Our ASC X12 EDI solutions enable standardized electronic data exchange, ensuring accurate, efficient communication with trading partners across industries.

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How PPD Group Reduced Costs with On-Premise EDI Integration: A Case Study from EDI2XML

In this article, we want to share the success story of our cooperation with PPD Group, a leader in polymer and rubber processing solutions.

By looking at their example of optimizing business transactions with our on-premises EDI integration solution, we will show how an experienced EDI provider can profitably transform traditional work processes.

About the Client: PPD Group

PPD Group, established in 1960, is a prominent leader in the polymer and rubber processing industry, headquartered in Waterville, Quebec, Canada. With decades of experience, PPD specializes in high-precision processes such as molding, extrusion, and mold manufacturing. Serving industries including transportation, agriculture, and medical, PPD leverages advanced production facilities to deliver high-quality and innovative products tailored to meet the specific needs of their diverse clientele.

Their commitment to excellence, combined with their strong industry reputation, positions PPD Group as a trusted partner for businesses looking for efficient, reliable, and cutting-edge engineered polymer products and rubber compounds.

EDI Integration on Premises: Project Context

PPD Group continually seeks ways to enhance operational efficiency. As their business grew, so did the need for a robust, reliable system that could manage the increasingly complex landscape of EDI transactions—especially with key trading partners that demanded strict compliance with the X12 standard.

PPD Group faced a multifaceted challenge. Their key trading partner required seamless EDI exchanges, but integrating these transactions with their existing Oracle JDE ERP system was no small feat. Manual data entry not only introduced errors but also delayed processing times, leading to inefficiencies that could hinder business growth.

Moreover, PPD Group was faced with the need to quickly and cost-effectively onboard new trading partners to exchange EDI transactions using on-premises EDI solution.

At EDI2XML, we listen closely. We take the time to understand each client’s unique challenges and craft solutions that fit their needs perfectly. For PPD Group, we designed an on-premises integration platform that would convert and synchronize EDI transactions with the company’s Oracle JDE business system.

What is EDI Standard and Why It Matters for Manufacturers

Before we proceed with the case study, let’s briefly remind everyone what EDI is to ensure clarity.

EDI stands for Electronic Data Interchange. It’s the electronic exchange of business documents between companies in a standard format. Instead of sending paper invoices or purchase orders, businesses use EDI to send these documents electronically. That makes transactions faster, reduces errors, and saves time and money.

For manufacturers like PPD Group, EDI ensures that purchase orders, invoices, shipping schedules, and more are exchanged accurately and rapidly. For example, when a retailer sends a purchase order (EDI 850) to a manufacturer, EDI ensures the document is structured in a way both systems understand (like the widely used ASC X12 standard). This eliminates the need for human intervention, slashes processing times, and keeps supply chains running smoothly.

ASC X12 (part of ANSI, the American National Standards Institute) is a committee that develops and maintains EDI standards. So, their role is to create the specific formats and rules that different industries follow when exchanging documents electronically.

  • Improved Accuracy: By automating data exchange, EDI minimizes manual errors.
  • Faster Processing: Automated workflows reduce the time it takes to process orders and shipments.
  • Cost Efficiency: With streamlined communication, companies save money while connecting with multiple trading partners.

Demystifying EDI On-Premise Integration

Before cloud technology became popular, on-premise integration was the standard. Today, many organizations still choose on-premise solutions because they provide complete control over sensitive data, ensuring maximum security and customization.

An on-premise solution means that all the software, hardware, and data management systems reside within your local infrastructure. This approach offers unmatched control and customization, ensuring that sensitive information remains under strict internal governance. For companies with strict data privacy requirements or those operating in regulated industries, the ability to manage every aspect of their EDI process on-site is invaluable.

For PPD Group, the key objective was to have a solution that was both profitable and agile, enabling them to connect new trading partners without incurring excessive costs.

Key benefits of an on-premise EDI integration include:

  • Complete Data Control: Retaining all sensitive data internally.
  • Customization: Tailoring workflows to match the company’s specific requirements.
  • Scalability: Quickly integrating new partners as the business grows.

EDI2XML’s Tailored On-Premise EDI Solution

We developed a custom on-premise solution for PPD Group that transforms and synchronizes EDI transactions, ensuring a smoother and more reliable process. By leveraging robust tools and precise customization, we addressed the unique challenges faced by the company.

