8 Best EDI Software in 2023: Top Electronic Data Interchange Tools

Are you looking for the best EDI software for your business?

In this article, we’ll break down the top EDI software solutions on the market to help you make an informed decision. EDI stands for Electronic Data Interchange and refers to a set of standards that are used to transfer data electronically from one system to another.

EDI has been around since the 1960s and is currently used in nearly every industry. It’s important to note that EDI is not software but a set of standards.

As such, it requires an additional service, which is provided by EDI providers. An EDI provider can offer services such as mapping, testing and trading partner integration as part of an EDI solution.

Why use EDI?

The primary benefit of using EDI is that it reduces errors and helps boost productivity. With EDI, data transfers automatically between two computer systems rather than relying on manual input.

This cuts out the need for human interaction, making the process faster and more accurate. It also eliminates the need for costly paper documents, which saves time and money. EDI also helps improve cash flow because electronic invoices get paid sooner than paper invoices do.

 

 

EDI Software – Introduction

EDI Software is a new type of software that is designed to increase the efficiency of your business. It has been created with the goal of providing your company with a way to manage information, allowing you to make better business decisions and improve your operations.

It is important that you understand how this type of software can help you. There are several benefits to using this type of software, including: you can use this software for anything from managing inventory and scheduling appointments to tracking sales and keeping track of customers.

You can also use it for things like marketing and advertising. In short, if you have information that needs to be managed then there is no reason why you should not consider using EDI Software.

The fact that this type of software is so easy to use makes it very popular among companies that need it. Because it is designed specifically for businesses, it is easy to learn how to use and the user interface is very intuitive.

For example, if you have never used any type of ERP or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system before then you should have no problem learning how to use this one as soon as possible.

What is the Best EDI Software?

When it comes to business, efficiency is often the name of the game. But efficiency can mean a few different things—especially in the age of digital transformation.

In fact, digital transformation encompasses a whole host of processes that can help your company become more efficient.

What Does Digital Transformation Mean?

Digital transformation is the process of using technology to improve various business processes. This can mean using advanced software to streamline operations or using new technology to enhance customer experience or communication with customers or vendors.

However you choose to use technology as part of your business model, it’s considered a form of digital transformation. EDI software essentially facilitates modern-day information exchange via electronic means rather than on paper.

1. Cleo Integration Cloud

Cleo Integration Cloud is an all-in-one integration platform that enables businesses to increase agility and flexibility while reducing risk. It provides a single platform with pre-built integrations, connectors, and AI-driven automation, allowing companies to integrate with any application or data source, anywhere and at any time.

Cleo Integration Cloud is built for the enterprise. The platform has exceptional performance for batch processing, high availability (HA), disaster recovery (DR), security, data compliance, and more.

The Cleo Integration Cloud platform includes:

Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) – Start connecting applications in minutes with no coding required using drag-and-drop tools and hundreds of pre-built application connectors.

Managed File Transfer (MFT) – Automate file transfers in the cloud or on prem using secure protocols and encryption.

API Management – Create APIs based on microservices and orchestrate them using an intuitive drag-and-drop workflow designer.

Hybrid integration – Integrate on prem with cloud applications using Cleo’s Hybrid Connector to move data securely between environments.

Data Transformation – Use a graphical user interface to transform data without coding—or use custom code if needed.

Features

1. Connect Data, Applications and People API Management

A single, unified platform for all your APIs. Create, publish, manage and monitor APIs that securely connect the world of apps and data.

2. Centralized Management

Track information on all your APIs in a centralized repository. Manage users and permissions across your organization with custom roles and granular access controls.

3. Secure Your APIs

Cleo Integration Cloud provides you with a secure environment to develop connectors to third-party systems.

The HTTPS protocol is used to transfer data between Cleo Integration Cloud and third-party systems. This protocol has become the standard for establishing an encrypted connection between web servers and clients.

4. Intuitive Design Experience

Drag & drop connectors onto the canvas to build new integrations or map data without coding. Use our extensive library of prebuilt templates & connectors to get started quickly!

Pros

 Cleo Integration Studio: A graphical user interface that simplifies the creation and management of integration Cleo Harmony: An automated, self-service hub that enables business users to connect their applications

Cleo VLTrader: An enterprise-level B2B gateway that provides high-volume data transformation, secure communications and data transfer services over the cloud Cleo VLTrader Gateway.

