EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) Integration is a process that enables seamless communication and data exchange between different computer systems within and across organizations.
EDI Integration Tools play a vital role in this process. They handle tasks like ensuring secure data transfer, automating workflows, and fixing errors. These tools make it possible for businesses to connect easily with their partners, follow industry standards, and efficiently manage the exchange of electronic documents.
What Are EDI Integration Tools?
EDI Integration tools are software solutions that help organizations connect their EDI systems with the rest of their internal business applications. Be it ERPs, CRMs, Accounting software, inventory management tools and more. These solutions have two key use cases:
External Communication
First things first, these tools help businesses communicate efficiently with external partners like distributors, manufacturers, suppliers, logistics partners etc. Instead of manually sending and receiving documents, EDI integration tools automate the exchange of standardized EDI documents across your supply chain. Whether it’s an order, shipping notice, invoice, or inventory update, the tool ensures it’s transmitted accurately and in the correct format your partner requires.
Internal Communication
Secondly, EDI Integration with your ERP, CRM or any other tool helps your entire business tech stack to stay in sync. When an EDI document like a purchase order or invoice is received, the integration tool ensures that it flows directly into the backend system (In this case, the ERP/CRM). This minimizes delays, reduces human errors and ensures that your team can act on real-time data.
How We Made This List
The list of tools we’ve compiled in this blog are based on both higher user recommendations and overall popularity. That said, it’s important to remember that the most popular or highest-reviewed tool may not always be the right fit for your business. Every business has its own structure, processes, and partner requirements. So, the best tool for you is one that aligns with your specific operational needs, not just what others are using.
To help you decide, here’s something worth noting:
- The first six tools listed here are comprehensive, end-to-end EDI integration solutions. That means they handle everything from EDI translation, mapping, and transmission to full backend integration. They’re ideal if you’re looking for a hands-off, all-in-one solution.
- The last two tools in the list are strong integration platforms that work well if you already have a separate EDI translator in place. While they don’t currently offer built-in EDI translation, they still support seamless data movement between your systems and your translator.
Now, before jumping into the list, here are some key features to look for in an EDI integration tool that can truly support and scale with your business.
Top Features To Look For In EDI Integration Tools
1. EDI Standards Compatibility
- Ensure the selected EDI software supports a range of EDI standards, catering to industry-specific needs.
- Utilizes standardized formats like ASC X12, UN/EDIFACT, ODETTE, and TRADACOMS.
- Ensures precise and real-time data transmission between business partners.
- ASC X12, regularly revised by ANSI, is the primary standard in North America.
2. Document Support and Protocol Compatibility
- Opt for an EDI solution that supports various document types beyond invoicing and payments.
- EDI protocols (HTTP, FTP, SFTP, FTPS, AS2, APIs) streamline communication between computers.
- Each protocol boasts unique features, such as HTTP for user-friendly interactions and AS2 for heightened security.
3. Data Integration and Mapping
- Connect seamlessly with internal systems like ERP, CRM, etc.
- Extracts and presents data in the requisite EDI format.
- Maps internal data fields to EDI standards, ensuring a smooth flow of information.
4. Security and Compliance
- Prioritize EDI software with robust features encompassing data encryption, user authentication, and access control.
- Implement audit trails to monitor compliance and promptly identify any anomalies.
- Utilize digital certificates and signatures to verify the identity of trading partners and maintain document integrity.
5. Real-Time Data Exchange
- Enable instantaneous information transmission between businesses.
- Eliminate fixed schedules; process documents immediately to enhance speed and accuracy.
- Facilitate rapid issue identification and resolution for seamless operations.
6. Error Handling and Data Validation
- Implement a system that adeptly detects syntax, format, and data value errors in transmitted EDI documents.
- Notify users of errors and temporarily suspend processing until issues are resolved.
- Validate transmitted EDI files to guarantee completeness and legitimacy.
7. Scalability and Flexibility
- Choose an EDI service provider that adapts and expands with the growing needs of your business.
- Provide increased storage capacities, higher throughput, and performance.
- Support more complex EDI transactions and accommodate additional users/partners.
8. Integration with Third-Party Tools
- Opt for EDI integration tools that seamlessly integrate with diverse trading partners and applications.
- Enhance efficiency and workflow automation by integrating with supply chain management, accounts, ERPs, and WMS.
