--- title: "Best EDI Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing" description: "Find the best EDI Software for your organization. Compare top EDI Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/distribution/edi-comparison/" page_type: "subcategory" language: "en" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / EDI Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best EDI Software of 2026 Updated October 23, 2026 ## EDI FAQs Software Advice advisors had 50 conversations with buyers about EDI software between January 2025 and May 2026. These are the questions that came up most. - How do I choose the right EDI software for my business? Selecting EDI (electronic data interchange) software often comes down to finding a system that can automate order processing, invoicing, and data transfer between computer systems, according to what buyers share during advisor calls. Integration with existing tools and reducing manual steps are top priorities, as buyers frequently mention frustration with systems that require spreadsheets or extra workarounds. Many buyers also weigh pricing and deployment options closely, since high or rising costs and mismatched setups are common challenges. Reviewing whether the platform supports the company’s preferred setup, such as cloud-based or software-as-a-service (SaaS), is a step buyers often mention before making a decision. - What should businesses watch out for when choosing EDI software? When speaking with our advisors, buyers say the biggest things to watch out for with EDI (electronic data interchange) software are missing integration and automation features, along with unexpected or rising costs. Pricing is a frequent concern, especially for small businesses, and many buyers mention that some systems still require manual work or use of spreadsheets to fill gaps. Buyers in the Manufacturing industry make up a large share of interest in this category. Most conversations focus on cloud or software-as-a-service (SaaS) deployment, so checking if the platform matches a business’s preferred setup is important before making a decision. Answer based on 37 advisor calls - What are common complaints about EDI software? Common complaints about EDI (electronic data interchange) software, as shared in advisor calls, include missing integration and automation features that teams expect. Buyers frequently mention high or rising pricing as a friction point. Some also express dissatisfaction with their current tool overall, or note that they still rely on manual or spreadsheet-based processes to fill gaps. Answer based on 23 advisor calls - What should I look for when comparing EDI software options? When comparing EDI (electronic data interchange) software options, advisor-call conversations show that buyers consistently focus on whether the system offers reliable data transfer between computer systems, order processing, and billing or invoicing features. Integration and automation of EDI processes are a priority, as buyers frequently mention challenges with manual or spreadsheet-based workarounds. Many buyers also weigh pricing closely, citing high or increasing costs as a common sticking point. Answer based on 37 advisor calls - How does EDI software handle its core workflows and key processes? EDI (electronic data interchange) software handles its core workflows by moving business documents like orders and invoices directly between computer systems, without manual entry. According to our advisors, buyers most often look for tools that can send and receive purchase orders, process order details, and create or transmit invoices automatically. Buyers frequently mention missing integration or automation as a pain point, especially when teams still rely on spreadsheets or manual steps. High or increasing pricing is another common concern raised in advisor calls as buyers weigh their options. Answer based on 37 advisor calls - How much does EDI software cost? Most EDI (electronic data interchange) software is priced with either a flat monthly fee or a per-user monthly fee, according to buyers we've talked to. Teams paying a flat rate typically see quotes between $300 and $1,150 per month, with the median at $300. For per-user pricing, advisors commonly hear numbers from $150 to $250 per user per month, with a median of $225. Pricing models and totals can differ based on the tool's features and contract terms. Answer based on 12 advisor calls - What features should EDI software include? Key features buyers frequently tell our advisors that they need in EDI software are the ability to transfer data between computer systems, process and manage orders, and handle billing and invoicing tasks. Buyers often look for systems that let users send and receive orders, create and manage invoices, and execute transactions electronically. Answer based on 20 advisor calls - What is EDI software and what does it do? EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) software lets companies send business data electronically between different computer systems. Buyers our advisors talk to describe using EDI tools to process purchase orders, handle billing and invoicing, and exchange information with trading partners without manual entry. The software converts, sends, and receives documents like orders or invoices over electronic channels, which can speed up how businesses communicate and manage transactions. Answer based on 20 advisor calls On this page 1. FrontRunners 2. Popular Comparisons 3. Buyers Guide 4. Frequently Asked Questions 5. Related Software Filter products 250 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 250 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. ### [Cin7 Omni](/retail/cin7-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 