What is EDI and how can it be integrated to your omni-channel performance?

Electronic data interchange (EDI) enables companies to automatically send off their electronic documents. This optimises data flows without resorting to email, fax or letters. In an omni-channel system, EDI makes information interchanges with distributors and marketplaces easier, and contributes to improving customer experience.

Based on standardised formats and languages, electronic data interchange calls upon international reference standards, which are followed by all distributors and marketplaces in question. All your sales documents can be rendered paperless using EDI: purchase orders, payment orders, invoices, dispatch slips, stock entries, customs documents, etc.

Daily or weekly orders can be translated into CSV messages using EDI messages, and transferred to your management software using an FTP protocol – to make your accounting easier and run more in-depth customer data analyses.

Advantages for brands and omni-channel operations

EDI means that companies using very different information systems can communicate together and transfer any data required for managing and following up on activities, in record time thanks to high levels of precision and security.

This system meets the need for immediacy required by customers, and reliability when it comes to delivering their orders. It also provides much-wanted flexibility to brands and distributors who communicate with an increasing number of sales partners, and must conform with new consumption methods.

The omni-channel world requires real-time data exchange. This instant form of exchange is indeed precious when striving to offer comprehensive and detailed product information, organise better goods traceability within the various warehouses, and automate part of the management process.

EDI contributes to your digital transformation

Thanks to electronic data interchange, customer orders will automatically be received on third-party platforms, turned into a specific format of data that can be understood by your ERP so it can be processed quickly, and buyers will be informed of the status of their order, as well as the date and time of delivery to their home.

Orders placed on partner marketplaces will automatically be transformed into customer orders in your ERP, meaning you can process, dispatch and follow-up on them during transport. Payment is validated as soon as dispatch has been confirmed. Once this is done, your inventory can immediately be updated.

EDI therefore offers instant management for all data pertaining to your supply chain, and consequently allows for more fine-tuned stock management – able to respond to unforeseen circumstances and last-minute changes. Supply and demand is harmoniously synchronised, giving your customers efficient answers to their questions.