EDI is simply the process of exchanging data between computers or computer networks. The most common usage of an EDI system is for daily communication of business documents between users inside a company and with external suppliers or customers. Exchange protocols are managed by EDI software or an EDI software solution.
This article will review the top 20 Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) software solutions to help companies compare them.
However, before launching into our list, let’s go over what EDI software does and how it’s used, review the growth in demand for EDI software tools, and take a brief tour of the most-needed features of EDI software solutions.
What EDI Software Does
EDI software provides project planning electronic data interchange software and document mapping tools to automate data transfers and optimize data for transfer.
It converts files into prescribed formats or provides format templates for data transfers. EDI software eliminates much of the need for emailing, faxing, or sending by postal mail.
Often used in conjunction with a data integration platform, EDI collects data from multiple sources, either onsite or in the cloud, and offers many benefits.
Why Use EDI Software
1) Increase ROI
EDI helps you increase ROI by increasing the speed of the order-to-cash process, optimizing inventory turnover rates, and more.
2) Reduce cost
EDI reduces the cost of exchanging documents and files.
3) Reduce dependencies.
EDI reduces value-added network (VAN) dependencies.
4) Enhance workflow and streamline processes.
EDI improves data workflow and streamlines business processes.
5) Improve visibility.
Through electronic reporting, EDI enhances the ability to monitor, display, and analyze data.
6) Reduce human error.
Automated and paperless, EDI reduces human/manual errors.
7) Strengthen relationships.
Smooth data transfer strengthens your relationships with both vendors and customers.
EDI Software Market Growth
According to the most recent market analysis by Fortune Business Insights, the global EDI market reached $1.6 billion (USD) in 2019.
It is projected to grow to $3.5 billion by 2027, with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7%.
In North America, the EDI market reached $896.4 million in 2019 and is expected to grow at a similar rate.
Factors driving growth in the local EDI provider market include the following:
- Increasing adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies
- Rising demand for cloud-based EDI solutions
- Expansion of the logistics industry
- Ease of information exchange between small and large organizations
- High demand for EDI software in healthcare amid COVID-19
- Rapid growth of e-commerce in the Asia Pacific
By industry, the highest EDI software market share is held by Logistics, followed in order by Retail, High-Tech and Manufacturing, Financial Services, Healthcare, Automotive, and then all others.
Logistics will maintain the highest market share through at least 2027, with significant retail and healthcare growth.
EDI Software Features
Before investing in an EDI software solution, companies must compare features to make sure they choose the best EDI software price provider for their business needs.
Some of the most desired features for EDI software solutions include:
Standards compatibility
You will want to choose a compatible platform with all available document and format standards and variations. Common EDI standards are the US-based ANSI ASC X12, EDIFACT, PEPPOL, RosettaNet, Tradacoms, etc.
Documents support
Initially introduced for exchanging invoices and payments, EDI has since moved into nearly all business sections.
Today. EDI translation software is commonly used for acknowledgments, quotation requests, shipment orders, remittance advice, etc. You want to choose an EDI software solution that can handle all forms of documents.
Protocols compatibility
Computer protocols are like human language. They allow computer systems to communicate with each other.
For smooth data exchange, computer systems need to use the same protocol. Standard EDI protocols are FTP, SFTP, FTPS, HTTP, OFTP, etc. You want to choose an EDI software solution compatible with any protocol.
This is especially important if you are a small business, as it will help you achieve maximum outreach.
Translation and mapping
Automated document mapping and translation capabilities are essential to change data from one format to another.
You want to choose an EDI software solution with these for a streamlined, hassle-free workflow.
Onboarding
To grow and expand, companies need to onboard their trading partners quickly. Pre-defined data transfer templates are one of the primary factors to look for.
You want to choose an EDI provider with an easy onboarding process.
Third-party integration
EDI needs to incorporate accounts, supply chain management, warehouse management systems (WMS), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) into a single dashboard.
This simplifies management and lets you integrate with multiple trading partners. You want to choose an EDI software solution that integrates across all digital devices and applications.
Analyzing data
To plan and manage their business, companies need real-time data analysis and the ability to manage all aspects of their supply chain.
You want to choose an EDI software solution that allows you to customize the information you’re working with.
Top 20 Best EDI Providers
Before investing in an EDI software solution, review features and specifications carefully to select the one which most closely aligns with the needs of your business.
