Electronic Data Interchange — EDI — has been part of business operations for decades, but the way it's implemented has changed considerably. Where EDI once meant rigid, expensive point-to-point connections, modern EDI platforms are built on flexible, API-oriented architectures that make it accessible to businesses of every size.
What EDI actually replaces
At its core, EDI replaces paper-based documents — purchase orders, order confirmations, delivery notes, invoices — with structured electronic documents that move directly between business systems. Instead of a person re-typing data from a PDF or paper document into an ERP system, the data flows automatically from one system to another.
- Sales reports and forecasts exchanged directly between systems
- Quotation requests, orders and order confirmations
- Shipping confirmations and delivery notes
- Invoices, ready for automated booking
Why EDI still matters
Despite newer technologies, EDI remains relevant because it solves a problem that hasn't gone away: businesses need to exchange structured data reliably, accurately and at scale. A modern EDI platform like gate2b connects tens of thousands of trading partners, each potentially using different systems, into a single standardized network.
Two paths: Social EDI and Enterprise EDI
Not every business has the same requirements. Smaller businesses with simpler document volumes benefit from Social EDI — a self-service onboarding model with low integration costs and rapid go-live. Larger enterprises with higher transaction volumes typically need Enterprise EDI, which offers deeper customization to fit existing systems and processes.
Getting started
The most common starting point is connecting your order and invoice processes — these tend to offer the fastest, most visible return. From there, businesses often expand into delivery confirmations, contract-linked ordering, and consumer-facing invoicing through services like SIX eBill.