Supply chain disruptions are more frequent than ever. To adapt, businesses are turning to smarter solutions like electronic data interchange (EDI) to share invoices, purchase orders, and other important documents accurately and efficiently.
While many companies still rely on outdated and overly complex in-house EDI systems that require heavy infrastructure, modern EDI solutions like EDI APIs offer a simpler, more cost-effective way to optimize processes.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of electronic data interchange solutions available today, highlighting how they can simplify data exchange and improve your approach to managing business processes.
Three Types of EDI Solutions in 2025
Currently, three categories of EDI solutions exist. Let's take a closer look at what each offers:
In-House Solutions
With an in-house EDI solution, a company manages its EDI infrastructure and processes internally. This means setting up B2B EDI software, training staff, and independently handling support.
The biggest perk? Control. Unlike other electronic data interchange solutions, in-house solutions give you complete autonomy over business processes, making it easy to monitor, manage, and analyze EDI transactions.
That said, in-house EDI systems come with their challenges. They require a significant upfront investment in infrastructure, expertise, and resources. For small or mid-sized companies, budget constraints can be a roadblock. But for larger, well-established businesses with resources to invest, in-house solutions are a solid choice.
Web Forms
Web forms are a user-friendly, cost-effective solution for smaller operations looking to adopt EDI without heavy infrastructure. Hosted in the cloud by a network provider, these forms are accessible through any internet browser.
You need only a browser and an internet connection to enter your data and submit it to electronic data interchange software. The system then converts the information into EDI-compatible formats, streamlining the data exchange process.
User- and budget-friendly, web forms make it easy for smaller organizations to get started with an EDI system without having to invest a lot of money.
Self-Service APIs
Self-service APIs make EDI integration accessible for nontechnical businesses, allowing them to efficiently automate workflows and exchange data. These APIs streamline processes like application connections,data mapping, and information exchange, leading to better productivity and communication with trading partners.
APIs reduce friction in workflows by automating key tasks. This helps businesses meet customer needs faster and improves customer satisfaction.
The benefits of using self-service API EDI systems include:
Flexibility: APIs work across platforms and programming languages, standardizing communication between software. This makes integration simple and adaptable.
Scalability: APIs can handle multiple applications and services, growing alongside the business, even as technology evolves.
Control: Businesses can add, remove, or customize self-service APIs as needed. They can also scrape and store data without relying on third parties.
Automation: Self-service API EDI systems are pre-built and ready to use, eliminating the need for manual setup. They also automate processes, including back-end tasks, for greater efficiency.
Self-Service EDI APIs: The Best Option Overall
For businesses needing a fast, easy way to manage data exchange, self-service EDI APIs are a smart choice. They don’t require a dedicated IT team, making them accessible and cost-effective. APIs also speed up integration with trading partners while offering more flexibility, control, and automation than traditional EDI software.
For growing businesses, APIs are scalable, support real-time data exchange, and quickly adapt to changing needs.
The advantages of self-service API over in-house solutions and web forms include:
Real-time integration: Unlike traditional EDI solutions, which rely on batch processing, self-service EDI APIs enable real-time data exchange. This speeds up transactions and lets businesses customize their integrations with internal systems and trading partners.
Compliance and security: Compliance is crucial in EDI, and APIs use advanced encryption and security protocols like AS2 and FTPS to safeguard data during transmission. They also support compliance with industry standards like ANSI and HIPAA.
User-friendly and accessible: With self-service APIs, businesses can manage their own connections through web portals. Unlike more complex traditional EDI integration tools, no IT team is necessary.
Scalability: APIs handle increasing data traffic effortlessly, making them ideal for businesses that experience fluctuating EDI transaction volumes or rapid growth.
Agility and flexibility: APIs easily adapt to changes in data formats or trading partner requirements, offering a level of flexibility that web forms and in-house solutions can’t match.
Why APIs Outperform Web Forms and In-House Solutions
For businesses handling high EDI transaction volumes, web forms often fall short. They lack scalability and advanced automation compared to APIs, making them inefficient for growing companies or those needing more robust data exchange capabilities.
In-house solutions provide control and reliability, but they also have significant drawbacks. High upfront hardware costs, costly maintenance fees, and limited scalability make them impractical — especially for smaller organizations.
Self-service EDI APIs, however, offer the best of both worlds. They combine the control and reliability of in-house electronic data interchange tools with the flexibility and accessibility of web forms. Self-service EDI APIs automate data transfers, reduce errors, and adapt seamlessly to 21st-century integration needs. For businesses wanting to streamline workflows and modernize their processes, APIs provide a scalable, cost-effective solution built for long-term success.
A Smart Partner for Your EDI Solutions
EDI APIs have revolutionized modern business processes, and Orderful is transforming how businesses approach EDI. Our platform provides seamless access to common EDI solutions and API integration, making it easier to connect with trading partners and streamline workflows. Orderful also offers flexible tools and integration options to help businesses scale efficiently and adapt to evolving needs.
Ready to optimize your EDI processes? Connect with an EDI expert to schedule a demo today.