Magic xpi Integration Platform: Installed and configured to orchestrate complex data exchanges, this tool serves as the backbone of our integration workflow. Its visual development environment and ready-to-use connectors simplify the process of mapping and transforming data between disparate systems.

EDI2XML Transformation Engine: This powerful tool is the heart of our solution, converting X12 files to XML—and vice versa—while maintaining the high levels of security required for on-premise operations.

Customization for Oracle JDE Integration: Recognizing that every business has its own unique processes, we tailored our solution to synchronize seamlessly with PPD Group’s Oracle JDE transit tables, ensuring that the transition from EDI data to internal ERP systems was smooth and error-free.

Behind the Scenes: How Our On-Premise EDI Workflow Operates

EDI-on-premises-diagram

Managing Incoming EDI Documents

Our solution continuously monitors a designated local folder where trading partners deposit EDI files. When an X12 file (such as an 850 Purchase Order) is detected, the workflow initiates:

  • Data Collection and Conversion: The system gathers the X12 messages, converting them into XML format using our transformation engine.
  • Acknowledgment Generation: Functional acknowledgments (997) are automatically generated for each transaction, ensuring that every exchange is tracked.
  • Seamless Integration: The XML data is then transformed to align with Oracle JDE transit tables and securely inserted.
  • Automated Notifications: Email alerts notify the relevant teams, ensuring a prompt response to every transaction.

Streamlining Outgoing EDI Documents

Every 15 minutes, our engine queries the Oracle JDE database for ready-to-send invoices or Advanced Ship Notices (ASNs):

  • Data Extraction and Preparation: Essential information is extracted and formatted into XML.
  • Conversion to X12 Format: The XML data is then converted back into X12 format, meeting the specifications of each trading partner.
  • Secure File Preparation: The resulting X12 files are stored in a secure local folder for transmission.
  • Continuous Updates: Automated notifications keep teams informed of all outgoing transactions.

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What is Magic xpi?

Magic xpi is a powerful integration platform that orchestrates data exchanges between various systems. It simplifies complex workflows by providing:

  • Pre-built Connectors: Ready-made solutions to connect disparate systems effortlessly.
  • Visual Development Environment: Allows for easy mapping and transformation of data.
  • Flexibility: Adaptable to various business needs, ensuring that the integration remains efficient as requirements change.

Magic xpi was a critical component of our solution, ensuring that EDI data flows smoothly between PPD Group’s ERP and the EDI2XML transformation engine.

Key Takeaways

  • Cost-Effective EDI Integration: PPD Group’s solution was designed to quickly connect new trading partners without incurring high costs.
  • On-Premise Advantages: Maintaining data on-premises offers security, control, and customization for manufacturers.
  • Efficient Workflows: Automated incoming and outgoing document processes reduce errors and improve transaction speed.
  • Magic xpi Power: This integration platform streamlines data mapping and transformation, ensuring smooth data exchanges.

Quantifiable Benefits: Efficiency, Accuracy, and Enhanced Partner Connectivity

PPD Group experienced several significant benefits from our on-premise EDI solution:

  • Elimination of Manual Errors: Automation dramatically reduced the risk of human error, resulting in more reliable transactions.
  • Cost-Effective Expansion: The solution provided a financial advantage by enabling a quick, low-cost connection with new trading partners.
  • Accelerated Processing: Transactions that once required hours were completed in mere minutes, contributing to smoother operational workflows.
  • Improved Traceability and Compliance: Automatic generation of acknowledgments and detailed logging of each transaction offered complete visibility and regulatory compliance.

Marc Sauvageau, IT Director at PPD Group, reflected on the transformation: “The work done by EDI2XML has transformed how we manage EDI transactions. Their expertise and perfectly tailored solution gave us greater flexibility, reduced errors, and improved efficiency. The platform has made onboarding new clients easier and more cost-effective.”

This testimonial underscores our commitment to delivering solutions that not only meet but exceed client expectations.

FAQ: On-Premise EDI Integration for Manufacturers

What is EDI, and why is it critical for manufacturers like PPD Group?