Also read: Epicor EDI Integration Explained
Benefits Of Implementing EDI Tools
Following are the benefits of implementing EDI Integration tools:
1. Enhanced Business Efficiency
Integrating an EDI solution into your ERP system streamlines business transactions, replacing manual processes and human errors with electronic efficiency. This results in a significant reduction in turnover time, allowing your team members to redirect efforts towards revenue-building strategies instead of mundane purchase order tasks.
2. Reduced Operational Costs
EDI integration proves to be a cost-effective solution, representing only a third of the expenses incurred with paper-based processes. This includes costs related to printing, filing, and retrieving physical documents. The automated EDI tool alleviates the burden of manual data entry, boosting productivity and, consequently, increasing revenue.
3. Improved Processing Speed
Through EDI integration, automate business cycles across your supply chain with preset rules triggering data exchange. This automation ensures the timely transmission, reception, and processing of critical information, enhancing both speed and operational efficiency.
4. Enriched Performance
Despite the challenges of legacy systems, EDI implementation offers a profitable alternative. It is cost-effective, less complex, secure, and scalable. Centralized and tailored for today’s fast-paced business processes, EDI integration with platforms like Magento outperforms outdated systems, providing superior performance and longevity.
5. Improved Data Security
Adopting an EDI solution enables secure data transfer among trading partners with pre-defined security protocols. This establishes a secure connection, making it easier to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive business documents, thereby enhancing overall security assurance.
6. Seamless Data Interchange
Expect seamless electronic data exchange with an EDI integration, creating a smooth communication channel among stakeholders. This ensures reliable and accurate real-time data updates and distribution without disruptions.
7. Enhanced Scalability
EDI integration empowers your operations to be more scalable and adaptable to changing business and technical requirements. Continuous improvements to your business model foster stronger relationships with vendors and customers.
8. Enhanced B2B Success
In the B2B sector, an EDI solution becomes indispensable, especially considering the prevalence of such systems in supply chain processes. Simplify transactions with partners, facilitating the electronic exchange of transactional documents for efficient collaboration.
9. Reduced Carbon Footprint
Align with your company’s CSR goal of going paperless by leveraging EDI integration for electronic transfer of business documents. Eliminate error-prone paper processes, cumbersome emails, and physical data entries, contributing to a greener and more modern business ethos.
10. Greater Competitive Advantage
Break free from geographical restrictions with EDI integration, enabling global transactions with partners and customers. Standardize your business language, enhance supply chain visibility, and reduce delivery turnaround time, gaining a competitive advantage with minimal human intervention.
List Of Top EDI Integration Tools To Consider
Here are the top 8 EDI Integration Solutions that you must consider.
1. DCKAP Integrator
DCKAP Integrator is a cloud-based EDI data integration solution tailored specifically for manufacturers and distributors. Built to tackle common integration challenges, it offers a comprehensive, end-to-end approach to managing EDI processes. What sets it apart is its flexibility, you can use it solely as an integration tool or for both EDI translations and the integrations. This dual capability makes it an ideal choice for businesses seeking a streamlined, hassle-free way to manage their EDI and system integration needs.
Key Features
- Wide ERP and other business system Integration: Supports integrations with multiple systems, ideal for businesses looking to connect their tech stack.
- Easy Setup with Flow Design: Simplify your integrations with an easy setup using a user-friendly flow design, making the entire process straightforward.
- Advanced Mapping & Modifiers: Navigate complex field connections effortlessly with advanced mapping and modifiers, ensuring smooth data transfer.
- Robust Reporting and Analytics: Provides comprehensive reporting and analytics features, offering insights into your integrated data for informed decision-making.
Pricing
DCKAP Integrator adopts a flexible pricing model tailored to your integration needs. There are three subscription models based on your business requirements.
- Standard
- Professional
- Enterprise
Just pay for what you need, nothing more. This flexible approach not only allows business users to choose from a wide range of pricing options but also aids in cost savings.
2. SPS Commerce
SPS Commerce stands out as a dedicated EDI integration solution, especially built for small to mid-sized businesses operating within the retail supply chain. What sets SPS Commerce apart is its focus on simplicity, scalability, and human support, making it a strong choice for businesses that want to integrate without becoming technical experts.
The platform is particularly well-suited for suppliers, 3PLs, distributors, and retailers who need to manage inventory and orders while staying compliant with various retail partner requirements.
Key features
- Full-Service EDI Integration: The SPS team handles mapping, onboarding, testing, and ongoing support, so businesses don’t need in-house EDI expertise.