602 - Starting price: $349.00/month - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Cin7 Omni is a highly configurable inventory management and order management solution with built-in EDI and integrations to all the popular eCommerce platforms, marketplaces, and [Read more](/retail/cin7-profile/) ##### What users love - Robust inventory control features - User-friendly and intuitive design - Guided onboarding and support ##### To take in mind - Inconsistent customer service quality - Frequent and steep price increases - Slow and limited email assistance #### Features ##### Best rated features - Status Tracking: 5/5 - Alerts/Notifications: 5/5 - Recurring Orders: 5/5 - Catalog Management: 5/5 [See all features](/retail/cin7-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Standard - Price: $349.00/month - Up to 5 Users ##### Pro - Price: $599.00/month - Up to 10 Users ##### Advanced - Price: $999.00/month - Up to 15 Users [See full pricing details](/retail/cin7-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Accolent ERP](/distribution/accolent-erp-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 11 - Starting price: $200.00/year - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Accolent ERP is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) and enterprise resource management (ERM) software suite designed for businesses in wholesale distribution, process [Read more](/distribution/accolent-erp-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Workflow Management: 5/5 - Customer Management: 5/5 - Order Entry: 5/5 - Inventory Optimization: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Customizable Reports: 3/5 [See all features](/distribution/accolent-erp-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $200.00/year - SaaS Subscription [See full pricing details](/distribution/accolent-erp-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Kinetic](/manufacturing/kinetic-profile/) - Overall rating: 3.8/5 - Reviews: 185 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Epicor Kinetic is a cloud-first manufacturing enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for companies that need one platform to connect production, supply chain, finance, service, [Read more](/manufacturing/kinetic-profile/) ##### What users love - Extensive personalization options available ##### To take in mind - Slow and unresponsive support experience #### Features ##### Best rated features - Accounting: 5/5 - Order Tracking: 5/5 - Reporting & Statistics: 5/5 - Change Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Data Import/Export: 1/5 - Import/Export Management: 2/5 [See all features](/manufacturing/kinetic-profile/#key-features) --- ### [DataTrans WebEDI & eCommerce](/product/88306-WebEDI/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 19 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview DataTrans Solutions provides affordable, simple to use, scalable cloud-based EDI software. WebEDI is an all-in-one EDI solution that scales with your company growth by integrating [Read more](/product/88306-WebEDI/) --- ### [Cleo Integration Cloud](/cloud-management/cleo-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 95 - Starting price: $99.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Available #### Overview Cleo Integration Cloud is a platform purpose-built to design, build, operate and optimize critical supply-chain integration processes. With greater choice, companies can blend [Read more](/cloud-management/cleo-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - API: 5/5 - Multiple Data Sources: 5/5 - File Transfer: 5/5 - Exceptions Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Drag & Drop: 1/5 [See all features](/cloud-management/cleo-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Web EDI Portal - Startup - Price: $99.00/month [See full pricing details](/cloud-management/cleo-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [SBSA EDI](/distribution/sbsa-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 16 - Starting price: $25.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview SBSA technology is an EDI cloud based platform that makes possible management of multichannel sales order processing issued by customers, marketplaces, retailers, distributors, and [Read more](/distribution/sbsa-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Database Support: 5/5 - Archiving & Retention: 5/5 - Data Synchronization: 5/5 - Activity Tracking: 5/5 [See all features](/distribution/sbsa-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Starter. - Price: $25.00/month - Plans vary based on number of channels. Please contact us for a free demo and quote. ##### Advanced Business Models. - Price: $55.00/month - Plan based on number of channels, traffic, and additional CRM / ERP integrations. [See full pricing details](/distribution/sbsa-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [eiPlatform](/bi/eiplatform-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 22 - Starting price: $1.00 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview eiPlatform is an enterprise integration platform that uses application server technology and web services to streamline the deployment of internal and external interfaces. It [Read more](/bi/eiplatform-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Data Synchronization: 5/5 - Data Import/Export: 5/5 - Workflow Scheduler: 5/5 - Database Support: 5/5 [See all features](/bi/eiplatform-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $1.00 [See full pricing details](/bi/eiplatform-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [eZCom EDI](/product/186151-eZCom/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 35 - Starting price: $75.