Portal for Electronic Data Interchange
Overview
EDI - Short for Electronic Data Interchange is the transfer of data between different companies using networks, such as VANs or the Internet. As more and more companies get connected to the Internet, EDI is becoming increasingly important as an easy mechanism for companies to buy, sell, and trade information.
Our eData Processor provides a standard interface between Purchase Partners and our customer's computer systems in order to transfer electronic documents back and forth. Typically, our eData Processor is used to facilitate EDI transactions between Purchase Partners and our customers, transmitting customer purchase orders and converting them into internal sales orders within Purchase Partners system.
If it is your desire to use EDI with Purchase Partners, the eData Processor is an important part of our solution. Our Software engineers will work with you and your IT staff to create and effective, reliable EDI interface.
Details of Trading Information
To implement EDI, there should be a realized cost savings for all parties that facilitates streamlined supplier-customer transactions. Both parties need to identify a desire to establish an EDI link and also the types of information to be exchanged. Examples of the types of information that can be exchanged are:
- Purchase Orders, Invoices and Shipping Notices
In EDI parlance, each type of information is defined by an ANSI X-12 EDI document or form. Here is a list of some of the commonly used EDI forms:
810 Invoice
820 Payment Remittance Advice
850 Purchase Order
855 Purchase Order Acknowledgment
856 Advance Ship Notice
860 Purchase Order Change
861 Receiving Advice
865 Purchase Order Change Acknowledgment
870 Order Status
Finally, for each form, each customer will have their own specific information content requirements. For example, one customer may require you to always specify a packaging size while others may not care about packaging.
Details of Information Flow
Communication between Purchase Partners and our customers typically works like this:
Example 1 – Customer sends purchase order to Purchase Partners.
1. Customer creates purchase order in their ERP computer system.
2. PO data is transmitted to EDI processor software.
3. EDI processor software passes information to EDI Value Added Network (VAN).
4. Purchase Partners EDI processor software receives the PO data from the EDI VAN.
5. The eData Processor picks up data from the EDI processor and updates Purchase Partners system.
6. Purchase Partners will see the purchase order in their system as a new Sales Order that has been created via EDI.
For more information about the eData add-on, contact us.