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) automates the exchange of business documents (e.g., purchase orders, invoices) in standardized formats like X12. For manufacturers, it eliminates manual data entry, reduces errors, and speeds up supply chain workflows. PPD Group, for example, saw faster order processing and improved partner compliance after implementing EDI.

Why did PPD Group choose an on-premise EDI solution over cloud-based options?

On-premise EDI gives companies full control over sensitive data, which is vital for industries like manufacturing where intellectual property and client specifications are critical. PPD Group prioritized security, customization, and the ability to integrate directly with their Oracle JDE ERP system—all key advantages of an on-premise setup.

What are the benefits of Magic xpi in EDI integration?

Magic xpi is a powerful integration platform that simplifies connecting disparate systems (like ERP, CRM, or other business applications). For PPD Group, it provided:

  • Pre-built connectors for Oracle JDE.
  • A visual interface to map and transform data without coding.
  • Scalability to onboard new trading partners quickly.

How does EDI2XML’s solution reduce costs for businesses?

By automating manual processes, businesses save on labor costs and avoid errors issues. PPD Group also highlighted the cost-effective scalability of our EDI solution—onboarding new partners became faster and cheaper compared to other solution.

Can on-premise EDI integrate with existing ERP systems like Oracle JDE?

Yes! EDI2XML’s solution was tailored to sync seamlessly with PPD Group’s Oracle JDE transit tables. Custom workflows ensured data flowed automatically between EDI documents and their ERP, eliminating manual imports/exports.

How secure is on-premise EDI compared to cloud solutions?

On-premise EDI keeps all data within your company’s infrastructure, reducing exposure to third-party breaches. For PPD Group, this meant sensitive client specifications and transaction histories remained under their internal IT team’s control.

What types of EDI transactions did PPD Group automate?

The solution handled key documents like:

Incoming: Purchase Orders – EDI 850, Purchase Order Change Request – EDI 860, Planning Schedule with Release Capability – EDI 830, Shipping Schedule – EDI 862, Text Messages – EDI 864.

Outgoing: Invoices – EDI 810, Advanced Ship Notices – EDI 856.

Automating these business transaction reduced processing times from hours to minutes.

Can small businesses afford on-premise EDI integration?

Small businesses can technically afford on-premises EDI integration if it is necessary for some reason (internal policies regarding data storage, etc.), but it should be noted that it often comes with high upfront costs, including hardware, software licenses, and IT maintenance.

For many, cloud-based EDI solutions are a more attractive option, as they offer a subscription model, and lower upfront costs.

How do I know if my business needs EDI?

Ask yourself:

  • Do manual data entries cause errors or delays?
  • Are trading partners demanding EDI compliance?
  • Is scaling your supply chain becoming costly or complex?

If you answered “yes,”contact EDI2XML for a free consultation.

The EDI2XML Advantage: Expertise, Customization, and Commitment

At EDI2XML, our approach goes beyond providing off-the-shelf solutions. We invest time in understanding the unique challenges of our clients and then craft custom-tailored strategies that address those needs head-on. Our expertise in EDI integration, combined with our state-of-the-art technologies like Magic xpi and our proprietary transformation engine, positions us as a leader in the industry. We continuously strive to refine our solutions to ensure that companies like PPD Group can achieve operational excellence and maintain a competitive edge.

Conclusion: Affordable EDI Solutions for any Business Needs

The successful implementation of our on-premise EDI solution for PPD Group marks just one example of how strategic, cost-effective EDI integration can unlock new avenues for operational efficiency and partner connectivity. For businesses eager to modernize their data exchange processes without excessive costs, our approach represents a future-proof solution that balances control, security, and agility.

If your organization is facing similar challenges or you’re simply interested in exploring how tailored EDI solutions can drive efficiency, we invite you to reach out to us at EDI2XML. Let’s work together to unlock the full potential of your business transactions.

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EDI 830 – Planning Schedule with Release Capability Overview

When it comes to EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), the EDI 830 document, also known as Planning Schedule with Release Capability EDI 830 Transaction Set, plays an important role. For manufacturers, suppliers, and their trading partners, this document helps optimize production planning and inventory management. Let’s understand what this document is, why it is important, and how it works in real-world scenarios.

What is EDI 830?

