As you're probably aware, EDI was created by Standards Bodies (such as ANSI & UN/EDIFACT to name a few) whose charge is the continual change and expansion of the transactions sets we use every day to accommodate the needs of global businesses to do business. The nice thing about Standards (in general) is that they "level the playing field" for any business that needs to send transactional data electronically between their Trading Partners. In essence, this means that whether you're a huge Retailer or small Supplier, the adoption and use of EDI makes you all equal (at least in the ability to communicate - ie: speak the same business language). An EDI Order sent by BigBoxMart is readily received and processed by Bob's Widget's on the PC in his garage. Bottom line, Bob gets the order essentially the same way his "many times larger" competitor does. And that's a good thing.
Now, these days, the "paths" taken by these transactions (as they make their way from the sender to the receiver) are many. Some customers (and their suppliers) have adopted direct connections between them that, one would hope, make economic and operational sense for both parties. Traditionally, EDI documents have been sent and received through "public Value-Added-Networks (VANS), much the same way as our global telephone system works. When you pick up the phone and make a call, you don't question (or care) how many "phone companies" or "paths" the call needs to take, just that the call goes through (I know, I sound like a Verizon ad!).
Much like each party get to pick their own telephone or Internet provider, so too should you be able to choose EDI communications providers. Time, superior service, and attractive pricing will dictate who survives and who doesn't. We support your "right to choose" and will lobby the guy with "the big stick" to see that our position is the right one, which benefits all parties equally.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Data Interchange Standards Association (DISA)
DISA advances the foundation of electronic trade and commerce by supporting and promoting standards used for business-to-business data exchange.
I recommend: http://www.disa.org/
Digital Movers, EDI Outsource Provider
Digital Movers is the premier provider of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) outsourcing services to companies that need to communicate commerce transaction data electronically with their Trading Community.
I recommend: http://www.dmovers.com/
SPS Commerce
SPS Commerce's services provide everything needed to satisfy your trading partners' EDI requirements.
I recommend: http://www.spscommerce.com/
EC/EDI, Ltd.
EC/EDI has a host of outsourced e-commerce solutions and benefits so you remain "in control."
I recommend: http://www.ecediinc.com/
Covalent Works
CovalentWorks is the leading EDI services company for small and medium size companies who want lasting relationships with their large-company EDI partners.
I recommend: http://www.covalentworks.com/
ECbridges
ECbridges provides businesses with software solutions & services. Offerings include process automation, Electronic Data Exchange, data mapping, and application integration. Improve how you collaborate internally and with your customers and suppliers.
I recommend: http://www.ecbridges.com/
COSI
In today's global economy, companies need to exchange information rapidly and securely in order to remain competitive.
I recommend: http://www.cosi-us.com/
Trinary
Since 1985, Trinary Systems has been known as the company with the "Easy Button(R)" for EDI.
I recommend: http://www.trinary.com/
The official source of EDI Standards and Outsourcing is
the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) page at Business.com
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