Learn how to connect your EDI software to your existing systems in this article. Follow these steps to choose, configure, test, train, and improve your EDI connection.

Begin by fostering open communication and building strong relationships with your EDI partners. Understand their business processes and objectives to align EDI requirements effectively. Collaborate on defining mutual expectations regarding EDI standards, formats, and communication protocols, ensuring compatibility and seamless integration of systems. Prioritize flexibility and adaptability in accommodating diverse EDI document types and transaction frequencies based on evolving business needs.

Factors to ponder include features, security measures, scalability, compatibility, and available support for the EDI software. Additionally, assess reviews and ratings provided by other users and industry experts to glean insights into the software's performance and reliability. By meticulously evaluating these aspects, you can make an informed decision and choose an EDI software that best meets your needs.

Last updated on Sep 7, 2024

How do you connect EDI software to your existing systems?

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a method of exchanging business documents in a standardized format between different systems. EDI can help you automate transactions, reduce errors, save costs, and improve efficiency. But how do you connect EDI software to your existing systems? Here are some steps to guide you through the process.

1 Choose an EDI software

The first step is to choose an EDI software that suits your needs and budget. There are different types of EDI software, such as cloud-based, on-premise, or hybrid. You should consider factors such as the features, security, scalability, compatibility, and support of the EDI software. You should also check the reviews and ratings of the EDI software from other users and experts.

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Mikhail Kalyabin

SAP SD/MM Consultant, EDI expert. I'm passionate about creating comprehensive solutions by combining EDI standards, SAP techniques, and middleware opportunities to enhance business efficiency.
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Two key factors define most of my projects: - The type of middleware already present in the customer's landscape - How messages will be converted: by the ERP system, middleware, or EDI provider For example, in the common approach where messages are converted by the EDI provider, we only need middleware for the transport layer. In such cases, an existing tool like SAP PI/XI or a simple file interchange connector provided by the EDI provider can fulfill this requirement.

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jaya Krishna tummala ,MS, CSM

Award Winning Senior Functional Quality Assurance|BSA|SAP QA|Safe 6.0 Agilist|Sigma Xi Full Member|IEEE Senior Member|Fellow IETE|Author
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Factors to ponder include features, security measures, scalability, compatibility, and available support for the EDI software. Additionally, assess reviews and ratings provided by other users and industry experts to glean insights into the software's performance and reliability. By meticulously evaluating these aspects, you can make an informed decision and choose an EDI software that best meets your needs.

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2 Identify your EDI partners

The next step is to identify your EDI partners, such as your suppliers, customers, or logistics providers. You need to know their EDI requirements, such as the standards, formats, protocols, and communication methods they use. You also need to agree on the EDI documents, such as invoices, purchase orders, or shipping notices, that you will exchange with them. You should also establish the frequency, timing, and validation rules of the EDI transactions.

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jaya Krishna tummala ,MS, CSM

Award Winning Senior Functional Quality Assurance|BSA|SAP QA|Safe 6.0 Agilist|Sigma Xi Full Member|IEEE Senior Member|Fellow IETE|Author
Report contribution
Begin by fostering open communication and building strong relationships with your EDI partners. Understand their business processes and objectives to align EDI requirements effectively. Collaborate on defining mutual expectations regarding EDI standards, formats, and communication protocols, ensuring compatibility and seamless integration of systems. Prioritize flexibility and adaptability in accommodating diverse EDI document types and transaction frequencies based on evolving business needs.

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3 Configure your EDI software

The third step is to configure your EDI software according to your EDI partners' requirements and your own business rules. You need to set up the mappings, transformations, validations, and workflows of the EDI documents. You also need to integrate your EDI software with your existing systems, such as your ERP, CRM, or accounting software. You can use APIs, connectors, or middleware to enable data exchange between your EDI software and your existing systems.

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4 Test your EDI connection

The fourth step is to test your EDI connection with your EDI partners and your existing systems. You need to verify that the EDI documents are sent and received correctly, that the data is accurate and consistent, and that the EDI software is functioning properly. You should also monitor the performance, reliability, and security of the EDI connection. You can use tools such as logs, reports, alerts, or dashboards to track and troubleshoot any issues.

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5 Train your staff

The fifth step is to train your staff on how to use the EDI software and how to handle the EDI transactions. You need to educate them on the benefits, features, and functions of the EDI software. You also need to instruct them on the procedures, policies, and best practices of the EDI transactions. You should also provide them with the resources, support, and feedback they need to use the EDI software effectively.

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6 Review and improve your EDI connection

The final step is to review and improve your EDI connection regularly. You need to evaluate the results, benefits, and challenges of the EDI connection. You also need to update your EDI software and your existing systems as needed. You should also communicate with your EDI partners and your staff to get their feedback and suggestions on how to enhance the EDI connection. You can also explore new opportunities, trends, and innovations in the EDI field.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you connect EDI software to your existing systems?

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1 Choose an EDI software

2 Identify your EDI partners

3 Configure your EDI software

4 Test your EDI connection

5 Train your staff

6 Review and improve your EDI connection

7 Here’s what else to consider

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

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