Managed Services: Secure B2B managed services delivered on Cleo’s private cloud

2. SPS Commerce Fulfillment

Features

 Inventory management

Manage your inventory in real time and keep track of your inventory levels. Know where your stock is, where it’s going to be and when it will arrive.

Order fulfillment

Fulfill orders directly from the cloud — no ERP system needed. Automate manual processes like pick-pack-ship to save time and avoid errors.

Inventory control

Make sure you always have enough stock to meet demand. Integrate with your internal systems and any supply chain partners to make sure you have full visibility into inventory availability.

Order management

Easily manage orders from any channel, across all the sales channels that you use for your business — web, mobile, brick-and-mortar retail, wholesale and more.

3. TrueCommerce EDI

With TrueCommerce EDI solutions, you can:

• Automate data exchange with suppliers, distributors and retailers
• Save time and money on processing orders, invoices and payments
• Reduce errors with automated checks and alerts that flag issues Increase efficiency by eliminating re-keying of data.

4. MuleSoft Anypoint Platform

Anypoint Platform enables companies to unlock their data with APIs, manage the full lifecycle of APIs, and create composable IT across legacy systems. Anypoint Platform, including CloudHub and Mule ESB, is built on proven open-source software for fast and reliable on-premises and cloud integration without vendor lock-in.

Features

The MuleSoft Anypoint Platform™ is a single, unified platform to manage the full API lifecycle from design through management. It provides an easy way to design APIs, build integration applications, and manage your entire API program.

Design, build and publish APIs Anypoint Platform makes it simple for developers to create APIs, which are used by mobile devices and applications, SaaS applications, B2B solutions and more. Design and build APIs visually with Anypoint Studio, a complete IDE based on Eclipse.

Connect to any data source as part of your application flow. Debug your application locally in Anypoint Studio before deploying it to the cloud.

Build integration applications: Create reusable templates for your application logic using the Mule Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) — saving you time and money.

Use MuleSoft’s visual flow designer to quickly build integration applications that connect any combination of SaaS or enterprise applications, whether on-premises or in the cloud. Deploy integrations anywhere Run your app in the cloud with CloudHub™ iPaaS (integration platform as a service).

 

Pros

• Collaborative work- It enables a collaborative work among all the employees in the company. It allows users to share and upload files which makes it easier for them to collaborate and communicate with each other across different departments. It also has a user management feature that lets users easily manage their team’s access and permissions.

 

• Highly customizable- MuleSoft Anypoint Platform provides users with a wide range of tools that can be customized based on the needs of the business. It offers various connectors, templates, and examples that help businesses maximize the use of the platform. This helps users create integration solutions quickly and efficiently.

 

• Productivity improvement -MuleSoft Anypoint Platform helps improve productivity through its various features such as the drag-and-drop functionalities, data mapping, etc. These features make it easier for users to create integration solutions without having to write a lot of codes or scripts.

5. Jitterbit

Jitterbit is a fast and flexible integration platform that accelerates and simplifies the design, implementation, and management of business processes across applications, databases, and web services.

Jitterbit’s visual development environment provides an intuitive approach to integration. Designing integrations is as easy as drawing a flowchart.

The platform’s simple point-and-click interface allows placing source and target systems on a canvas, dragging and dropping pre-built transformations between them, then linking them with connectors that initiate data transfers. nce the visual integration is complete, Jitterbit generates the code automatically.

A single click deploys the project to production. And because it is developed in Eclipse™, Jitterbit users can browse all data objects and code using any Java IDE. Jitterbit offers a number of different products for businesses seeking to develop their Salesforce integration tools.

The company provides a cloud-based platform that allows businesses to connect to other cloud applications, such as Salesforce, Oracle and NetSuite. Jitterbit also has an on-premise solution that is compatible with legacy systems and services.

Businesses can use Jitterbit’s integration solutions to streamline their processes, increase efficiency and save money on IT costs.

Features

SOAP and REST

Jitterbit has a flexible and robust SOAP and REST platform that can connect to nearly any system.

Transformations

Transformation tools make it easy to map and transform data. Powerful transformations can be saved as reusable templates.