- Retail Network Connectivity: Connect once to access a wide network of retailers, grocers, suppliers, distributors, marketplaces, and eCommerce platforms.
- Compliance Management: Keeps trading partners compliant with EDI requirements, document standards, and changing retailer specifications.
- Omnichannel Fulfillment Support: Enables smooth data flow and fulfillment across both physical stores and digital channels from a single platform.
Pricing
Starting Price: Approximately $20 per month
Flexible Pricing Model: Final pricing depends on:
- Volume of transactions
- Number of trading partners
- Required features and services
- Level of customization
To get accurate pricing, businesses need to contact SPS Commerce directly for a custom quote based on their specific needs.
3. TrueCommerce
TrueCommerce is a cloud-based EDI platform built for businesses that want to automate and simplify the flow of electronic documents across their supply chain. Designed with distributors, wholesalers, manufacturers, and suppliers in mind, the platform offers end-to-end EDI capabilities, from data exchange and protocol translation to compliance and analytics. It supports multiple data formats and standards, including XML, ASC X12, and UN/EDIFACT, making it highly adaptable to different industry needs and global trading requirements.
Key features
- Cloud-Based and Multi-Tenant: A modern platform offering high scalability and resilience through a multi-tenant cloud infrastructure.
- End-to-End EDI Lifecycle Management: Automates everything from data transmission and format translation to archiving and analytics.
- Standards and Protocol Support: Handles various EDI protocols including AS2, XML, ASC X12, and EDIFACT for seamless partner communication.
- Document Mapping and Custom Forms: Format outbound documents to meet specific partner requirements using visual mapping and form-building tools.
Pricing
Basic Plan: Starts at $19.95 per month
- Pricing is usage-based
- Details of features included in the basic plan are not publicly listed
Custom Pricing:
- Tailored quotes available for businesses with specific integration needs or higher transaction volumes
- Businesses are encouraged to contact TrueCommerce directly for a detailed estimate
4. Cleo Integration Cloud
Cleo is a platform that makes EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) Modernization easy. It’s versatile EDI software and can be used for various integration needs like B2B/EDI integration, file-based integration, and application integration. It is one of the best choices for EDI Mapping and API Integration.
Cleo allows you to connect with any existing trading partner or application, offering additional features such as business process automation, support for different formats, standards and real-time visibility.
Cleo’s integration platform covers EDI automation, compliance, outsourcing, and modernization. Their experts can provide tailored solutions to meet your integration needs, whether you’re modernizing, consolidating systems, or quickly integrating into your ecosystem.
Key Features
- Intuitive Design: Cleo provides a user-friendly design platform for creating and deploying integrations.
- Managed Services: It offers an EDI managed services team to design and build your integration.
- Customization: Tailor your integration using Cleo’s EDI software expertise combined with your business knowledge.
Pricing
Cleo’s pricing range starts from $200 based on factors such as features, connections, platform service options, connectivity, and integration requirements. To get the exact pricing, you will have to get in touch with the team.
5. Jitterbit
Jitterbit is a dynamic EDI integration solution that is again capable of taking care of end to end EDI processes. It is designed to streamline the design, implementation, and management of business processes. It excels in accelerating tasks across applications, databases, and web services, offering both cloud-based and on-premises solutions.
Key Features
- Visual Development Environment: Jitterbit employs a visual development environment, making integration design as simple as drawing a flowchart.
- The platform’s point-and-click interface enables business users to place source and target systems, utilize pre-built transformations, and link them with connectors for seamless information exchange.
- Connectivity: The platform connects to a wide array of systems through its flexible and robust SOAP and REST capabilities.
- Data Quality and Transformation: Robust transformation tools facilitate easy mapping and transformation of data, with the ability to save powerful transformations as reusable templates.
Pricing
Jitterbit offers three pricing tiers:
- Standard
- Professional
- Enterprise
Explore the tier options to find the best fit for your business requirements and enjoy the benefits of streamlined processes, increased efficiency, and cost savings on IT expenditures.
6. Celigo Integrator.io
Celigo Integrator.io is a platform for integrating different business systems. It lets you create special codes to meet the specific needs of your business, making data exchange easier for everyone in your company.
These codes can automate data exchange, modify data, create data maps, and check that data is correct. This customization helps make sure your EDI system fits your business perfectly and supports all the data exchange your business needs.
Key Features
- Error Management: Uses AI and ML algorithms to fix data exchange errors and ensure your codes work smoothly.