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Lingo EDI is a cloud-based electronic data interchange system which assists suppliers and retailers with order processing and database support. Its key features include document [Read more](/product/186151-eZCom/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Data Transformation: 4.5/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 4.5/5 - Alerts/Notifications: 4.5/5 - Exceptions Management: 4.5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Database Support: 4/5 [See all features](/product/186151-eZCom/#key-features) --- ### [Conexiom](/robotic-process-automation/conexiom-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 44 - Starting price: $1.00/year - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Sales Order Automation: Alleviate the order processing queue and errors to deliver more perfect orders on time and in full. Liberate service staff and sales reps to focus on [Read more](/robotic-process-automation/conexiom-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Multiple Format Support: 5/5 - Order Tracking: 5/5 - Sales Order Management: 5/5 - Data Capture and Transfer: 4.8/5 ##### Worst rated features - Customer Database: 4/5 [See all features](/robotic-process-automation/conexiom-profile/#key-features) --- ### [N41](/inventory-management/n41-apparel-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 12 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview N41 is an all-in-one solution to manage all points of your operation. Seamless integrated modules shape to your brand needs such as e-commerce, tradeshow iPod Order Entry, and EDI. [Read more](/inventory-management/n41-apparel-profile/) --- ### [EDI Power Reader](/distribution/edi-power-reader-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 57 - Starting price: $2,857.00/year - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview EDI Power Reader is an on-premise solution designed to help businesses in the healthcare sector securely access electronic data interchange (EDI) files on a unified platform. It [Read more](/distribution/edi-power-reader-profile/) #### Pricing ##### PR100 Single Format - Price: $2,857.00/year - The plan allows for installation on up to 5 individual workstations within the organization/facility ##### PR200 Multi Format - Price: $5,775.00/year - The plan allows for installation on up to 5 individual workstations within the organization/facility ##### PR300 Enterprise - Price: $10,950.00 - The plan allows for unlimited users, within your organization/facility. [See full pricing details](/distribution/edi-power-reader-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Ai2000](/distribution/a2000-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 17 - Starting price: $200.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Ai2000 Apparel Management Software is the best ERP for your fashion business of design, manufacturing, inventory, warehouse, and B2B. An easy-to-use system configurable to your [Read more](/distribution/a2000-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Accounting: 5/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 5/5 - File Transfer: 5/5 - Manufacturing Planning: 5/5 [See all features](/distribution/a2000-profile/#key-features) --- ### [1 EDI Source](/bi/edi-hq-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 89 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview 1 EDI Source, an Epicor company, is a leading provider of electronic data interchange (EDI) solutions designed to streamline supply chain operations and drive efficiency. With a [Read more](/bi/edi-hq-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Recurring Orders: 5/5 - Backorder Management: 5/5 - Exceptions Management: 5/5 - AS2 Capability: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - ERP integration: 3/5 - Data Aggregation and Publishing: 3/5 - Real-Time Data: 3.6/5 [See all features](/bi/edi-hq-profile/#key-features) --- ### [MuleSoft Anypoint Platform](/iot/anypoint-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 575 - Best for: Enterprise businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview MuleSoft Anypoint Platform is an enterprise integration solution that helps financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail businesses connect applications, data, and [Read more](/iot/anypoint-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - For Developers: 5/5 - Data Modeling: 5/5 - No-Code: 5/5 - Point of Sale (POS): 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Mobile Access: 1/5 - Connectivity Management: 3/5 - eCommerce Management: 3.5/5 - ETL: 3.7/5 [See all features](/iot/anypoint-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Anypoint Integration Starter - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - Core features to get started with APIs and integrations. ##### Anypoint Integration Advanced - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - Advanced features to support deploying integrations across the enterprise. ##### API Management Solution - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - Comprehensive tools for API Management. Integration package can be added. [See full pricing details](/iot/anypoint-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Boomi](/bi/dell-boomi-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 274 - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Boomi is the world’s most popular, independent, cloud-native integration and automation platform. Boomi simplifies digital landscapes, so it’s easier to streamline customer [Read more](/bi/dell-boomi-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Mobile Access: 5/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 - Data Connectors: 5/5 - Real-Time Updates: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Real-Time Data: 4/5 - Accounting Integration: 4/5 [See all features](/bi/dell-boomi-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Boomi - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - Boomi is free for first the 30 days ##### Professional - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request ##### Pro Plus - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/bi/dell-boomi-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [ZEDI](/distribution/zedi-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 3 - Starting price: $125.