If you run a retail business in the 21st century, you may have heard of EDI (electronic data interchange) and its benefits for commerce and exchange. However, setting up EDI software can seem complicated to some newcomers. There is a need for quick and simple EDI methods that can help retailers keep up with their competitors. Luckily, web-based EDI is one of the most beginner-friendly solutions on the market.
With web-based EDI, you won’t have to do any data mapping or install any EDI software. You only need to fill out online forms with your transaction information, and your EDI provider will make it compatible with your business partners’ systems. Web-based EDI fulfills the essential function of translating transaction information into digital form, which eliminates the time and money spent on paper and document filing.
However, if you’re not a newcomer to EDI, you might want a more robust solution than web-based EDI. Web-based EDI tends to be less secure and slower, since a third party (your EDI provider) manages it. If you’d prefer the quicker route, you can always make EDI transactions directly with your business partners. You’d just need the technical know-how to set up and manage your own EDI data.