EDI certification and onboarding
Partners certified, onboarded and automated, not just tested
Every new customer, supplier or carrier brings its own specifications, connection details and testing process. ECOM runs certification and onboarding as a defined program, from enrolling the partner to monitoring the first production documents, and onboards each partner with the method it can support, EDI, WebEDI, API or document automation.
What is EDI certification?
EDI certification, in trading partner terms, is the process of confirming that a partner's documents, connection and business scenarios work correctly with yours before production. It typically covers specifications, communication setup, test documents, scenario testing and production readiness. It confirms readiness to trade with a specific organization; it is not a regulatory accreditation.
Outcomes
What you can expect
Faster onboarding of new partners
A defined process, reusable maps and tracking of each partner's progress reduce the time from first contact to production.
Fewer errors after go-live
Scenario testing with realistic documents catches the problems that otherwise appear as rejected documents and chargebacks.
Every partner automated somehow
Partners without EDI systems are onboarded through WebEDI or document automation instead of staying on email and paper.
Approach
How ECOM delivers it
-
Customer-defined scope
You choose the automation methods, document coverage, communication methods and the training and support level your partners receive.
-
Partner enrollment and progress tracking
Partners are enrolled and their certification progress is tracked, with reminders until each step is complete.
-
Specifications and setup
Tailored specifications for your scope, plus secure communication protocols, credentials and test endpoints.
-
Test documents and scenario testing
Sample documents with mapping guidelines, then validation of transactions under real-world conditions.
-
Error handling and troubleshooting
Validation feedback on test documents with expert help to fix the cause.
-
Label certification
GS1-128 carton and pallet labels checked against the ASN data and each retailer's label requirements.
-
Production readiness and go-live
Production setup details, security checks and a coordinated launch.
-
Post-go-live hypercare
Close monitoring with proactive error alerts after go-live.
Onboarding methods
The right automation method for each partner
Certification is only half the job. Once certified, each partner is onboarded with the method that matches its capability.
Compare the four PRISM methods-
End-to-end EDI
Direct integration with your ERP through PRISM-EDI, for partners with EDI systems.
-
WebEDI
Secure, browser-based trading through PRISM-WebEDI, for partners without EDI systems.
-
APIs
API-based connectivity for partners that offer or expect APIs.
-
PDF and email automation
Automated data extraction from emailed or PDF documents through PRISM-SmartConvert.
Document coverage
Typical document sets
You choose which transaction sets are in scope. Common examples by process.
-
Orders and invoices
850 purchase orders, 855 acknowledgments, 856 ship notices and 810 invoices.
-
Forecast to ship
830 planning schedules and 856 ship notices.
-
Warehousing
940 warehouse shipping orders and 945 warehouse shipping advice.
-
Transportation
204 load tenders, 214 shipment status and 210 freight invoices.
Scenarios
Common scenarios
Winning a new retail account
Meet a retailer's EDI and labeling requirements within its onboarding window.
Supplier enablement program
Bring many suppliers onto electronic ordering and invoicing, each by the method it can support.
Carrier additions
Connect new carriers for load tenders, status messages and freight invoices.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to onboard a trading partner?
It depends on the partner's testing process, the number of documents and how much existing work can be reused. ECOM gives an estimate after reviewing the partner's requirements.
Is EDI certification the same as regulatory certification?
No. Trading partner certification confirms that a partner's documents, connection and scenarios work with yours. Regulatory requirements, such as HIPAA, can be included in the scope, but certification is not a regulatory accreditation.
What if a partner cannot implement EDI?
The partner can be onboarded through PRISM-WebEDI in a browser, through APIs, or by sending PDFs and emails that PRISM-SmartConvert converts into structured data.
What do you need from us to start?
Usually the partner's implementation guide or contact, the documents required, and access to sample ERP data for testing.
Can you onboard partners on our existing EDI platform?
Yes. ECOM onboards partners on PRISM or on supported platforms you already run, including IBM Sterling B2B Integrator.
Plan your next partner onboarding
Tell us which partners you need to bring live, the documents involved and your deadline. An ECOM specialist will outline the certification steps and timeline.