Businesses managing large global suppy chains are using EDI documents to enable frictionless business across their entire operation.
Businesses that buy and sell from each other need to process purchase orders and sales invoices. EDI, or Electronic Data Interchange, is a software solution that enables the essential data underlying these documents to be shared in an efficient and automated way.
Compared with paper or digital image-based systems, EDI documents can reduce manual processing costs by up to 80% while improving security, regulatory compliance and auditing time.
Online EDI in minutes
Have you been mandated for EDI? With eDI Instant it’s as simple as 1,2,3 – with no hidden fees and instant online access
Online EDI in minutes
Have you been mandated for EDI? With eDI Instant it’s as simple as 1,2,3 – with no hidden fees and instant online access
EDI plays a key role in many commercial sectors to facilitate document exchange across trading networks and supply chains.
It helps companies avoid the onerous tasks of raising orders and invoices manually, sending documents by post or email and inputting related information into management systems – all activities that have an attendant risk of human error.
As well as orders and invoices, the EDI documents in any given trading relationship can include Advance Shipment Notices (ASNs), quotes, despatch and returns instructions, tax summaries, debit and credit notes, remittance advice and many other kinds of documentation and master data.
Principles of an EDI document
There are internationally recognised requirements for the format and make-up of EDI documents, including the order of information and where specific data is held.
EDI documents include ‘elements’ such as the item number or numbers, the cost and the buyer’s location. Groups of elements are known as ‘segments’, so the full details of the buyer’s address for example, is classified as a segment. The completed EDI document is also referred to as a ‘transaction set’.
Four principles that govern the use of letters and symbols used:
- ‘Syntax’ helps determine the characters to be used and the order in which they appear
- ‘Codes’ aid to interpret common details such as date formats, currencies and the names of countries
- ‘Message designs’ refer to the structure of a message type, such as an invoice or order, and the syntax rules it is following
- ‘Identification values’ set out how different values in an EDI document are identified, such as where in the order of information they come
The use of different EDI standards in EDI documents
While EDI standards are widely used, particularly within certain industries and supply chains, no single standard is universal.
As a result, unless all your trading partners have exactly the same ‘view of the world’ when it comes to EDI document exchange, there is commonly a need to translate data across multiple formats.
This highly technical task is increasingly the provenance of an outsourced specialist.
Four principles that govern the use of letters and symbols used:
- ‘Syntax’ helps determine the characters to be used and the order in which they appear
- ‘Codes’ aid to interpret common details such as date formats, currencies and the names of countries
- ‘Message designs’ refer to the structure of a message type, such as an invoice or order, and the syntax rules it is following
- ‘Identification values’ set out how different values in an EDI document are identified, such as where in the order of information they come
The use of different EDI standards in EDI documents
While EDI standards are widely used, particularly within certain industries and supply chains, no single standard is universal.
As a result, unless all your trading partners have exactly the same ‘view of the world’ when it comes to EDI document exchange, there is commonly a need to translate data across multiple formats.
This highly technical task is increasingly the provenance of an outsourced specialist.
Transalis eDI™
At digital supply chain technology provider Transalis, we offer a cloud-based, fully managed and cost-effective solution, Transalis eDI™, that handles all conceivable EDI documents.
Visibility, transparency and efficiency are our watchwords. We aim to keep things simple for you. We do all the ‘heavy lifting’ on your behalf, so you don’t have to.
Our dedicated team map your existing systems with your data sharing requirements, enabling the smooth and frictionless flow of data and giving you complete visibility across your entire trading network.
Key elements of our approach include price transparency, frictionless migration to maintain BAU, fast implementation, operator training and reliable, ongoing post-sale support.
Reassurance
You have the reassurance that we are one of just 12 solutions providers across Europe, and one of only four in the UK, to have passed a rigorous new EU electronic invoicing standard, and have proudly taken our place in a related consortium called EURINV19.
Under EURINV19 protocols, companies can signal to other traders that they can process EDI documents to a recognised common standard.
We are also one of the few UK tech firms to have been certified as an AS4 Peppol provider, reflecting our compliance with the highest level of international public procurement standards.
Both EURINV19 and AS4 Peppol support the goal of enabling safe and secure trade through greater supply chain interoperability.
To discuss your requirements for setting up and managing your EDI documents 0845 123 3746 (calling from UK) or +44 1978 369 343 (for international callers), or via email sales@transalis.com
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The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Transalis and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Union.
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