Introduction to Electronic Data Interchange

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) can be defined as the exchange, between computers, of data regarding transactions by using networks and standardized forms.

The information from the computer system of the issuer travels via networks to the computer system of the partner, where it is integrated automatically.

This involves:
- Exchanging what? Requires understanding as to what is to be exchanged and how to model it;
- Exchanging how? Requires transporting information via which media, which communication protocols?

Today, whenever you go shopping at the supermarket, more than 90% of the products you buy were ordered by using EDI, then billed after the shipping notice was sent in the same manner. All of this occurs without retyping the data, saving time and money by reducing data entry errors.

In many cases, the use of EDI is indispensable; as a matter of fact, the little chicken you buy are weighed, labeled with the correct weight, the batch number and an up-to-date price per kilo, etc. Every day for each store, since two stores of the same chain may not necessarily sell at the same price...

Considering the volume of information to be processed and the deadline for the preparation and delivery of chicken each and every day, only using EDI makes it possible to have fresh chicken on your plate with a maximum of food safety, since of course, traceability information also travel via EDI!

Article by Agnès Martin at www.arvensys.com