In simple terms, EDI 830 is a forecast document. It allows buyers to communicate their production schedules and demand forecasts to suppliers. These forecasts can help suppliers plan their production and ensure that products are available when needed. Unlike a purchase order, the EDI 830 doesn’t guarantee a purchase. Instead, it’s a planning tool that gives a clear picture of expected demand.

EDI 830 for Buyers

A buyer is typically the entity that forecasts demand and initiates communication via an EDI 830 document. Buyers can be:

Manufacturers: Companies that produce finished goods often act as buyers. For example, an automobile manufacturer might use EDI 830 to forecast the quantity of automobile parts it will need from suppliers for future production.

Retailers: Large retailers, such as department stores or grocery chains, send EDI 830 documents to their suppliers to communicate forecasted demand for products based on expected sales.

Wholesalers or Distributors: These businesses often purchase products in bulk for resale. They may forecast demand for items they will need from suppliers to replenish their inventory.

EDI 830 and Suppliers

A supplier is the entity that receives an EDI 830 document and uses the forecasted data to prepare inventory, plan production, and allocate resources. Suppliers may include:

Component or raw material suppliers: In manufacturing industries, these suppliers provide raw materials or components used in production. For example, a steel supplier supplies materials to an automobile manufacturer.

Finished goods manufacturers: In retail or distribution, suppliers may be manufacturers of finished goods that buyers sell to consumers. For example, a food company supplies packaged goods to a grocery chain.

Logistics service providers: Sometimes the supplier role extends to third-party logistics providers who manage inventory storage or shipping based on the EDI 830 schedule.

EDI Guide

How Does EDI 830 Work?

The process begins when a buyer sends an EDI 830 document to a supplier. This document contains detailed information such as:

  • Projected quantities: How much of each product the buyer expects to need.
  • Release dates: When the buyer expects to receive the goods.
  • Time periods: Weekly, monthly, or another specified time period.
  • Delivery additional information: Shipping preferences.

Suppliers receive this information and use it to plan production schedules, manage inventory, and allocate resources. Often, the 830 works in tandem with other EDI documents such as EDI 850 (Purchase Order) or EDI 862 (Shipping Schedule).

What is the difference between EDI 830 and 862? EDI 830 vs EDI 862

The key difference between EDI 830 (Planning Schedule with Release Capability) and EDI 862 (Shipping Schedule or Shipping Schedule with Release Capability) is their purpose, timing, and level of detail. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

Feature EDI 830 EDI 862
Purpose Long-term planning and forecasting Short-term shipping and delivery details
Timing Regular intervals (weekly, monthly) Near shipment or delivery date
Detail Broad forecasts and release capability Specific shipping instructions
Common Industries Automotive, manufacturing, retail Automotive, just-in-time manufacturing

 

If your business needs to implement or integrate EDI 830 or EDI 862, EDI2XML can help streamline the process, ensuring seamless communication with your trading partners and minimizing delays.

Is EDI 830 only for the automotive industry?

No. While the automotive industry relies heavily on EDI 830, it is also used in other sectors, including retail and manufacturing. Any business that needs to share demand forecasts with suppliers can benefit.

How often are EDI 830 documents sent?

It depends on the buyer’s needs. Some companies send them weekly, while others send them monthly or on an individual basis.

The frequency usually aligns with the industry standards and the trading partners’ agreements.

What Challenges Do Companies Face with EDI 830?

One of the biggest challenges is ensuring data accuracy. Since the EDI 830 is a forecast document, any inaccuracies in the buyer’s predictions can have significant consequences. For example, if the buyer overestimates demand, the supplier may overproduce, leading to excess inventory and wasted resources. On the other hand, underestimating demand can cause shortages, resulting in missed opportunities and delays.

Another major challenge is integration with internal systems, such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software. ERP systems play a central role in a company’s operations, performing key functions such as inventory management, production planning, and order processing.

For EDI 830 to be effective, forecast data must be seamlessly integrated into the supplier’s ERP system. Without proper integration, it can be difficult for the supplier to translate the forecast into actionable tasks such as scheduling production runs or ordering raw materials. For example:

For ex ample:

  • If the ERP system doesn’t properly sync with EDI 830 data, it might create duplicate or incorrect production orders.
  • Poor integration can also lead to delays in updating inventory levels, causing confusion in supply chain planning.

This complexity increases when dealing with multiple trading partners, each with unique EDI requirements or formats. Without robust EDI solutions, companies often resort to manual data entry, which is error-prone and time-consuming.