No EDI software solution fits all.
Fortunately, there are plenty of platforms to choose from.
Following are the 20 most popular EDI service providers (presented alphabetically below) on which to provide you with an overview and links for further consideration.
Babelway
Babelway claims to have simplified EDI to the extent that you don’t need an IT expert to set it up or operate it.
The platform supports all B2B connection standards, allowing new connections with just a few clicks.
Users can transform documents from and to any format, choosing from numerous file format technologies and an extensive catalog of transaction types.
The platform provides complete visibility over B2B exchanges to internal users and external partners when you prefer. Users can apply any operation or logic to their exchange data to solve any integration challenge.
Babelway uses machine learning to make mappings easier. The drag-and-drop editor was already a huge step forward, but with machine learning, it is faster and more accessible.
Supported exchange protocols include Amazon, AS2, Chorus Pro, CSV, Dropbox, Edifact, email, Excel, flat file, FTP, HTTP, iDoc, Json, Odette, OFTP, PDF, Peppol, RosettaNet, SAP, SFTP, Tradacoms, UBL, VAN, X12, X400, XML, AS$, and SQL.
Babelway is a product of Tradeshift Belgium, SA, headquartered in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, with sales offices in San Francisco, CA.
Boomi AtomSphere
With more than 18,000 customers and 43,000 certified users across all industries, Boomi invented the integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS).
Their low-code integration platform is multi-tenant, single instance EDI.
Cloud-based Boomi AtomSphere provides agility, flexibility, design patterns, scalability, built-in redundancy, high availability, and automatic upgrades.
The platform features a growing library of application and technology integrators and pre-built starter processes to get started quickly. Integrations can be deployed behind the firewall or in a private or public cloud. All business functions together are centrally managed with a cloud-hosted dashboard.
Boomi uses AI machine learning to discover, catalog, and analyze data at scale.
Boomi has been ranked by the Gartner Magic Quadrant™ report as a leader in the EDI field for eight years running. The company is headquartered in Chesterbrook, PA.
Cleo Integration Cloud
Cleo offers the Cleo Integration Cloud (CIC) integration platform. CIC combines end-to-end visibility for API, EDI, and non-EDI integrations. The six components of CIC include:
» CIC Cockpit (real-time integrations dashboard)
» CIC Engine/Protocol (end-to-end B2B and application dataflows)
» CIC Engine/Integration (orchestrate data transformations)
» CIC Agent (extend connectivity and visibility)
» CIC Studio (self-service design and build integrations)
» CIC Library (prebuilt integrations, templates, and profiles)
Companies using CIC can choose self-service, managed services, or a hybrid. This provides users with complete control over B2B integration strategies and flexibility.
Users of all kinds (technical and business alike) can rapidly onboard trading partners, enable application integration, and accelerate business processes that generate revenue.
Headquartered in Rockford, IL, Cleo Communications LLC has over 4,000 direct customers worldwide.
ConnectPointz
ConnectPointz provides EDI integration tools to automate and streamline business processes for online brands and manufacturers, linking supply-side vendors and sales-side retailers.
The platform offers direct automation with Quickbooks, SAP, Netsuite, Microsoft Dynamics, Acumatica, Sage, and most other ERP and accounting software platforms. Their EDI solution works with every data format and can integrate with essentially any platform.
ConnectPointz counts Amazon, Costco, FedEx, Kroger, Office Depot, Salesforce, Target, UPS, the US Postal Service, Walmart, and Wayfair among its retail partners and processes over $1.25 billion in order value annually. The company is headquartered in Fair Lawn, NJ.
DiCentral EDI
Acquired by TrueCommerce in 2021, DiCentral EDI currently remains an individual product. Their suite of supply chain applications is classified between supplier and buyer solutions.
Supplier Solutions include EDI Enablement and Fulfillment. Features include outsourcing and integrating EDI, managing and enabling dropship, driving business rules and exceptions, and integrating with financial institutions.
Solutions include Web EDI, 3PL and carrier solutions, supply chain solutions, and locally installed EDI. Information can be filtered by specific roles and preferences.
Buyer solutions include most of the above features and the ability to test and enable the user’s trading community. The global headquarters for DiCentral is in Houston, TX.
