Top EDI Software
Buyer's Guide
From key analytics to proprietary tech to customer data, running a business means dealing with all types of sensitive information. Making sure that information can be sent to and received from others without issue is critical, and it can be a difficult task.
Fortunately, solutions like EDI software are out there, designed to keep your data safe through all your communications.
Businesses of all industries use Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) tech to make sure the sensitive information they exchange with other parties is only accessed by the right people and isn’t intercepted mid-transfer.
This article is your ultimate guide to EDI — what it is, what it does and how it can help your business. By the end, you should have a solid starting point for your software search. Let’s dive in!
Executive Summary
- EDI software allows businesses to quickly and securely transmit important documents such as purchase orders.
- When looking to implement EDI software, make sure to account for factors such as budget, your partners’ software and your specific business requirements to make the best selection for your needs.
- When discussing software options with EDI companies, make sure to ask about logistics, specific features that you need and any potential barriers to entry that you expect to encounter.
- What Is EDI Software?
- Deployment Methods
- Primary Benefits
- Implementation Goals
- Key Features & Functionality
- Advanced Features & Functionality
- Upcoming Trends
- Software Comparison
- Cost & Pricing Considerations
- The Best EDI Software
- Questions To Ask Yourself
- Questions To Ask Vendors
- Next Steps
- Product Comparisons
- Additional Resources
What Is EDI Software?
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) software is a tool that securely transfers documents between businesses and their associates. It uses automation to convert the files into a generic EDI format and transmit them over secure channels, ensuring they can only be converted and opened by whoever’s intended to receive them.
For this process to work, both the sender and receiver need to have EDI software.
Deployment Methods
While there are several benefits of using EDI software on-premise, the use of cloud-based software deployment has increased in recent years. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of both options.
Cloud-based Deployment
Using the cloud for your EDI software is an attractive option — offloading a system to a software vendor can save time and money, giving you a dedicated third-party support staff and lowering the cost of entry significantly. However, some businesses may not like the recurring-payment model cloud software requires, and giving software control over to a third party means you have less direct control over your data security.
Advantages
- Lower cost of entry with subscription-based payments.
- No need for in-house hardware or IT support.
- Automatic updates and maintenance from the vendor.
- Faster onboarding with third-party training and integration.
- Dedicated third-party IT support.
Disadvantages
- Requires a stable internet connection.
- Not as customizable as on-premise software.
- Vendors handle data security, meaning you aren’t in direct control of your files.
On-premise Deployment
While the cloud’s benefits are undeniable, on-premise EDI platforms still have their strengths:
Advantages
- On-premise support from your own staff.
- No risk of outages from platform failures.
- No need for monthly payments.
- Scaling on your company’s terms.
Disadvantages
- Requires you to train your own support staff.
- Partners need to already be familiar with EDI to send and receive documents.
Expert recommendations and analysis on the top EDI Software
Primary Benefits
Incorporating EDI software into your business improves data security and transfer speed, reduces the potential for human error, gives you more functionality for managing your data and helps you better manage your inventory. Let’s take a look at each of these benefits in a little more detail.
Secure File Transfer
EDI software uses a couple of different network options to transmit files between parties without any fear of leaked information. These connections can be direct point-to-point networks, or can be third-party outsourced networks.
- Point-to-point integration: Using EDI software with point-to-point integration requires you to use an on-premise version of the software, but it grants your business greater control over every transfer.
- Outsourced integration: When outsourcing EDI connections, third parties (like VANs, or Value Added Networks) test and manage EDI connections on a company’s behalf, reducing infrastructure investment and overhead expenses. However, this takes some control away from your company.
Faster Movement of Documents
With EDI software, you can bypass the entire process of writing an email, attaching an important document, identifying the recipient and waiting to send — just transmit the attachment directly to the software. This software lets you pre-program your deliveries, meaning all you have to do is wait for a notification that your recipient has opened the mail.
Reduced Opportunity for Human Error
By incorporating EDI software into your workflow, you can reduce the amount of human involvement needed in the transmission of information, improving productivity and letting your personnel spend more time on other essential business functions that can’t be automated. You’ll also reduce the potential for typos and other mistakes.
Expanded Functionality
Integration tools can make the transition much easier without changing your current software system. Many EDI software options allow for easy integration with other software that your company may be currently using for processes such as accounting, warehouse management and ERP. If this isn’t the case, EDI integration software exists to ensure new and old software are compatible.
Better Inventory Management
EDI software can help you with several specific business needs, such as transferring inventory documentation to clients and stakeholders. This allows you to give them live updates on the status of your inventory, in turn improving your warehouse operations and guaranteeing prompt delivery times.