API Management

Jitterbit’s cloud integration platform includes an API Manager that makes it easy to create, publish and manage APIs. Data Quality Jitterbit provides a comprehensive set of built-in data quality functions to ensure data is clean before it enters your systems.

Workflow Designer

The Jitterbit Workflow Designer makes it easy for business users to automate complex multi-step processes without writing code.

Pros

Jitterbit is easy to use and easy to configure. Jitterbit has a nice GUI so you don’t need to code if you are not a programmer.

Jitterbit has a cloud agent which allows you to create REST services. The Jitterbit support team is pretty good, they respond to queries quickly.

It’s a pretty straightforward application and if you have basic knowledge of SQL then it’s easy to figure out how things work in Jitterbit.

6. DiCentral EDI & Supply Chain Solutions

DiCentral has developed an easy-to-use and affordable solution that allows companies to quickly connect to any partner or vendor, regardless of trading partner’s size or geographic location. Key benefits: Save money and resources by outsourcing your EDI software, hardware and VAN needs to DiCentral.

Gain access to DiCentral’s network of more than 30,000 pre-configured trading partners worldwide. Easily configure new trading partners in minutes without any programming skills required through our industry exclusive Trading Partner Management (TPM) tool.

Features

• Best-in-class EDI Global network of Trading Partners and Value Added Networks (VANs)
• Superior customer service
• Expertise in Ecommerce, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, hospitality and logistics
• Unmatched ERP/business application integration
• Advanced analytics
• Visibility into global supply chains

Pros

• Eliminate manual data entry
•  Achieve 100% accuracy
• Real-time visibility into the entire order-to-cash process
• Transform data into actionable intelligence

7. GoAnywhere MFT

GoAnywhere MFT is a centralized managed file transfer solution that automates and secures the exchange of data with trading partners, customers, employees, and internal systems. Built on proven, standards-based technology, GoAnywhere MFT delivers a secure method to exchange sensitive data between systems, people, and trading partners.

GoAnywhere MFT includes a rich set of drag-and-drop components that simplify the creation of complex integration scenarios. This award-winning software offers built-in support for protocols such as FTPS (FTP over SSL), SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol), SCP (Secure Copy), OpenPGP encryption/decryption and digital signing, AS2 (Applicability Statement 2) for secure internet communication, HTTP/S for web services integration, and WebDAV for cloud storage.

Features

Automated file transfers – Create workflows to perform scheduled file transfers or automated jobs based on events.

Secure file transfer protocols – Send files securely using SFTP, FTPS, HTTPS and SCP protocols.

FTP/S support – GoAnywhere MFT supports both passive and active modes for direct client-to-server connections as well as proxied and NAT environments.

Web browser interface – GoAnywhere’s web-based interface makes it easy to create projects, manage tasks, monitor jobs and review logs from any computer, tablet or smartphone.

Secure email messaging – Send notifications of failed transfers to administrators along with message attachments for troubleshooting purposes.

SSL Encryption – All communications between GoAnywhere MFT components are encrypted with SSL.

Pros

Flexible Architecture

GoAnywhere MFT is installed on-premise within your datacenter or in the cloud. It can be used to connect with any third-party system, regardless of platform or protocol.

Secure & Compliant

GoAnywhere MFT supports the latest encryption algorithms and security protocols so you can protect your data assets while satisfying compliance requirements.

User-Friendly Interface

The intuitive user interface and task wizards make it simple to design, deploy and run automated processes for file transfers and data transformations.

What is EDI Software?

EDI software is the software used to transmit, receive and store electronic data interchange (EDI) documents. It is a form of business communication, wherein companies electronically exchange business documents in a standard format with trading partners.

EDI allows organizations to streamline their supply chain by eliminating paper-based processes, such as faxing, mailing and scanning. It simplifies the process of exchanging electronic business documents with trading partners and automates many related tasks, including translation and validation of EDI documents and transmission of data to internal applications.

The software integrates with an organization’s existing applications to support e-commerce functions, such as order entry, fulfillment and invoicing EDI software systems are typically offered as on-premises or cloud-based packages.

Companies can also choose between a proprietary solution from their ERP vendor or an option from a third-party vendor that can be integrated with multiple ERP systems. EDI software is a system that helps companies to use the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) standard to electronically send and receive business transactions.