1EDISource
Produced by 1EDISource, now a division of Epicor, EDI Headquarters (EDI/HQ) claims to be the only EDI software package in the industry that automatically sets up and configures the user’s trading and business partners together.
The user can confirm and start manual data entry flow for new partners with one click. The scalable platform enables the user company to receive, send, and integrate EDI data seamlessly and self-sufficiently.
1EDISource was founded in the late 1980s by pioneers in the EDI industry. Like its parent company, Epicor, 1EDISource is headquartered in Austin, TX.
Epicor ManagedXchange (MX)
Epicor MX EDI is a powerful solution that can be either stand-alone or integrated with the user’s ERP solution.
With more than 50,000 pre-mapped trading partners, EDI compliance is simple. Mapping is continuously updated to help users avoid fees and chargebacks.
Data can be mined and assessed from orders, inventory, and other business trends, allowing the identification of potential errors and trends, and opportunities. Transactions can be viewed in chat.
Epicor specializes in working with the automotive, building supply, distribution, manufacturing, and retail industries. The company is headquartered in Austin, TX.
GoAnywhere MFT
GoAnywhere MFT is a managed file transfer solution that provides a safe, audited method for automated data transfer processes.
This EDI software supports FTP, FTPS, and SCP protocols and integrates with trading partners via secure FTP and AS2. EDIFACT, X12, and XML files can be translated and moved between locations using the customizable browser-based dashboard.
GoAnywhere MFT integrates with applications such as Dropbox, Microsoft Dynamics, SharePoint, Salesforce, and Trello with out-of-the-box cloud connectors. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, the company has more than 20,000 customers worldwide.
IBM Sterling Supply Chain Business Network
Gartner estimates that by 2023, more than 50% of B2B transactions will be performed through real-time application programming interfaces (APIs).
Boasting an average three-year return on investment (ROI) of 335%, the IBM Sterling Supply Chain Business Network combines API capabilities with EDI integration.
The scalable IBM Sterling Supply Chain Business Network helps orchestrate supply chain processes and partner collaboration on a single cloud-based platform.
The platform has over 800,000 pre-connected trading partners exchanging billions of EDI documents globally. IBM is headquartered in Armonk, NY.
Jitterbit Harmony
With more than 3,000 companies using its platform, Jitterbit Harmony combines APIs, integration, and artificial intelligence into one seamless API integration platform.
Fifty percent of customers implement the platform independently, and 95 percent realize ROI in less than ten months. The Gartner Magic Quadrant™ report has ranked jitterbug Boomi as a leader in Enterprise iPaaS.
Standard features include a citizen integrator, studio visual designer, management console, connector builder, cloud agents, and private agents.
Available add-ons include EDI, custom API creation, open API documentation, developer portal creation, monitoring and agents, logging and debugging, and analytics. Founded in 2003, the company is headquartered in Alameda, CA.
Jscape Active MFT
JSCAPE Active MFT secures and manages file transfers across thousands of users and multiple operating systems and file transfer protocols.
Bottlenecks and disruptions are prevented through a dynamic, high-availability architecture. The platform can be deployed in the cloud, on-premises, or as a hybrid of the two.
Capabilities include easily sharing files internally and externally, automating file transfers with built-in workflows, receiving files using multiple protocols, and managing file transfer clients.
The system can be administered from anywhere using a zero-install web client. Now part of Redwood Software, Jscape is an EDI provider headquartered in Eugene, OR.
MuleSoft Anypoint Platform
MuleSoft Anypoint Platform lets users incorporate reusable assets to build APIs and integrations with simple clicks or code.
Enterprise integrations can be automatically secured with prebuilt and custom policies. Complete lifecycle API management and enterprise integration governance allow the user to assess the health of the application network.
Prebuilt APIs, connectors, templates, accelerators, and other integration assets let the user jumpstart development.
MuleSoft is considered a leader in Full Life Cycle API Management and Enterprise iPaaS. The platform can be run in the cloud, on-premises, or containerized environments. A division of Salesforce, MuleSoft, is headquartered in San Francisco, CA.
OpenText Business Network Cloud
OpenText Hybrid Integration allows users to migrate to cloud-based integration step-by-step. They can choose only the integration tools necessary to connect with internal systems or external trading partners.
Users can retain control of the integration environment or rely on a wide range of experts, technologies, and best practices to optimize performance.
