What’s the best EDI software solution for you?
Here’s a decision-making guide for choosing the right EDI software/solution for your organization. You can classify EDI solutions into three broad categories - Fully managed EDI services, traditional EDI softwares, and the new age - API-based EDI softwares.
Three types of EDI solutions
Let’s take a look at the diferent types of EDI solutions available on the market.
Fully managed EDI services
You outsource your entire EDI process to managed EDI service providers end to end. The EDI software and the process are controlled by the provider.
Traditional EDI Software
These are either on-premise or cloud softwares that you can purchase to implement your EDI integration in-house. Traditional EDI softwares are handled by EDI experts.
API-based EDI software
These are primarily cloud-based EDI software that let you send and receive EDI using API. Generally, little EDI expertise is required to implement EDI projects. EDI integrations can be performed by an API developer.
The criteria for choosing the best EDI software
If you are in the process of deciding to choose your next EDI solution, here are the five things you need to consider
Nature of use
Reflects the mode of operation and the system architecture.
Resources required
Infrastructure, tech stack, and skills required.
Support
The support system that is offered with the solution.
Pricing
The development & maintenance cost.
Implementation time
The time to test, move into production.
EDI software compared for the key criteria
| Traditional EDI Services | Traditional EDI Softwares | API based EDI (Zenbridge) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature of use | Fully managed No control over development Limited ability to customize | Self serve Full control but hard to implement Requires considerable EDI expertise | Self serve modeNo EDI expertise required Use common API developer Fully managed modeFully customized implementation by Zenbridge |
| Support | Long waiting time | Needs full-time support team or vendor | Exclusive delivery managerUnlimited developer support hours 24*7 support via Chat, Email & Phone |
| Resources Required | None | Cloud infrastructure, EDI implementation team, Support team | Fully managed modeNone for Fully managed mode Self-serve modeAPI tools, API developers for Self-serve mode |
| Pricing | High cost | High integration cost | Lowest cost |
| Implementaion Time | Frustratingly slow - 3 to 5 months | Depends on the in-house team 5 weeks to 3 months | Fully managed -3 weeksSelf serve -3 to 5 weeks |
Why companies are choosing API-based EDI software?
APIs make EDI integrations easier to code, test, and maintain in production. API also eliminates the need for EDI expertise
Faster & stabler connections
Our API eliminates EDI complexities using a very rich modern developer toolset, resulting in faster EDI integrations & production environments that are 10X stabler than typical EDI solutions.
Real-time data validations
Unlike traditional EDI solutions, API can validate data for partner-specific compliances in real-time, saving hundreds of manual hours lost in communication & thousands of dollars lost as chargebacks.
Hybrid environment
API-based EDI allows you to use existing API infrastructure to integrate with both API & EDI partners, allowing you to operate under one single unified environment.
Made your decision to go with an API based EDI software?
Here are some reasons why, you should choose Zenbridge
Unmatched Pricing, Unparalleled Support.
- The only API platform to support all EDI standards.
- Free Sandbox.
- Available in both Self-serve and fully managed modes.
- Exclusive delivery manager, 24 X 7 on Phone, Email & Chat.
- Pay when you go live, Lowest transaction fee - $0.01, Lowest integration cost.
Not just our technology, we are loved for our EDI support too
We use Zenbridge as middleware for the end-to-end sales cycle. The customer service and developer resource(s) we have partnered with have been exceptional.
Seth V. Senior Director, Operations & Logistics
