The Irish Grocery Sector has been using eCom messaging for the past 18years, today 90% of Invoices in the grocery sector are transfered using EDI. EDI is a secure stable proven technology.  The Irish Hardware/DIY Sector has recently completed the successful implementation of a standard EDI Invoice message.  There is huge opportunity and potential for all Irish Industry sectors to increase efficiency, save money and improve their carbon footprint by implementing EDI.

What is EDI ?

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the computer-to-computer exchange of business documents between companies, using a standard format. EDI replaces the traditional processes of preparing data in paper form and sending it by mail or fax.  Paper-based commercial transactions are slow, costly and error-prone. Hence the need for a faster, cheaper and more accurate solution for exchanging commercial data has become a significant priority for many companies and organisations.  The use of EDI bridges the previous information gap that existed between companies with different computer systems and applications.
 

EDI is based on the use of message standards, ensuring that all participants use a common language. A message standard consists of uniform formats for business documents which have been adopted for electronic transmission purposes. It also includes security and control elements and other rules and conventions relating to the use of transaction sets that all users agree to follow.

Two companies deciding to implement EDI are therefore by definition agreeing on the type of information or data they will exchange and how the data will be presented. 

 
A common and useful definition for EDI is:

The transfer of structured data, by agreed message standards, from one computer application to another by electronic means and with a minimum of human intervention.