EDI 943

Why is EDI 830 Important?

For suppliers, it’s all about preparation. By knowing what buyers might need in the future, suppliers can:

  • Reduce inventory costs.
  • Improve production efficiency.
  • Avoid missed opportunities due to stockouts.

For buyers, sharing this data helps ensure their supply chain runs smoothly, minimizing delays and disruptions.

How EDI2XML Can Help

EDI integration can be tricky, especially when dealing with complex documents like the EDI 830.

Our team specializes in EDI integration services tailored to your needs. Whether you’re new to EDI or looking to improve your current setup, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how we can help:

At EDI2XML, we’ve spent over 20 years helping businesses master their EDI processes. Our expertise ensures your company can handle EDI 830 and other critical documents with ease.

EDI 830 – Final Thoughts

EDI 830 might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s an essential EDI document for effective supply chain management. By understanding its role and leveraging the right integration services, businesses can optimize operations and strengthen relationships with trading partners.

If you have questions about implementing or managing EDI 830, don’t hesitate to contact the team at EDI2XML. We’re here to simplify EDI for you.

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EDI ANSI ASC X12 Standards – Technical Overview – 2024

This post was updated to reflect current trends and information.

Understanding the Basics of  EDI ANSI ASC X12

This article describes the EDI ANSI ASC X12 standard (American National Standards Institute Accredited Standards Committee X12).

This overview provides full information on the EDI ANSI X12 standards, including general terms (Interchange, functional group, document), description of the main components of an EDI document (segments, elements), and how an EDI document is structured.

What is meant by EDI?

EDI Electronic Data Interchange is the process of electronically exchanging business documents (in a pre-defined format) between trading partners.

The EDI ANSI ASC X12 standard has different versions (related to development standards) – 4010, 5010, 5020

In EDI X12, each document has a three-digit number identifier. For example, an Invoice is 810, an Inventory Inquiry/Advice is 846,  an Advance Ship Notice  is 856, etc. more detailed list of EDI X12 documents with its identifier you can find here: Complete List of EDI X12 Codes

ANSI (American National Standards Institute) – is a non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States. EDI is handled by the Accredited Standards Committee X12 (ASC X12), it develops and maintains the X12 Electronic data interchange (EDI).

EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce, and Transport.) EDIFACT standard is used mainly in Europe.

EDI Terminologies:

Interchange (or Envelop)

Interchange envelope is a structured data set to deliver electronic transactions to a receiving. Interchange can include a package of groups of documents but also may contain only one group with one document.

The Interchange structure
EDI document structure

Interchange begins with the ISA segment and ends with the IEA segment (ISA / IEA Envelope).

EDI X12 – Functional Group

A functional group is a group of one or more similar transaction sets. The beginning of the functional group is determined by the GS segment and the end by the GE segment.

How does an EDI document look (example)

ISA*00*          *00*          *ZZ*A1STORES    *12*5142645505     *190510*0728*|*00403*100000013*0*P*}

GS*PO*A1STORES*5142645505*20190510*0728*1013*X*004030

ST*850*1013

BEG*00*SA*2332233**20190510

REF*IA*66910

PER*BD*Contact Name*TE*123-456-7890

FOB*DF

DTM*010*20190517

DTM*001*20190525

TD5*****Carrier Routing*******CG

N1*ST*Towner Square Schooms*92*006

N3*Williston Towner Square*2100 11th St SW

N4*Williston*ND*58701

PO1*1*4*EA*4.15**UP*066810348563*IT*WACT750SP16-BLK

CTP**RTL*7.99

PID*F*08***Nike Boy Short Black sz M

PO1*2*6*EA*5.00**UP*066810349983*IT*WACT170SP16-AMP

CTP**RTL*7.99

PID*F*08*** Reebok Boy Short Abstract Print sz M

PO1*3*4*EA*5.25**UP*066810349747*IT*WACT790SP16-BLK

CTP**RTL*9.99

PID*F*08*** Puma Boy Short Red sz M

CTT*3

SE*22*1013

GE*1*1013

IEA*1*100000013

What is an EDI envelope?

The outer envelope ISA / IEA contains one or more functional Groups (GS/GE Envelopes) that contain the data, each in a separate envelope (ST/SE Envelopes).