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview ZEDI is a cloud-based EDI system that supports a wide variety of file formats and communications methods. Its main strengths lie in its performance and various processing actions [Read more](/distribution/zedi-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Alerts/Notifications: 5/5 - AS2 Capability: 5/5 - Data Transformation: 5/5 - Database Support: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Exceptions Management: 4/5 [See all features](/distribution/zedi-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Transalis EDI](/distribution/transalis-edi-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 12 - Starting price: £41.25/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Transalis EDI is a solution that enables organizations of any size to integrate electronic data interchange (EDI) processes into existing business systems. It can create, transmit, [Read more](/distribution/transalis-edi-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Multiple Format Support: 5/5 - Archiving & Retention: 4.8/5 - Data Transformation: 4.7/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 4.7/5 ##### Worst rated features - Document Management: 3/5 - Automated Scheduling: 3/5 [See all features](/distribution/transalis-edi-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: £41.25/month - With eDI Instant, you can digitise the exchange of orders and invoices for just £495 per annum. The [See full pricing details](/distribution/transalis-edi-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Celigo Integrator.io](/ipaas/celigo-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 63 - Starting price: $0.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Celigo Integrator.io is a cloud-based app integration platform. It helps businesses automate business processes from a unified platform. Its products include integrator.io, [Read more](/ipaas/celigo-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Pre-built Connectors: 4.6/5 - Workflow Scheduler: 4.5/5 - Database Support: 4.5/5 - Dashboard: 4.4/5 ##### Worst rated features - Exceptions Management: 3/5 - ETL: 3.5/5 - Data Extraction: 3.9/5 - Data Management: 3.9/5 [See all features](/ipaas/celigo-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $0.00/month [See full pricing details](/ipaas/celigo-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [VS1 Cloud](/product/426544-Vs1-Cloud/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 1 - Starting price: $17.50/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Designed for businesses of all sizes, VS1 Cloud is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform that helps streamline human resources, manufacturing, point of sale and other [Read more](/product/426544-Vs1-Cloud/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Financial Management: 5/5 - Integrated Business Operations: 5/5 [See all features](/product/426544-Vs1-Cloud/#key-features) --- ### [SalesPad](/distribution/salespad-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 132 - Starting price: $65.00 - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview SalesPad by Cavallo®: The World’s Best Distribution Software for Microsoft Dynamics GP When it comes to the needs of distributors, most systems come up short. Employees rarely [Read more](/distribution/salespad-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Purchasing & Receiving: 5/5 - Warehouse Management: 5/5 - Sales Tax Management: 5/5 - Order Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Item Management: 4/5 - Product Identification: 4/5 [See all features](/distribution/salespad-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Commport's Integrated EDI](/distribution/commports-integrated-edi-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 14 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Commport' Integrated EDI is an electronic data interchange solution that helps businesses improve procure-to-pay cycles, purchase order delivery, order fulfillment rates, inventory [Read more](/distribution/commports-integrated-edi-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - File Transfer: 5/5 - Data Mapping: 5/5 - Order Entry: 5/5 - Alerts/Notifications: 4.7/5 ##### Worst rated features - Archiving & Retention: 4/5 [See all features](/distribution/commports-integrated-edi-profile/#key-features) --- ### [iR*EDI](/distribution/ir-edi-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 26 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview iR*EDI is an electronic data interchange (EDI) platform that helps businesses electronically exchange business documents such as purchase orders (PO), invoices and advance ship [Read more](/distribution/ir-edi-profile/) --- ### [TrueCommerce EDI Solutions](/scm/truecommerce-edi-solutions-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 537 - Starting price: $19.95/month - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview About TrueCommerce EDI Solutions