Expert recommendations and analysis on the top EDI Software
Implementation Goals
With these benefits in mind, it’s helpful to keep a list of the actual, tangible goals that you can meet (and exceed) when you implement EDI software. Here are a few worth considering.
| Goal 1 Faster Integration | Ensuring that your system can easily work alongside new systems and upgrades is essential to keeping your business flowing. Using integrative EDI software allows you to stay up to date if and when new technologies become industry standard. |
|---|---|
| Goal 2 Fewer Intermediaries | Automated EDI software gives you full control over which documents get sent when and allows you to quickly correct errors as they arise without waiting to hear back from anyone else, reducing the time it takes to process, send and receive information. |
| Goal 3 Faster Communication | Using EDI software can keep you up to speed with your collaborators, and having integration capabilities built in will increase the range of software your own systems are compatible with. You’ll never have to worry about your business partners not being on the same page as you again. |
Expert recommendations and analysis on the top EDI Software
Key Features & Functionality
The first step in any software journey is to be sure what the ideal solution needs to be able to do for your business. EDI software has plenty of helpful features to consider, so let’s take a look at some of the most important ones.
| EDI Transformation and Translation | EDI transformation and translation securely transfers encrypted files over public and private networks, allowing businesses to communicate more efficiently. Many EDI software platforms provide an integration platform to convert files from one encoding method to another. |
|---|---|
| EDI Mapping and Implementation | By mapping inbound and outbound messages with EDI software, documents can be easily and securely sent through the system with minimal human intervention, synchronizing your workflow with your business partners. |
| EDI Testing | EDI software allows users to set up a test environment before implementation to ensure the software works as expected, and allows for test-sending file formats to partners to make sure they can read them. |
| Transaction Lifecycle Management | EDI software makes use of transaction lifecycle management to help users identify transaction and communication trends and solve errors by removing duplicate entries. This process can also notify you of any transaction errors as soon as they occur. |
| EDI Integration | Integration allows you to connect your EDI software with other software that you currently use or will implement in the future. Many EDI options provide integration with ERP software and some will even build custom integrations based on your software needs, ensuring other departments, such as supply chain or accounting, work smoothly with secure document transfers. |
| Notifications and Alerts | EDI software can deliver real-time notifications to alert you to important milestones, projects, or transfer completion statuses, ensuring that nothing goes off the rails and impacts other important activities down the line. |
| Exception Management | EDI software allows users to anticipate and plan for errors and exceptions in the document transfer process, giving them tools to add workarounds into the workflow and minimize the need for human intervention. |
Expert recommendations and analysis on the top EDI Software
Advanced Features & Functionality
The following features may not be essential for EDI software, but are still worth considering if you’re looking for a well-rounded solution.
| Document Management | EDI software can put transmissions, such as financial documents, into a centralized location where users can monitor and view data. Users can also keep track of inbound and outbound movement and can opt to receive notifications as transmissions progress. |
|---|---|
| Order Management | Order management allows users to create and process orders within EDI software while also editing and sending out shipping notifications. Automated scheduling technology may also be included with this function. |
| Reporting and Analytics | EDI software’s real-time data analytics reports and visualization tools provide information on factors such as incoming orders, due orders, and trading partner performance. |
| Deployment Environment | EDI software is available either on-premise or as cloud deployment. Depending on your company’s needs, one of these deployment options may be more well-suited than the other. |
| Database Support | Some EDI software includes database support, providing access to platforms such as Microsoft SQL and Oracle to allow you to get immediate help when required. |
Expert recommendations and analysis on the top EDI Software
Upcoming Trends
Despite a trend towards API in the document transfer world, a Grand View Research study expects the global EDI market to be worth over $9 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 9.6%. The technology is still widespread, with 59% of businesses surveyed by Data Interchange reporting their use of EDI. What are some EDI trends on the horizon, and how will they affect the industry?
Industry 4.0 and Tech Adoption Growth
The fourth industrial revolution, also known as Industry 4.0,has to do with a major uptick in the usage of technologies like AI, automation, blockchain and the Internet of Things to streamline and optimize business processes.
In the world of EDI software, industry 4.0 tech helps completely take humans out of the data transfer equation.
There are several benefits to adopting these technologies:
- Automating EDI software processes saves valuable time that can be spent elsewhere.
- Data format automation cuts down on costly errors in data transfer processes.
- Happier customers that benefit from visibility into transactions and product delivery reliability.
- Small businesses can leverage these tech options to connect with large organizations while streamlining their transactions.
Increasing Cloud Adoptions
Solutions that don’t require people to be on-site are the norm in many industries today, so it should be no surprise that EDI software has many options for cloud-based implementation. Accessible subscription options are also a major growth driver for cloud-based systems.
The cloud lets small business owners access the EDI software power only larger companies can normally afford. With the added support of third-party teams, small businesses can onboard new partners faster and expand their reach to new markets.
Expert recommendations and analysis on the top EDI Software
Software Comparison
Comparing EDI software providers can be a little overwhelming, which is why we’ve compiled an in-depth EDI comparison report that compares the features of dozens of EDI systems to help you find an EDI company that aligns with your needs. However, there are a few steps you’ll want to take before looking into the software itself.
First, you’ll want to talk to your team members about what does and doesn’t work within your current system. A clear group of team members and a well-defined list of requirements can get software selection underway much faster. After you've spoken to your in-house employees and stakeholders, you can begin to put together a list of vendors that meet the needs you’ve already identified.
