EDI integration
EDI integration that flows straight into your ERP
Electronic data interchange is still how most large retailers, manufacturers, distributors and carriers do business. ECOM connects you to those partners, translates their documents and integrates them with your ERP, so orders, shipments and invoices move without re-keying.
What is EDI integration?
EDI integration is the process of connecting electronic data interchange with the business systems that use the data. An EDI translator converts standard documents such as an X12 850 purchase order into your ERP's format and back again. Full integration also covers partner connectivity (AS2, SFTP or a VAN), validation, acknowledgments, error handling and monitoring, so documents are processed automatically from end to end.
Outcomes
What you can expect
Eliminate manual order entry
Purchase orders post directly into the ERP and outbound documents generate from ERP data, which removes re-keying and the errors it causes.
Meet partner requirements
Each partner's implementation guide is applied consistently, which helps avoid rejected documents and compliance penalties.
Faster order-to-cash
Acknowledgments, ship notices and invoices go out as soon as the underlying events happen in your ERP.
Scale without adding headcount
Add partners and document types on the same platform rather than adding manual processing capacity.
Approach
How ECOM delivers it
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Translation and mapping
Map X12, EDIFACT and other standards to and from your ERP formats, with partner-specific variations handled by reusable templates.
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Partner connectivity
Connect over AS2, SFTP, FTPS, HTTPS or value-added networks, depending on each partner's preference.
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ERP integration
Exchange data with your ERP through APIs, IDocs, database tables, flat files or connectors.
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Acknowledgments and compliance
Generate and reconcile functional acknowledgments (997/999 or CONTRL) and validate documents against partner rules.
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Monitoring and alerts
Track every document through PRISM and alert your team to failures, late documents and missing acknowledgments.
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Flexible operating models
Run EDI yourself on the platform, work alongside ECOM specialists, or have ECOM manage it fully.
Documents and standards
Common transactions
These ANSI X12 documents appear in most supply chain EDI programs. Exact requirements vary by trading partner.
| Code | Document | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| 850 | Purchase Order | A customer orders goods or services. |
| 855 | Purchase Order Acknowledgment | The supplier confirms |
| 860 | Purchase Order Change | The buyer changes an order already sent. |
| 856 | Advance Ship Notice | Describes shipment contents and packaging before delivery. |
| 810 | Invoice | Bills the customer for shipped goods or services. |
| 846 | Inventory Inquiry/Advice | Shares inventory levels or availability. |
| 820 | Payment Order/Remittance Advice | Details a payment and which invoices it covers. |
| 997 | Functional Acknowledgment | Confirms a document was received and is syntactically valid. |
Scenarios
Common scenarios
Retail supplier compliance
Exchange orders, ship notices and invoices with retail customers, each with their own implementation guide and labeling requirements.
Manufacturing supply chain
Receive forecasts and shipping schedules from customers and send ship notices aligned with production and delivery plans.
Replacing an aging EDI system
Move maps and partner connections from an outdated translator to PRISM without disrupting production.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between EDI and EDI integration?
EDI is the standardized electronic exchange of business documents between companies. EDI integration connects that exchange to your internal systems, so documents are created from and posted to your ERP automatically rather than handled manually.
Do I need a VAN for EDI?
Not always. Many partners support direct connections such as AS2 or SFTP, while others require or prefer a value-added network. ECOM supports both and recommends the right approach for each partner.
Which ERP systems can you integrate with?
ECOM integrates EDI with major ERP platforms, including SAP, SAP Business One, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, Infor, Epicor, QAD, Sage and IBM i environments, using APIs, IDocs, files or connectors depending on the system.
How long does an EDI integration project take?
Timelines depend on the number of partners and documents, ERP readiness and partner testing schedules. ECOM provides a project plan after reviewing your requirements.
Can you take over our existing EDI operations?
Yes. ECOM can migrate your EDI to PRISM, support your current platform, or take over day-to-day operations through EDI Team as a Service or fully managed EDI.
Discuss an EDI integration
Tell us which partners, documents and ERP are involved and when you need to be live. An ECOM specialist will outline the approach.