For businesses to work together, they need to share information. In the past, this is possible by sending hard copies of documents through mail. It took three days to a week before the package reaches its destination. Some may experience problems such as lost files or damaged papers before they even reach the destination. With EDI services, everything became faster and easier.
EDI or Electronic Data Interchange is the process of sending files through software programs. Businesses under the same system may easily exchange files with others. In essence, it works like sending an attachment via email. What makes the program different than online transfers? It is faster and capable of sending larger files with ease. Online transfers commonly have a limit to the size of files sent across the web.
Sending files online may not be a safe option. It may contain viruses or spyware you may also get once you download the file from the Internet. This can slow down your network connection and interfere with your overall operations. You will have to spend on restoring your computers especially when you are running on a shared network.
EDI software is easy to use and may be a great alternative to fax and mailing systems. The process is easy to understand. The user first sends his order through the software interface. The request then goes to the EDI intermediate files, which are then translated into a language the program can understand. After this, the order is now on the receiver's computer in a format understandable by the other end. The receiver may do the same by sending the file requested.
All it takes is for both computers on different locations to use the same software. You may receive the files you need and have it printed so you have your own hard copy. Save the file into your network so you can easily duplicate and print it for more copies as needed. Each transfer may cost less than a dollar, which is great for your company's budget.
Sending via delivery mail usually takes time and the risks are high. If you are transferring confidential files, it is better to use EDI. You cannot rely on someone else to hold the files for you and deliver it to the right person. Any mistake may cost your company thousands of dollars. Exchanging on the web is also risky as it opens you up to exposure from third party users. You need to have a secure connection if you plan on using the Internet to send important documents.