The ISA / IEA envelope contains the addresses of the recipient company and the sending company.

The GS / GE envelope contains information about the type of documents contained in it, they are denoted as a two-letter code. (functional ID code). For example, PO for 850 Purchase Order, IN for 810 Invoice. Such an envelope contains only documents of the same type. GS also contains sender’s and receiver’s ID code, functional Group control numbers, date and time.

Functional Group Header (GS)


Functional Group Trailer (GE)
Functional Group Trailer (GE)

EDI segments

A segment in an EDI document is a group of identical data elements that may occur several times, to provide information about a product (i.e. weight, color, size, etc.)
edi x12 Segment

Segment optionality

Segments in a EDI X12 document  can be of two types:

M (mandatory) – a mandatory segment. Such a segment contains the basic information of the document. The mandatory segment cannot be omitted from the document. Example of the mandatory segment:

BEG*00*SA*2332233**20190510

This is the (BEG) segment of the header, it contains general document information:
  • Destination (00 – Original)
  • type (SA – Stand-alone Order)
  • order number (2332233)
  • 20190510 – Mai 10, 2019

This segment identifies the document.

O is an optional segment. These are segments containing secondary information. Optional segments may not be present in the EDI document. An example of an optional segment:

PER*BD*Contact Name*TE*123-456-7890

This is a PER segment – Administrative Communications Contact, i.e. “contact information”. This segment contains the following information:
  • BD- Buyer Name or Department
  • TE – Telephone
  • The phone number itself 123-456-7890

EDI Document Structure

The initial segments of each section, is called Header, and the final segment is called Trailer:
  • ISA – Interchange Control Header – this is the segment that defines the sender and recipient.
  • GS – Functional Group Header – this segment defines the type of document(s) that are included in this group.
  • ST – Transaction Set Header – this segment starts the document and is used to assign a control number.
  • SE – Transaction Set Trailer – the segment defines the end of the document.
  • GE – Functional Group Trailer– defines the end of the data that was started by the GS segment.
  • IEA – Interchange Control Trailer – is ending the Interchange segment.

EDI document: Header, Details, and Summary

Each EDI document (i. e. an order, an invoice) is divided into three groups – Header, Details, and Summary.
EDI structure

The Header of the document contains general information such as number, contact information, dates of delivery, addresses, etc.

The details of the EDI document contain information about the ordered product (quantity, price, etc.).

The Summary contains information such as the total cost of the goods, number of goods, etc.

Using EDI in business

EDI is used in many industries, but primarily in trading, transport, and logistics.

Retailers such as Costco, Walmart, and others use EDI X12 to exchange electronic documents with their trading partners.

Typically, a retailer and suppliers exchange the following EDI documents:

EDI is the connecting suppliers and retailers and allows business partners to minimize errors, and automate processes.
Free EDI consultation

RELATED POSTS:

What is EDIFACT? | UN / EDIFACT standard overview

Electronic Data Interchange: Key Information You Need to Know

What Are the Differences Between ANSI X12 and UN/EDIFACT

A technical introduction to EDI

EDI Integration of B2B E-commerce for Small Companies

Navigating B2B E-Commerce: A Small Company’s Guide to Seamless EDI Integration

More and more companies in the B2B vertical, are expanding their business to the web and doing more of what is called today B2B e-commerce. Those companies of all sizes are realizing the importance of automation and the value of exchanging EDI with their business partners, suppliers, and buyers.

For small companies in the B2B market, trading with large retailers such as Costco, Wal-Mart, Target or Home Depot is a great opportunity for their business. However, many small and medium-sized enterprises are missing out on this chance due to the fear of large retailers’ requirement to comply with their EDI rules.

In most cases, EDI is the de-facto protocol to communicate and exchange business documents between big-box retailers and their suppliers.

EDI is used to automate the process of exchanging business documents between trading partners. Essentially, it is the solution for B2B and is quite popular amongst retail, manufacturing, transportation, health care, and other industries. By automating documents exchange process, companies can benefit in many areas.

To those who do not know much about Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), it sounds quite complicated at first. There are different EDI standards, requirements, EDI formats, communication protocols such as AS2, sFTP, VAN, different documents / transactions (i.e. 850, 810, 846 856, etc.) which differ depending on company and industry.

