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Everything you need to know about Electronic Data Interchanges (EDI)

Spenda
3 November - 3 min read

Manually sending invoices or purchase orders between your business, suppliers and customers causes inefficiencies. From data-entry errors to documents simply getting “lost” in someone’s inbox or during postage, relying on manual processes to share business information is cumbersome and costly. Electronic Data Interchanges or EDI solves this problem by automatically transferring information between trading partners. 

In this article, we outline everything you need to know about EDI and why your business should embrace this technology.

What is an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)?

An EDI is the technology infrastructure that facilitates the exchange of information between trading partners. It’s estimated that 80 to 90 per cent of business-to-business traffic occurs through EDIs, growing by around 3 per cent each year. Instead of sending information via email, businesses can collaborate through one simplified system which automates the processing and fulfilment of purchase orders and invoices, among many other documents. The technology behind an EDI allows businesses to trade with other businesses around the world with features such as currency conversion built-in.

Diagram showing order processing with and without EDI

What are the benefits of exchanging information through an EDI?

Exchanging information through an EDI provides many benefits to both parties in a transaction. The key benefits include the free flow of information along with the ability to transact with companies around the world on one simple system. Eliminating inefficiencies and risks such as data-entry, reconciliation and reporting errors while adding value to an organisation.

The other key benefits of exchanging information through an EDI include:

  • Reduced paper usage: By reducing the need for storing paper, printing documents, postage and mailing, and recycling. With most information shared electronically to the stakeholders who need to review and approve items, there’s no need for physical paper copies of most documents.
  • Improved data accuracy: By automatically sharing information between parties which also streamlines accounts receivable and payable processes and provides more robust data for financial forecasting and reporting.
  • Faster order fulfilment and forecasting: With a real-time data feed, you’ll know exactly what orders need to be fulfilled while having the data your business needs to accurately forecast future demand. You’ll only buy the stock you need, further reducing your risk of ageing stock.
  • Operational efficiencies: Provide cost savings through the elimination of manual invoice and purchase order processes, including generating, completing and sending these documents.
  • Sustainability improvements: By reducing the use of physical paper and demand on several technologies and systems.
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Spenda’s payment infrastructure helps businesses get paid quicker. You’ll have access to the tools and systems you need to work smarter, not harder. Automatically follow up late payments and set payment plans with customers, provide payment flexibility, and access on-demand finance to boost your cash flow.

Whether you’re looking to modernise your payments infrastructure and get paid faster or transform other systems across your business too, Spenda’s unique solutions can help improve your business systems and processes and cash flow management.

Keen to see Spenda in action? Book a free demo with one of our payment experts today.

This article is for general information purposes only. Consult a qualified financial advisor regarding any changes to or decisions about your business’s finances.

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