Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) software is a necessity for brands working with retailers. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one?
Here’s what to consider.
Integration with Existing Systems
Your EDI solution should seamlessly integrate with your ERP, CRM, and other business systems. The less manual work needed, the better.
Scalability
When considering EDI software, ask yourself: Will the solution grow with my business? What happens if we add new trading partners? Can the software handle this year’s peak season? What about next year?
Compliance & Security
EDI solutions must use industry standards like X12 and EDIFACT. There’s also a chance that a specific retailer might have specific EDI requirements. You want to make sure you’re looking at EDI software solutions through that lens too.
As for security, you want to see data encryption, authentication and access controls, secure communications protocols and audit trails and monitoring.
Learn more about how we approach security at eZCom Software.
Ease of Use
A complex system can slow down operations. Choose software with a user-friendly interface and strong customer support.
Cost Structure
Consider upfront costs, transaction fees and any hidden charges. Cloud-based EDI solutions often offer flexible pricing compared to on-premise systems.
Automation & Customization
Does the software allow automated workflows and custom mapping? The more configurable it is, the better it adapts to your unique business needs.
At eZCom, our on-site development team works with clients to build custom, automated solutions.
Trading Partner Network
A good EDI provider should have a vast network of existing trading partners, making onboarding smoother and faster. How vast? At eZCom, we map to thousands of trading partners.
Support & Reliability
Downtime is costly. When considering an EDI solution, you want to go with a provider that prioritizes support and issue escalation. You want email and phone support. But perhaps more importantly, you want familiarity. When you call with a question, you want the person on the other end to know your business and have a good sense of your brand’s unique EDI setup.
Final Thought
Like most software selections, identifying the right EDI software is about finding the balance between functionality, scalability, and cost. Take your time. Ask questions.
Need help evaluating EDI options? The eZCom team is a phone call or email away.