EDI Integration projects seem daunting and expensive, which can explain why many smaller businesses still do not communicate with their trading partners through EDI. However, the key is to find the right EDI provider who can offer solutions and services that are simple, affordable and quick to onboard.

An EDI provider like EDI2XML offers 2 options for EDI integration projects:

Fully Managed EDI

This option is a “turn-key solution” where our team at EDI2XML, takes care of all the project: setup, configuration, testing, certification with your EDI partners …

Our monthly pricing packages are dynamic, they go up and down based on the volume and you are not locked in in any tier. Following is a diagram illustrating the flow of information with our EDI as a service offering.
EDI integration platform

By using our EDI Web Service, you can enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and improve collaboration with your trading partners.

EDI2XML Web Services

This option is meant for companies who got their own technical resources to work with REST API (call and consume HTTP Rest Web services); In such a scenario EDI2XML web services is the way to go for the following reasons:
  • Self-service solution,
  • Low cost,
  • Quick entry: you can be up and running in less than an hour, and it is proven; we provide everything to your developers to get started, a java client with its source code and instructions on how to work with it.
  • We offer the xml schemas (xsd) of the XML format our API expects, and all that you need to do is to format your data according to that format and you will be up and running.
  • We offer 15 days free trial, without any commitment.

Advantages of Using EDI
B2B edi Integration

Integrating Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) into B2B e-commerce can bring significant benefits to small companies. EDI allows for the automated exchange of business documents and data between trading partners, streamlining communication, reducing manual effort, and improving efficiency.

Integrating Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) into B2B e-commerce can bring significant benefits to small companies. EDI allows for the automated exchange of business documents and data between trading partners, streamlining communication, reducing manual effort, and improving efficiency.

With EDI, orders, invoices, and other business documents can be sent straight from your ERP management system to the EDI Provider, where they can process this XML file into EDI format and then sent to the Trading Partner.

Orders come in as EDI, get translated into XML format and then get sent straight to your ERP system (if integration was done). In most cases where integration to your ERP solution is done, no human intervention is even needed. This saves so much time and effort and finally allows your employees to get a lot more time on their hands for other important tasks, eliminating so much of the manual data entry.

When it comes to EDI, every case is different. It’s all about finding the right EDI provider that can help you with this process and ensure it’s simple and efficient as can be. Automating B2B processes with EDI can help companies stay profitable by letting them keep up with market changes and trends.

Look at EDI2XML, and book a free consultation with one of our EDI experts!
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ANSI ASC X12 Standards Overview

This post was updated to reflect current trends and information.

To exchange business documents and transactions between business partners via EDI (electronic data interchange), most companies in North America use the EDI ANSI ASC X12 Standards. This overview provides some basic information about the X12 standards for electronic data interchange (EDI).

What do ANSI, ASC, X12, and RSC mean?

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a non-profit organization that controls the development of standards for processes, services, and products in the United States. ANSI also synchronizes U.S. standards with international standards so that American products can be used all over the world.

X12 Overview

Chartered by the ANSI for over 40 years, X12 develops and maintains EDI standards and XML schemas that govern business processes around the world.
X12 is comprised of thousands of experts representing over 600 companies from various industries. X12 Membership is open to any organization, company, or even individual, who directly and materially affected by X12 activities.
To facilitate the exchange of business transactions, X12 members regularly optimize the EDI standard.
X12 consists of two committees:
– Accredited Standards Committee (ASC)
– Registered Standards Committee (RSC).

Useful: What is EDI? (A technical introduction to EDI)

Accredited Standards Committee ACS

Since 1979, the Accredited Standards Committee X12 (ASC) has been developing and maintaining the X12 standard, which can be represented as US national standards or UN / EDIFACT international electronic data interchange standards.

The ASC is composed of different subcommittees:
– X12C – Communications and Controls
– X12F – Finance
– X12I – Transportation
– X12J – Technical Assessment
– X12M – Supply Chain
– X12N – Insurance

Registered Standards Committee (RSC)

The RSC is responsible for the development and support of X12 work products for various industries but is not intended to be presented as US national standards.

What is EDI ANSI ASC X12 Standards?

