EDI, or Electronic Data Interchange, is the structured electronic exchange of business documents between companies and systems. In logistics, EDI is used to send documents such as purchase orders, invoices, shipment notices, bills of lading, carrier status updates, customs data, and warehouse instructions without manual re-entry. EDI helps shippers, carriers, warehouses, retailers, and suppliers improve speed, accuracy, visibility, and automation across the supply chain.
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is the computer-to-computer exchange of standard business documents in a structured electronic format between trading partners. In logistics, EDI is used to transmit purchase orders, advance ship notices, invoices, and inventory updates between shippers, carriers, and warehouses.
Key EDI Transaction Sets in Logistics
- EDI 850: Purchase Order
- EDI 856: Advance Ship Notice (ASN)
- EDI 810: Invoice
- EDI 940: Warehouse Shipping Order
- EDI 945: Warehouse Shipping Advice
Retailer compliance requirements often mandate EDI capability. Failure to send ASNs or comply with EDI requirements can result in retailer chargebacks.
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on B2B Fulfillment, Warehousing Services, SKU, and Ecommerce Fulfillment.