EDI software can help streamline the exchange of data between businesses, replacing old paper-based methods. One of the most popular forms of EDI software is called an EDI translator.

What Features Do You Need in EDI Software?

When it comes to EDI software, there are a few things you have to have. In this article, we’ll be discussing the different types of features that you should look for when choosing your EDI provider.

First, you need to make sure your software is customizable and can work with your business’s existing systems. There are some systems out there that will only work with specific ERP products, or that aren’t able to integrate with other services like Amazon Vendor Central or QuickBooks Online.

These programs aren’t ideal because they won’t be able to support all of your business’s needs. The next thing you need is an EDI solution that can help automate some of the manual processes in your company’s supply chain management system.

This includes things such as inventory management, order fulfillment and invoicing for suppliers and customers alike. If your EDI software doesn’t have these capabilities then you could find yourself spending more time on these tasks than necessary; which isn’t ideal at all!

Another important feature is the ability to handle all types of documents without any issues so that there are no delays in processing orders or payments due to errors on either side of the transaction.

1. EDI Software Features Compatible With EDI Standards

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) software used in businesses today uses many different approaches to handling the exchange of documents between organizations. These approaches vary from a single EDI solution that is installed into an organization’s network, to a cloud-based solution that is accessed over the internet.

EDI software can be a part of an organization’s internal IT software platform, or it can be provided by a third-party service provider. Whatever the approach, some key features must be supported by all EDI software solutions in order to ensure that they are compatible with EDI Standards.

These are some key features to look for when evaluating different EDI software solutions:

1. Compliant with current ANSI and UN/EDIFACT standards

2. Support for multiple EDI document types

3. Support for multiple trading partners

4. Support for multiple protocols

5. Secure communication of data

6. Track and trace of sent and received documents

7. Automated processing of received documents

8. Notification feature for outages or exceptions

9. Automatic retry if delivery fails

10. Automatic generation of functional acknowledgments

11. Automatic resending if no acknowledgement is received

12. Automatic routing of received documents

13. Archival feature

2. EDI Software Features Support For Different EDI Documents

EDI software features provide support for a few of the many different EDI documents. However, their focus is primarily on the EDI 850 Purchase Order (PO), 850 PO Acknowledgment or 850 PO Confirmation and the EDI 810 Invoice.

The EDI 850 Purchase Order is used to place an order with a supplier. The EDI 850 PO Acknowledgment or Confirmation is used by the supplier to confirm receipt of the order.

These documents are used by retailers to place orders with their suppliers and to ensure that the orders have been received and accepted.

EDI software for retail companies commonly includes support for other documents such as the EDI 856 ASN (Advance Ship Notice), which advises a retailer that a shipment has been sent and contains information about what was shipped, when it will arrive, etc.

The EDI 810 Invoice document is used by suppliers to send an invoice to retailers for products shipped. For example, if an electronics retailer places an order with a supplier, they will receive an invoice after they have received their shipment.

As mentioned above, many EDI solutions provide support for only some of these documents or may require additional modules or services to get complete coverage. 

3. EDI Software Features Support all EDI Protocols

EDI Integration– EDI software has the capability to automatically format and deliver transaction data. This feature also allows you to set up custom rules that meet your company’s needs.

Web Portal– This feature allows you to access your company data from anywhere, on any device that connects to the internet. It also allows you to keep track of your transactions.

Document Management– This feature allows you to maintain a database of all your documents, including invoices and purchase orders. You can even set automatic alerts when you receive a new document or file.

Real-time Analytics– This type of software offers real-time analytics and reporting capabilities so you can keep track of your company’s performance at all times.

Automatic Updates– The software is updated regularly to ensure that it provides the latest features and security patches. Supports all EDI Protocols (X12, HIPAA, EDIFACT, EANCOM, ODETTE, VDA).

Native support for all EDI and XML standards; no need for additional translation software Supports secure communication protocols such as AS2, HTTPS and OFTP/OFTP2

4. EDI Software Features EDI Translation and Mapping

EDI translation and mapping is a function of EDI software. It is a feature that allows the user to convert the data from one format to another format for the purpose of communication.