TrueCommerce EDI Solutions is a cloud-based distribution platform that helps businesses automate the entire lifecycle of electronic data [Read more](/scm/truecommerce-edi-solutions-profile/) ##### What users love - Responsive and knowledgeable support team - User-friendly and intuitive interface - Easy onboarding and training process ##### To take in mind - Expensive and unpredictable fees #### Features ##### Best rated features - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 - Order Management: 5/5 - Communication Management: 5/5 - Shipping Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Workflow Scheduler: 2.3/5 - EDI: 2.4/5 - Reporting/Analytics: 2.8/5 [See all features](/scm/truecommerce-edi-solutions-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $19.95/month ##### Custom Pricing - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/scm/truecommerce-edi-solutions-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Etail Vantage Platform](/bi/etail-vantage-platform-profile/) - Overall rating: 1.5/5 - Reviews: 2 - Starting price: $495.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Etail Solutions is a leading commerce integration platform, solving some of ecommerce’s most complex integration and automation problems for brands, 3PLs and large resellers since [Read more](/bi/etail-vantage-platform-profile/) --- ### [Descartes Sellercloud](/crm/sellercloud-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 33 - Starting price: $1,349.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Descartes Sellercloud™ is built for ecommerce teams that have outgrown basic tools and now need stronger control and better visibility across multiple sales channels. It’s a strong [Read more](/crm/sellercloud-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Data Import/Export: 5/5 - Content Management: 5/5 - Shopping Cart: 5/5 - Forecasting: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Marketplace Integration: 1.5/5 - Multi-Channel Marketing: 3/5 - Mobile Commerce: 3/5 - Alerts/Notifications: 3/5 [See all features](/crm/sellercloud-profile/#key-features) --- 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/distribution/edi-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/distribution/edi-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/distribution/edi-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/distribution/edi-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=5) ... [10](https://www.softwareadvice.com/distribution/edi-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=10) ## Popular Comparisons [ Salesforce Platform vs MuleSoft Anypoint Platform ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/iot/anypoint-profile/vs/salesforce-platform/)[ SPS Commerce vs TrueCommerce EDI Solutions ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/sps-commerce-profile/vs/truecommerce-edi-solutions/)[ 1 EDI Source vs Cleo Integration Cloud ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/cloud-management/cleo-profile/vs/edi-hq/)[ Boomi vs Jitterbit ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/dell-boomi-profile/vs/jitterbit/) ## Your Guide to Top EDI Software, April 2021 Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated EDI products in North America. [Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/) #### Explore FrontRunners - [ConnectPointz](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/connectpointz-profile/) “Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use. “Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money. Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication. When researching [enterprise](https://www.softwareadvice.com/erp/), [supply chain](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/), [warehouse](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/warehouse-management-system-comparison/) or any other business software, you've probably come across the acronym EDI once or twice. It stands for electronic data interchange, and it's a pretty valuable piece of stand-alone or integrated technology for businesses that require a lot of document sharing between outside organizations. In this Buyer's Guide, we'll go over exactly what this technology can do for you in the following sections: [What Is Electronic Data Interchange?](#WhatIsElectronicDataInterchange) [Common Functionality of EDI Systems](#CommonFunctionalityofEDISystems) [Top Benefits of EDI Software](#TopBenefitsofEDISoftware) [Key Takeaways for Buyers](#KeyTakeawaysforBuyers) ## What Is Electronic Data Interchange? **Electronic data interchange (EDI) is a process by which businesses can transfer or trade documents in specific, standardized formats, from computer to computer. It's most often used by business partners, but the specialized formats enable companies to transfer data safely to and from outside sources as well.** _EDI orchestration within_ [Enterprise WMS Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/scm/enterprise-wms-profile/) The kind of documents typically shared via EDI software include things such as: - Purchase orders - Invoices - Payment documents - Shipment notifications - Bills of lading - Inventory Essentially, any document containing information pertinent to the business transaction at hand can be shared through electronic data interchange systems from one computer to another. This technology eliminates the need for other, less reliable document transfer services such as postal mail, fax or even email. EDI systems completely automate the process of sharing documents to reduce human error and speed up business processes dramatically. What makes EDI reliable is the standardization of document formatting. That is, all information must be input in