An extensive suite of API connectors integrates information flows between applications or external partners. OpenText is headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
PartnerLinQ
PartnerLinQ integrates seamlessly with legacy and cloud-based systems to deliver enhanced customer experience, agility, and better business outcomes.
Key capabilities include easy deployment, parallel and batch processing, scheduling, and multi-user support.
PartnerLinQ supports various data formats and transport protocols and includes a built-in AS2 solution for cost-effective B2B communication. Its Business Rule Manager ensures frictionless partner onboarding. The company is headquartered in Cranbury, NJ.
Progress MOVEit
Progress MOVEit provides secure collaboration, automated file transfers of sensitive data, and advanced workflow automation capabilities without scripting.
Activity tracking and encryption enable compliance with regulations, including HIPAA, PCI, and GDPR.
With MOVEit’s fully auditable and managed secure file transfer and solution, users can reduce the risk of data loss and non-compliance. Progress Software’s global headquarters is located in Bedford, MA.
Rocket B2B Supply Chain Integration
Rocket MFT, EDI document, and collaboration solutions provide automated processing, tracking, and audit trail tools that integrate seamlessly with standard enterprise file systems and PLM and PDM systems.
Collaborative design projects and decision-making reduce overhead and shorten the time to market.
A cloud system, the Rocket platform does not require complex implementation. Data is encrypted and decrypted automatically before and after transfer.
Document revision control and revision history are easy to enforce and track. Rocket Software is headquartered in Waltham, MA.
Seeburger BIS
Seeburger Business Integration Suite (BIS) is a hybrid integration platform for total life cycle API management and integration requirements. The platform includes the following six modules:
» Seeburger MFT. Secure data transmission between people or systems.
» Seeburger API/EAI. Real-time connection of applications and cloud web services together.
» Seeburger B2B/EDI. Controlled, industry-standard exchange of documents.
» Seeburger IoT/Industry 4.0. Equipment, systems, and devices integration into business processes.
» Seeburger E-Invoicing. Country-specific, predefined regulations, compliance, reporting, and more.
» Seeburger ERP/SAP. Seamless connection to any ERP system and agile SAP integration.
BIS customers can determine the operating model that works best for them – on-premises as inhouse operation, in the Seeburger cloud, or public cloud environments such as AWS, Azure, etc. With over 10,000 customers worldwide, Seeburger’s global headquarters are in Bretten, Germany.
Software AG
Named a Leader in Enterprise iPaaS by Forrester in 2021, Software AG’s platform provides API management, application integration, B2B integration, mainframe integration, managed and batch file transfer automation, and microservice capabilities.
With these tools, users can simplify digital transformation, innovate more quickly, and modernize their processes for agility.
Software AG’s platform-enabled ecosystem offers hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructure, agile DevOps, and continuous delivery. With over 4,800 employees across 70 countries, the company is headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany.
SPS Commerce Fulfillment
The SPS Commerce Fulfillment EDI solution enhances automation, speeds up processes, and improves data analysis.
The platform integrates with any system and software and includes pre-built EDI maps automated into your system of record.
An end-to-end EDI solution, SPS Commerce Fulfillment guarantees trading partner compliance. With 75,000 customers and over 300,000 users, SPS Commerce was named by G2 as the industry’s #1 EDI solution (based on user satisfaction and market presence) in 2021. The company is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN.
TrueCommerce EDI
Key features of the TrueCommerce EDI include cloud-based architecture, over 160,000 pre-mapped trading partners (retailers, distributors, suppliers, carriers, and 3PLs), automatic mapping updates at no extra cost, advanced analytics and reporting, support for multiple order fulfillment models, and the inclusion of VAN, AS2, and other transmission services.
TrueCommerce integrates marketplaces, storefronts, internal systems, and supply chain solutions and connects them to applications such as multi-carrier shipping, business analytics, orders, inventory management, drop-ship vendors, and product information. The company is headquartered in Cranberry Township, PA.
Conclusion
EDI software helps companies exchange and share data between multiple computer systems and quickly transfer and translate different formats between businesses.
The COVID-19 pandemic has proven the importance of going paperless, as perhaps nothing else has ever done so effectively. Companies and people can do business with essentially anyone and from anywhere with the right EDI platform.
![Don’t Waste Time and Money on PPC Consulting [2023]](https://alexmedawar.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/search-ads-360.jpeg)