- Pre-built Templates: Offers ready-made templates to help you quickly set up automated data exchange between systems or applications.
- Role-based Access Controls: Lets you control who can access data based on their role, preventing accidental data loss or leaks.
Pricing
Celigo Integrator.io offers the following pricing models:
- Standard Edition
- Professional Edition
- Enterprise Edition
Explore the platform with confidence through a 30-day free trial to determine the suitability of the solution for your business needs.
7. MuleSoft Anypoint Platform
MuleSoft Anypoint Platform is an efficient data integration and interchange solution, offering a unified dashboard to oversee, expand, and monitor all integration codes, including application programming interfaces (APIs). This platform equips users with powerful tools like diagnosis and troubleshooting to swiftly identify and rectify issues hindering smooth data exchange.
Key Features
- Versatile Integration Solutions: MuleSoft delivers both traditional integration solutions and state-of-the-art Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) products.
- API Connectivity: MuleSoft excels in providing API connectivity, enabling smooth interactions between various applications and systems.
- Growing Capabilities Portfolio: With a commitment to innovation, MuleSoft continually expands its capabilities portfolio.
Pricing
MuleSoft operates on a three-tier pricing model, focused on delivering top-notch API management and integration capabilities.
- MuleSoft Integration Starter
- MuleSoft Integration Advanced
- MuleSoft API Management Solution
While this approach ensures a comprehensive suite of features, it’s crucial to consider that MuleSoft primarily caters to large enterprises.
Consequently, potential users should be aware that opting for MuleSoft may involve higher licensing fees and plans, making it a substantial investment that is better suited for sizable business operations.
8. Boomi
Boomi specializes in B2B/EDI management, supporting various EDI standards like XML, X12, EDIFACT, HC7, RosettaNet, and Tradacoms. It’s a secure and scalable solution with continuous updates, offering a full range of trading partner communications and detailed reporting on transactions.
Boomi simplifies onboarding new partners and provides solutions for API management, data quality governance, and application integration.
Key Features
- Wide Standard Support: Supports a variety of EDI standards and allows custom standard definitions.
- Communication Channels: Offers various trading partner communication channels like AS2, FTP/Secure FTP.
- Detailed Reporting: Provides detailed transaction reporting for easy error tracking and resolution.
- Quick Onboarding: Facilitates quick onboarding of new partners, reducing onboarding time.
Pricing
Boomi offers different editions:
- Base
- Professional
- Pro Plus
- Enterprise
- Enterprise Plus.
Pricing details are available upon request. A free trial is also available.
Also read: B2B EDI Integration Explained [+Top Solution for Distributors]
Other Methods To Consider For EDI Integration
Besides the tools we’ve just explored, it’s important to understand the available options for integration. Technically, we can group EDI software integration methods into a few key categories. Each comes with its own way of managing connections, data formats, and transmission protocols, depending on how much control, flexibility, or external help a business wants.
Let’s walk through them:
1. Direct EDI Integration (Point-to-Point)
This is the most hands-on method where your business directly connects with another business (say, a vendor, distributor, or logistics partner) without any intermediaries in between.
It’s typically done in-house, meaning you’re not relying on any third-party service providers to handle the exchange. Instead, your internal team (or someone you’ve hired for the task) sets up and manages the connections between your system and your partner’s.
There are two main communication protocols to do this:
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol):
One of the more traditional methods, FTP involves transferring EDI documents over the internet. While it’s been around for decades, FTP requires strong internal controls and security layers since it’s not inherently secure. - AS2 (Applicability Statement 2):
AS2 is a more secure method for sending EDI documents directly over the internet using encryption and digital certificates. It’s widely adopted across industries because it combines the speed of the internet with the security EDI demands.
While direct integration gives you full control, it also means you’re responsible for everything from setup to troubleshooting. It works well for businesses that exchange data with just a few partners and have the technical capacity to manage it.
2. Indirect EDI Integration
Instead of handling everything yourself, this method relies on third-party systems or services to manage your EDI connections. Most EDI integration tools fall into this category because they offer flexibility, scalability, and support without needing in-house infrastructure or constant maintenance.