The ANSI ASC X12 Standards is sometimes called the EDI ASC X12, ANSI X12, ASC X12, or simply the X12 Standard. X12 is a set of standards and rules that determine a specific syntax for structuring and transferring electronically business documents between partners. There are different types of business documents in EDI, which often are called “Transaction Sets”.

ASC X12 Transaction Set

The Transaction Set – is a single business document such as a Purchase Order, Invoice, Student Educational Record (Transcript), Healthcare claim, Ship Notice (ASN). There are hundreds of Transaction Sets available in the ANSI ASC X12 standards. Each set of transaction data is identified by a 3 digits code number:

ASC X12 Transaction Set

X12 Transaction Set Structure

Many X12 transaction sets have 3 parts. The segments that can be used in each of these parts in a particular document (such as an invoice) are listed in the related tables defined in the X12 standards document. For example:

X12 Transaction Set Structure

ASC X12 Segments and Sequence

The following Purchase Order example, shows which segments can be used in the transaction set and the desired sequence of segments:

ID            TITLE

ST           Transaction Set Header

BEG        Beginning Segment for Purchase Order

CUR       Currency

REF         Reference Identification

PER        Administrative Communications Contract

TAX        Tax Reference

FOB        F.O.B. Related Information

CTP        Pricing Information

PAM      Period Amount

CSH        Sales Requirements

TC2         Commodity

Beginning and Ending ASC X12 Transaction Sets:

• A transaction in an X12 document, always begins with the Transaction Set Header (ST) segment

• A transaction in an X12 document always ends with the Transaction Set Trailer (SE) segment

X12 Structure

If you want to learn more about the structure of EDI ANSI ASC X12, please read this article: EDI ANSI ASC X12 – Technical Overview

ANSI X12 EDI document types

Since a uniform standard of EDI (electronic data interchange) ANSI X12 was developed, a huge number of companies use it in its business-to-business (B2B) operations. Although ANSI X12 standard was developed to support companies in different types of industries in North America, these days, businesses worldwide are using X12 EDI standard.

As mentioned above, there is a huge amount of ANSI X12 document types available for use. ANSI X12 standard is used in finance, transportation, healthcare, insurance, government, supply chain and other industries for performing diverse operations. The example below shows some of those EDI documents:

Communications and Control:

  • EDI 864 Text Messages
  • EDI 997 Functional Acknowledgment
  • EDI 999 Implementation Acknowledgment
  • EDI 993 Secured Receipt or Acknowledgment

Finance:

  • EDI 130 Student Educational Record (Transcript)
  • EDI 262 Real Estate Information Report
  • EDI 810 Invoice
  • EDI 812 Credit/Debit Adjustment
  • EDI 131 Student Educational Record (Transcript) Acknowledgment
  • EDI 149 Notice of Tax Adjustment or Assessment
  • EDI 150 Tax Rate Notification
  • EDI 821 Financial Information Reporting

Transportation:

  • EDI 120 Vehicle Shipping Order
  • EDI 106 Motor Carrier Rate Proposal
  • EDI 419 Advance Car Disposition
  • EDI 216 Motor Carrier Shipment Pickup Notification
  • EDI 309 Customs Manifest

Supply Chain:

Insurance:

  • EDI 270 Health Care Eligibility/Benefit Inquiry
  • EDI 271 Health Care Eligibility/Benefit Response
  • EDI 111 Individual Insurance Policy and Client Information
  • 837 Health Care Claim

EDI Outsourcing

We support all EDI standards including ANSI(ASC) X12, EDIFACT, RosettaNet, HIPAA / X12. We provide a cloud-based, fully managed EDI integration solution under our program EDI2XML Managed Services which allows our clients to interact with their business partners without implementing a complex EDI infrastructure.

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Book a FREE one-on-one EDI consultation session with our in-house experts.

Benefits of fully managed EDI service:

• Time: Reduced transaction processing time and improved customer service

• Cost: Improved inventory management and minimized use of paper and physical storage

• Quality: Enhanced business relationships with your business partners, and accuracy of information

• Profit: Reduce costs

• Efficiency: Increased productivity

EDI2XML Web Services (Rest API)

EDI2XML web services, our REST API to convert X12 to XML and vice versa meant for companies who got their own technical resources to work with REST API (call and consume HTTP Rest Web services).

Benefits of EDI2XML web service:

  • Self-service solution
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Contact us for more information and for pricing.