Essentially there are three types of EDI solutions: EDI software, web-based EDI and EDI service bureaus. EDI software resides directly on a computer that your company owns and offers the highest level of flexibility and control. EDI software also allows you to possibly INTEGRATE with back office systems, thus IMPROVING business process efficiency. EDI documents are exchanged directly between your EDI software and your business partner’s EDI software. This ‘point to point’ method of communication allows for minimal delays and reduced errors and a SECURE method of interacting with business partners. Since the software for web-EDI resides on the Internet, using it requires some TYPE of internet connection. Web based EDI is an interactive process and requires manual ENTRY of your EDI information.

This method provides little opportunity for integration and lessens the control you have over the day to day operations. Since data with a web-based EDI system is interactive, customization of the EDI process is very limited. EDI service bureaus act as EDI contractors performing your EDI operations, they will typically use some form of pay as you go method. An EDI service bureau provides the least control over your day to day operations and the smallest opportunity for data integration with your business systems.

Essentially there are three types of EDI solutions: EDI software, web-based EDI and EDI service bureaus. EDI software resides directly on a computer that your company owns and offers the highest level of flexibility and control. EDI software also allows you to possibly integrate with back office systems, thus improving business process efficiency. EDI documents are exchanged directly between your EDI software and your business partner’s EDI software. This ‘point to point’ method of communication allows for minimal delays and reduced errors and a secure method of interacting with business partners. Since the software for web-EDI resides on the Internet, using it requires some type of internet connection. Web based EDI is an interactive process and requires manual entry of your EDI information.

This method provides little opportunity for integration and lessens the control you have over the day to day operations. Since data with a web-based EDI system is interactive, customization of the EDI process is very limited. EDI service bureaus act as EDI contractors performing your EDI operations, they will typically use some form of pay as you go method. An EDI service bureau provides the least control over your day to day operations and the smallest opportunity for data integration with your business systems.