universal ways to ensure computers can understand and interpret the data. For example, dates must all appear as mm/dd/yy, and percentages must all be written out to the .01 decimal. There are a number of different EDI standards available to businesses today, so it's imperative that any companies attempting to exchange documents this way agree on which version to use _beforehand_ to prevent confusion. Businesses also have the option to use in-house EDI translators, a feature of EDI software we'll cover in the next section. ## Common Functionality of EDI Systems On the surface, it may not seem like EDI software does very much, but, while it's true that the focus of this technology is fairly narrow, the amount of work that goes into transferring documents this way is not small. Here are a few of the functions EDI systems typically perform: | Feature | Description | | --- | --- | | EDI translation | Takes the formatted EDI data and translates it into English (or whatever language the system user specifies) so that humans can read it. | | EDI mapping | Helps users format EDI transactions and share data across other business areas, such as your accounting department or any other ERP module. | | Security | EDI systems ensure all data transmitted between users is secure either through encrypted data, secure networks or both. | | ERP integration | For stand-alone EDI systems, integration with existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) or supply chain management (SCM) software is essential. Without connecting your EDI system to your other business software, you'd have to assume manual control over document formatting and data exchange that would defeat the purpose of EDI software. | | Onboarding | Many EDI systems come with templates and training modules to make adding partners a much smoother process. | --- ## Top Benefits of EDI Software EDI is already a widely adopted and integrated technology in most distribution organizations, and the benefits are numerous. They include: **Saving money.** EDI software can reduce the required budget for physical document transfer and storage, such as paper, ink, envelopes, stamps and filing space, as well as the cost of manually completing these document transfers and business processes. **Increasing speed.** By automating document transfers, users no longer have to wait for humans to find time to format and mail anything. Additionally, computer to computer data sharing takes place on a much faster timeline than the postal service, so information can be made available to business partners almost immediately. **Reducing errors.** Human error costs money and slows things down, but EDI software can fix both of those issues by eliminating the need for human input in the document sharing process. Also, by formatting data according to previously agreed upon standards, there's much less opportunity for factors such as sloppy handwriting to interfere with business processes. **Improving efficiency.** By taking document transfer off your employees' plates, EDI software frees them up to handle other business processes that need attention. Similarly, the reduction in error and increase in accuracy means no more having to do things over, saving you and your workers time. Also, increasing the speed at which these processes are completed can have major impacts on inventory levels and your ability to meet your customers' needs faster. ## Key Takeaways for Buyers When searching for an EDI system that will meet your business needs, it's important to consider the many different ways this technology has been made available to users. They include: - **Direct EDI (also known as point-to-point).** Creates a single data-sharing connection between two businesses. - **Web-based EDI.** Using an internet browser such as Google Chrome or Firefox, companies can fill out standardized forms with the data they want to share. This is an appealing option for small or midsize businesses (SMBs) that don't have the budget for self-contained EDI software other companies might. - **Mobile EDI.** Using applications designed for mobile devices, users can transfer data from anywhere at anytime. There are security concerns with this option, but as it grows in use, these concerns are likely to be addressed. - **Outsourced EDI.** Companies can trust a third-party EDI organization to handle all their electronic data exchanges. - **EDI software.** Often the best option for distribution organizations that have to transfer data frequently and require a certain level of security when doing so. In addition to the many EDI system options to consider, buyers should be aware of some common issues with the implementation of EDI software. Two of the most common are: - **The transition.** You need to have a company-wide plan in place for switching over business processes from manual, paper-based document sharing to EDI. Without proper training and strict adherence to the new protocol, the transition can get messy. - **The budget.** It's important to be aware of any and all costs—including any related to the EDI service itself, required hardware, maintenance and/or the implementation of this new system. If at any point in your search for an EDI system you decide you need a hand, you can always reach out to our software advisors for a 15-minute consultation over the phone at (844) 687-6771. We'll help match you with several EDI software providers that suit your unique needs so you can spend less time Googling and more time concentrating on your business. ### Related EDI Software - [Banking Systems Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/banking-systems/) - [Integration Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/data-integration-tools-comparison/)