EDI Overview

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the computer-to-computer exchange of business documents in a standard electronic format between different companies.   Businesses enjoy major benefits such as reduced cost, increased processing speed, and reduced errors by moving from a paper-based exchange of business document to one that is electronic.

There are multiple EDI standards to communicate data electronically.   EBMS includes the ability to create documents from an XML file.  These files may originate from EBMS or from a 3rd party software.

Electronic Data Interchange or EDI allows sales orders, purchase orders, and customer lists to be imported and exported from one company to another using an XML file. The EDI process can be implemented in the following manner:

  1. The Import and Export can be between EBMS Databases or third-party systems able to work with XML data files. Contact a technical support person to configure 3rd party EDI configurations.  This EDI tool within EBMS is designed to be flexible using script.  
  2. A typical use for the standard EDI features is to create a document such as a purchase order within EBMS in one company and importing it as a sales order in another company running EBMS.  Use the following tools for When used in combination with the Task Scheduler App and Batch Processing, purchase orders created in company A can automatically be communicated within company B for fulfillment as sales orders.  
    1. Configure accounts in both companies:  Review Configuring EDI Between EBMS Companies for instructions to setup vendor and customer accounts in both companies.
    2. Create purchase orders using one of the following methods:
      1. Create a PO from the purchasing screen:  Review [Inventory] Purchasing > Inventory Purchasing Dialog on steps to create a purchase order based on stock levels.
      2. Create a PO from special orders within sales orders:  Review [Inventory] Special Orders and Drop Shipments > Purchasing Special Orders to create a purchase order from a sales order.
      3. Create a PO manually:  Review [Financials] Purchase Order Overview for purchase order creation details.
    3. Create the XML sales order within the purchasing company and import the sales order into the sales company.   Review Processing EDI for details on these steps.
    4. Configure Task Schedular App to automate the process.  Review Automate using Task Scheduler App to configuration instructions.