditions, establishes standards for business documents and defines communications and business protocols between trading partners.
The Future of EDI
Consider this scenario: a chargeback related to a damaged shipment is triggered using an EDI 214 document — a Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message. The material in the shipment is unusable or unsaleable. Disputes will most likely arise based on the chargeback.
In future supply chains, EDI will be the core document exchange capability to support innovations such as the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI)³. Future EDI will use:
- IoT sensors incorporated into a shipment’s packaging and tied to periodic EDI 214 messages to improve package condition visibility in near real time.
- Blockchain technology underpinning EDI information flows for shipments to offer a shared version of the truth that can quickly resolve and even avoid chargeback disputes.
- An AI agent that monitors all relevant events and information connected to a shipment and can identify a non-compliant event. AI agents can also determine if a reshipment is required, analyze the most efficient source of replacement, initiate a new shipment and accept an authorized return.
Related solutions
Digital supply chain network
Streamline supply chain execution through seamless and secured any-to-any frictionless connectivity, built to scale with embedded AI to detect anomalies before disruptions occur.
- Explore IBM Sterling Supply Chain Business Network
B2B integration gateway
Consolidate all your complex B2B and EDI integration and processing on a single, security-rich gateway built on hybrid-cloud technology.
- Explore IBM Sterling B2B Integrator
Onboarding and management of trading partners
Reduce the time and resources required to onboard new partners while managing and maintaining existing partners.
- Explore IBM Sterling Partner Engagement Manager
Any-to-any data transformation
Automate complex transformation and validation of data between different structured and unstructured formats and industry standards at enterprise scale without coding.
- Explore IBM Sterling Transformation Extender
Automation of manual transactions
Digitize and automate supply chain transactions with non-EDI suppliers and customers to reduce errors and save time by converting paper, fax and phone-based transactions into EDI format.
- Explore IBM Sterling Transaction Manager
Receive EDI from all trading partners
Transform non-structured documents such as faxes, emails and PDFs into an efficient EDI format with conversion services.
- Explore IBM Sterling Document Conversion Services