Indirect EDI integration typically happens through:
- VAN (Value-Added Network):
Think of it as a private network dedicated to EDI. A VAN acts like a post office: receiving, routing, and delivering messages between you and your trading partners. It adds value by handling translations, security, and compliance checks along the way. - Middleware Solutions:
Middleware sits between your internal system (like an ERP) and your trading partner’s system, converting data formats and ensuring smooth communication. It can come in two flavours:
a. Local EDI Converter (On-Premises):
This is software installed within your infrastructure that handles mapping and translation. It’s mostly preferred by enterprises that need full control and have the IT resources to maintain it internally.
b. EDI Integration Platform as a Service (EDI iPaaS):
This is the cloud-based version, and it’s arguably the most ideal for modern businesses. These platforms take care of integration, transformation, monitoring, and compliance in a centralised, web-accessible interface. They offer quick onboarding, regular updates, and seamless partner connectivity, all without heavy IT involvement.
Most of the tools discussed earlier in this blog belong to this indirect, often cloud-based category, making them suitable for businesses looking for a scalable, plug-and-play experience.
3. Hybrid EDI Integration
As the name suggests, hybrid EDI combines the best of both worlds: direct and indirect. You might handle a few connections in-house (say, with your largest or closest partners) using AS2 while using a VAN or iPaaS for the rest. This approach is particularly useful for businesses in transition or those dealing with partners of varying technological maturity.
Hybrid setups give you flexibility without going all-in on one method. However, they also require careful planning to avoid duplication or confusion.
4. Web-Based EDI
This is a lighter option, where you simply log in to a web portal provided by an EDI service provider and manually upload or download documents through your browser. It’s often used by smaller businesses that don’t have an internal system or integration capabilities.
While it’s not “integration” in the strictest sense, web EDI still allows you to exchange EDI documents without investing in complex infrastructure. It’s usually offered as part of a broader EDI service to help include low-volume partners in a trading network.
5. EDI + API Integration
With the rise of real-time commerce and connected systems, many businesses now combine EDI with APIs to get the best of both:
- EDI handles standardised, high-volume, batch-based transactions (like invoices and purchase orders),
- APIs manage real-time updates (like checking product availability or shipment status).
This hybrid approach supports both scheduled and instant data flows and is especially useful for omnichannel businesses or those working with modern eCommerce platforms and ERPs that support API-based communication.
Also read: Sage 100 EDI Integration Explained [+ Top 5 Solutions]
Right Choice for Distributors and Manufacturers: DCKAP Integrator
As mentioned earlier, DCKAP Integrator is an end-to-end EDI integration solution built specifically for manufacturers and distributors. It takes care of everything you’d need in the integration process: EDI translation, data transmission, system integration, and keeping your entire back-end systems in sync. Whether you’re dealing with a couple of platforms or a complex mix of legacy systems, ERPs, or other software, DCKAP Integrator can handle it without a hitch.
It’s designed to simplify supply chain operations, speed up response times, and ensure your trading partners and internal systems are always on the same page. With powerful data mapping capabilities and the flexibility to support customized workflows, it adapts to your business, not the other way around. You also get excellent support from a team with extensive experience in integration, and if you ever need custom setups, they’ve got that covered too.
If you’re looking for a reliable, hands-off approach to integration, reach out to the DCKAP team today and make communication both with your partners and within your company easier and more efficient.
FAQs
What is EDI integration?
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) integration involves the electronic exchange of business documents between trading partners in a standardized format to streamline business processes.
What types of documents can be exchanged through EDI platform?
EDI supports the exchange of various business documents, including invoices, purchase orders, shipment notifications, and more. It standardizes these documents, ensuring compatibility between different systems.
What are the key steps in an EDI process?
The key steps include document creation, translation into EDI standard format, transmission, reception by the trading partner, translation back to the partner’s internal format, and integration into their systems.
What are the types of EDI integration?
Common EDI types include Direct Connection / Direct EDI integration, Value-Added Network (VAN)/
Indirect EDI Integration and Internet-based EDI services/hybrid EDI Integration, each with unique features and suitability for specific requirements.
Is EDI suitable for small businesses?
Yes, EDI can be beneficial for small businesses as it helps them compete on a larger scale by reducing labor costs, manual efforts, improving data accuracy, and enhancing communication with larger trading partners.
How can EDI software contribute to improved customer satisfaction?
EDI enhances customer satisfaction by expediting order processing, reducing errors, ensuring timely deliveries, and improving overall communication with trading partners.
What should I consider when choosing an EDI software vendor?
Consider factors such as the vendor’s reputation, experience, customer reviews, support services, scalability, and the ability to adapt to evolving business needs.