Translation in EDI software refers to converting data of one format into another format. Mapping in EDI software refers to converting data of one format into another format in accordance with a pre-defined mapping rules.

What is EDI translation? EDI translation is the process of converting data from one format to another readable format like HTML, XML, CSV, etc. EDI translation helps organizations to move the EDI files into their own system and process it accordingly.

What is EDI mapping? EDI mapping is the process of converting data from one format to another readable format (like HTML, XML, CSV, etc) by following rules defined during the data mapping.

If you want to convert an 837 file which has detailed information about insurance claim into 835 file which has information about payments and adjustments in insurance claims along with an explanation for each adjustment, then you need to use rules defined during mapping process.

5. EDI Software Features Easy Onboarding Process

EDI software is a digital system that allows customers to interact with their vendors, suppliers, and manufacturers in a way that’s automated and efficient.

This means that EDI software is able to reduce costs and errors for all parties involved, regardless of the size of the company. It’s increasingly common for companies to use this kind of tool to streamline different business processes and optimize their supply chain management.

Nowadays, most companies will use some kind of cloud-based EDI software when they need to organize their data and transactions, but what features should you look out for when picking a tool?

6. EDI Software Features Integration With Third-Party Tools

 EDI software integration with third-party tools is an important aspect of your electronic data interchange software. This is because you probably have other software that you use, such as accounting or CRM (customer relationship management) software.

The last thing you want to do is double the work by inputting your data into different systems, so your EDI software should integrate with those other systems to avoid this. Integration with ERP and Accounting Systems Integration with ERP and accounting systems ensures that all the data entered in your EDI system is reflected automatically in your ERP system, and vice versa.

The best EDI software will have a wide range of integrations, including SAP Business One, Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Sage ERP, among others. Integration with CRM Systems CRM systems can also be integrated with EDI systems to help track customer orders and improve customer service.

A good EDI solution should integrate with popular CRMs like Salesforce, Zoho and Sage CRM to ensure this happens automatically.

7. EDI Software Features Data Analysis

EDI software is dedicated to making the process of exchanging business documents between companies smooth and efficient. EDI features help to streamline operations and make organizations more agile when it comes to business transactions.

The first step in this process is converting data from one format to another. As such, EDI software enables users to convert data from EDI format into a readable, human-friendly format. In some cases, this means exporting the data directly into an Excel spreadsheet or other format.

In other cases, an organization may have a specific set of requirements for their data. They may need it in a custom XML format or in a PDF document. The software could also be used to automatically create a PDF document with the needed information and send it as an email attachment.

Data analysis is another feature that makes EDI software so useful. Many companies need to analyze their data before making any changes to their supply chain or business processes.

EDI Software – Frequently Asked Questions

What is EDI Software?

EDI software is used to create and transmit EDI documents. Some applications are able to handle all the steps, while others only handle one or two of those steps. EDI software can be installed on a desktop computer or accessed via the internet using a web-based SaaS solution.

What is an EDI translator?

The term “EDI Translator” refers to any software that processes EDI documents. Traditionally it referred only to software that translated one format into another format (e.g., ANSI X12 format into XML, PDF, etc.) but it now refers to any software used to process EDI data including map creation tools and other EDI software tools.

How do I get started with EDI?

You will need an AS2-based connection from your computer or server that will send the files securely over the Internet. You’ll also need an FTP site where you can receive the files from your trading partners. If you’re using an in-house solution, you

Best EDI Software – Wrap Up

Picking out a new software offering can be a daunting task. It’s especially true when it could impact your business in a very real way. 

There are many options available, but you need to choose a solution that works for your needs. After all, if you don’t find something that meets your needs today, then it isn’t the right solution for you. The top three solutions from our list are:

SPS Commerce – This is an end-to-end solution which offers many different features for multiple industries. It seems like a great fit for any business that wants to expand their EDI capabilities without having to worry about making their own system work. Think of SPS as more of an EDI package than just the software itself.

CovalentWorks – CovalentWorks is a cloud-based EDI solution which is great for mid-sized businesses in any industry looking to improve their supply chain management processes while keeping costs low and getting started quickly.

TransLution – TransLution is enterprise level accounting software designed specifically to meet the needs of companies operating within complex distribution environments.