Choosing an Electronic Data Interchange system tailored to your organisation’s needs is essential for successful electronic transactions. Whether prioritising protocol flexibility, format compatibility, or data accuracy, businesses should assess their specific requirements and ensure the EDI system aligns with their operational goals.
Poll results
In our most recent LinkedIn poll, we asked our respondents to share what is the most important feature they look for when choosing an electronic data interchange (EDI) system.
When choosing an electronic data interchange (EDI) system, what is the most important feature?
- Data validation
- Supports many formats
- Document workflow resources
- Supports any protocol
Supports any protocol
50% of the respondents highlighted that support for any protocol is the most important feature in an EDI system. Flexibility to communicate using various protocols, such as AS2, FTP, or even PEPPOL, ensures that businesses can seamlessly connect with diverse trading partners. This versatility eliminates compatibility issues, fosters collaboration, and allows organisations to scale their operations efficiently as they onboard new partners.
Supports many formats
The ability to handle multiple data formats is another critical factor, chosen by 40% of participants. Businesses often interact with partners using a variety of file types, such as XML, EDIFACT, or JSON. An EDI system that supports many formats simplifies data integration and ensures smooth exchange between systems, minimising the need for costly manual conversions or specialised tools.
Data validation
While only 10% of respondents selected data validation as the most critical feature, it remains a vital component of any robust EDI system. Data validation ensures that the information being exchanged is accurate, complete, and compliant with pre-defined rules. By catching errors before documents are sent, businesses can avoid costly mistakes, prevent delays, and maintain trust with trading partners.
Document workflow resources
0% of the respondents prioritised document workflow resources as a key feature of an electronic data interchange system. However, these tools can significantly enhance efficiency by automating document handling, enabling real-time tracking, and improving visibility across the supply chain. For businesses seeking to optimise operations, document workflow capabilities could be an underrated advantage.
Learn more about B2BE’s EDI solution.
More information
B2BE’s experience in the supply chain sector allows our customers to build, expand and adapt successfully, enabling greater effectiveness. To engage with B2BE and offer feedback on what matters most to you and your business, make sure to follow us on LinkedIn and across social media. You can also vote in our latest LinkedIn poll. If you’d like to discuss your supply chain strategy, get in touch with us.