Cloud and EDI interact, providing a self-service model for managing internal backend applications. This allows for seamless B2B data and document flows in revenue-critical business processes. The market for EDI software is estimated to be worth USD 1.78 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a 12.5% CAGR to USD 4.52 billion by 2030.

EDI: What Is It?

EDI stands for Electronic Data Interchange, is a set of standards. The standards define how the exchange of data will occur among two businesses that regularly do business with each other. They are sometimes known as “trading partners.”

However, this was costly, ineffective, and unreliable; as a result, EDI services were created.

By doing away with these erratic, manual procedures, EDI services save trading partners a tonne of time. It establishes the format for data, ensuring that whole industries are in agreement. Additionally, it electronically automates data flow, ensuring secure delivery and receiving.

EDI-as-a-Service: What is it?

With the advantages of agility, simplicity, and ease of integration,  EDI-as-a-service is a 21st-century EDI overhaul that essentially attempts to bring about digital supply chain transformations. When we discuss  EDI-as-a-service we are referring to cloud-based solutions that are inclusive and adaptable. 

Although the terms hybrid EDI and SaaS are sometimes used interchangeably, neither fully captures the range of capabilities that are provided by EDI-as-a-Service. Instead, this focus combines the most advantageous aspects of several EDI support service options into a single system, such as:

• WebEDI tools
• Managed EDI services
• EDI via VAN
• Point-to-point EDI

Challenges with On-Premise EDI

Increasing Prices: It might be costly to maintain outmoded and legacy EDI systems. Owning EDI managed services and software means that managing it all takes a variety of human and financial resources within the company.

Scalability: EDI is a standardised data format, but it's crucial to support the needs of other participants in your digital ecosystem, as outdated or in-house services may not suffice.

Absence of Automation: Traditional EDI mapping solutions are restrictive and limited in their ability to interface with ERP or CRM for end-to-end processing, making it difficult for businesses to convert EDI into the required internal format.

Intricacy: EDI transactions can cause errors and challenges in certifying segments, but EDI as a Service offers advantages over these drawbacks.

Cost-Reduction: EDI offers a cost-effective solution for companies, eliminating the need for costly investments in servers, operating systems, and personnel, while providing predictable ongoing expenditures.

Deployment Simplicity: Managed EDI providers offer advantages like automated order processing, cloud-based updates, minimal software management, and quicker implementation, making it easier for B2B integration with corporate systems like ERP.

The Main Advantages of SaaS EDI

Let’s take a look at the main advantages of EDI as a service:

• Simplify the procedures for communication
• Fulfil the requirements of the new business processes
• Several features
• Lowering of total expenses
• Regular upkeep and improvements
• Safety and adherence
• Scalability of performance
• Enhanced client support
  
  

Five Considerations for Evaluating a SaaS EDI solution

There are a few useful methods to choose the right EDI service provider for your company. From highest priority to lowest priority, these are the things you should be searching for.

• Requirements for Compliance
• Time of implementation
• EDI quantity
• Client assistance
• Costing
  
  

Conclusion

EDI-as-a-service is a crucial strategy for long-term company viability and ecosystem enablement in a dynamic, cloud-based B2B, eCommerce environment. It combines cloud computing and EDI benefits, improving speed, efficiency, and visibility. With low costs, upkeep, and time-to-benefit, it appeals to many companies.

For more details: https://www.a3logics.com/blog/what-is-edi-as-a-service/