Connectivity

What is EDI?

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is the standardized and automated exchange of data and documents between organizations and their IT systems.

Within transport and logistics, EDI can be used, for example, to enable an ERP system to communicate automatically with a Transport Management System (TMS), Warehouse Management System (WMS), carrier or other supply chain platform.

Instead of manually copying information, sending it by email or entering it into different portals, connected systems exchange this data automatically.

Common applications of EDI include:

• purchase orders (POs);
• advance shipping notices (ASNs);
• transport orders;
• invoices and payment statements;
• bills of lading and other transport documents;
• order and shipment statuses;
• track & trace information;
• ETAs and other logistics planning messages.

EDI therefore provides the digital connection between different systems and partners throughout the supply chain.

What is a managed EDI platform?

A managed EDI platform combines technology for electronic data exchange with support for developing, managing and maintaining the required connections.

This means you do not need to have all the technical knowledge and capacity in-house to connect different systems and supply chain partners.

IDS supports the entire connectivity process. From the initial assessment and technical alignment to building, testing and implementing the connections. IDS can also manage the communication and technical coordination with the supply chain partners involved.

Once the connections are live, data and documents can be exchanged automatically between your internal systems, suppliers, customers and transport partners.

What is the IDS Connectivity Hub?

The IDS Connectivity Hub is a managed EDI platform for transport and supply chain operations that enables organizations to digitally connect different systems and trading partners.

The Connectivity Hub acts as a central link between these systems. Data from one system is received, checked and, where necessary, translated into the format required by the receiving party.

For example, a transport order from an ERP system can be sent automatically to a carrier. The carrier can then return status updates and ETA information, making this information available again within the connected systems.

This creates a continuous digital flow of information without employees having to re-enter data at every stage.

IDS combines a scalable technical infrastructure with more than 35 years of experience in EDI and supply chain connectivity.

What are the benefits of EDI in transport and logistics?

Effective connectivity goes beyond simply connecting systems from a technical perspective. It ensures that information moves faster and more reliably throughout the supply chain.

By automating data exchange, EDI can contribute to:

• less manual data entry;
• fewer data entry and communication errors;
• faster processing of orders and transport information;
• better availability of up-to-date status information;
• less reliance on email, Excel and carrier portals;
• easier collaboration with multiple carriers and partners;
• a scalable digital infrastructure.

Connectivity becomes increasingly important as the number of carriers, systems or supply chain partners grows. Without reliable connections, information can quickly become fragmented across different systems and processes.

Who can benefit from a managed EDI solution?

A managed EDI platform is particularly relevant for shippers and carriers that exchange data with multiple systems or supply chain partners and want to further automate these processes.

For example, employees may spend significant time manually processing transport orders, statuses and documents. Information may also be spread across an ERP system, carrier portals, Excel spreadsheets and email.

For growing organizations that need to connect an increasing number of carriers or customers, a centralized connectivity solution also provides a scalable foundation. New connections can be added without creating a completely separate process for every individual flow of information.

Connectivity as the foundation for better transport management

Reliable transport management starts with reliable data.

When orders, statuses, documents and other transport data are exchanged automatically between systems and partners, organizations create a stronger foundation for transport visibility, performance management, data analytics and further automation.

Connectivity is therefore more than a technical IT issue. It provides the digital foundation organizations need to further professionalize their transport processes.

From this foundation, the next steps can be taken towards real-time visibility, automated transport management or a Transport Control Tower.

Ready to connect your supply chain?

Want to reduce manual data exchange and enable your systems, carriers and other supply chain partners to communicate more efficiently?

Discover what the IDS Connectivity Hub can do for your transport operations.