Once you’ve got a list in hand, it’s best to narrow it down to three to five of the best options. After this, you’ll want to take a deep dive into each system, how it can solve your organization’s pain points, and at what cost. Scheduling demos and speaking to vendor representatives can give you a better idea of how the system at hand can optimize your EDI processes.
Once you’ve decided on a system, ensure that the implementation timeline (if any) meshes with your deadlines.
Cost & Pricing Considerations
As mentioned earlier, one of the first major influences on the final selection of an EDI software system is your preferred method of deployment. If you select a cloud-based system, you’ll most likely be looking down the barrel of monthly subscription fees. An on-premise system will let you dodge monthly payments, but you'll be on the hook for a substantial up-front investment for hardware, software, and in-house IT. Make sure you talk to your EDI vendor about their range of deployment options and how they best fit your organization.
Any extra features, services, support, or training can also influence the total cost of the software you choose. Depending on your vendor and deployment strategy, customization costs can add up quickly.
The volume of your data transfers will also affect your ongoing costs. If you send a large number of small transmissions, be sure to ask your vendor about charges related to record length and transmission volume.
Expert recommendations and analysis on the top EDI Software
The Best EDI Software
Now that you know what EDI can do, how do you determine which software solution is best for your business? We’ve compiled a list of some of the top solutions on the market. Check out our picks below!
IBM Sterling B2B Integrator
If you’re looking for a proven EDI software solution, IBM Sterling B2B Integrator is a highly flexible transaction engine that uses a single gateway to simplify both B2B and EDI interactions. It uses visual management so users can see and understand where their data is heading, as well as robust security to ensure that no user has access to unauthorized data.
Easily understand what data is going where with Sterling’s easy-to-read dashboard.
Boomi
Using the cloud as its driving force, Boomi boasts a powerful unification of information and processes, making it ideal for EDI software needs as well as API users. It’s built to integrate with whatever document transfer protocol a business and its partners require, and comes with pre-built connectors to minimize the time spent deploying it. Boomi’s open-source community of developers also lets users easily implement new connectors.
Trace completed transactions and locate any issues quickly.
Informatica B2B Data Exchange
B2B Data Exchange supports all the automation necessary to make document transfers as painless as possible. It’s easy to customize and set up notifications and goals so users can track KPIs and be alerted to any issues with transferring data. Informatica’s EDI software solution also offers streamlined business partner management, allowing for simple communication with partners in case anything goes wrong.
Informatica offers end-to-end visibility so you know exactly where your data is going.
Cleo Integration Cloud
While it’s a costlier solution than many on this list, what sets Cleo Integration Cloud apart is its flexible approach to integrating with document transfer protocols beyond just EDI. It offers professional managed services if you’d rather leave the integration to Cleo, but also offers a self-service option if you’d rather handle it yourself. Cleo Integration Cloud also comes with a user-friendly interface so new users can easily get on board.
It’s easy to send, receive, and understand the flow of data using Cleo’s interface.
Axway B2Bi
B2Bi acts as a middleware approach to EDI software, using API technology to bridge the gap between formats without any coding required. It enables businesses to securely communicate with partners who may not be using EDI and provides access to a dedicated support team to relieve the pressure of integration. B2Bi also makes it easy to connect itself with other cloud applications in your workflow.
Axway’s hybrid approach to EDI and API allows businesses to bridge the gap between old and new standards.
Expert recommendations and analysis on the top EDI Software
Questions To Ask Yourself
Use these questions as a starting point for internal conversations:
- Are my current business partners using EDI?
- Is EDI or API a better option for my specific needs?
- Which business functions will I use EDI for and does EDI support those needs?
- How much training will my employees need to onboard into a new document transfer system?
- What document types does my business commonly need to transfer?
Questions To Ask Vendors
Use these questions as a starting point for conversations with vendors:
About the Software
- How simple is it to integrate your new system with the software programs that I'm currently using?
- How often are system updates made, and what is the process for implementing them?
- Is your system recommended for use with my business’s industry?
- Are there any document types that aren’t supported by the software?
- How do you ensure data security?
About the Vendor
- Have you ever worked with a company in my industry?
- What kind of EDI translation do you support, and will it work with the system that my current business partners are using?
- What size of business do you typically work with?
- What is your process for onboarding new users?
- Do you offer a free trial?
Expert recommendations and analysis on the top EDI Software
Next Steps
EDI software may not be the newest innovation in document transfer, but it’s still a tried and true way to help businesses exchange sensitive information without security risks. We hope our guide has given you a clear sense of what this simple and effective software can do for your business.
Want to know which EDI software works best with specific business requirements? Need more information about the differences between EDI and API? Check out further reading on these and other useful topics below!
Product Comparisons
- IBM Sterling B2B Integrator vs. B2B Data Exchange
- B2Bi vs. IBM Sterling B2B Integrator
- Boomi vs. B2Bi
- Boomi vs. Cleo Integration Cloud
Additional Resources
Top 10 EDI Software Leaders by Analyst Rating (of 76 products)
(of 76 products) GET THE IN-DEPTH REPORT
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