Nothing gives a business an edge like speed and efficiency. With electronic data interchange (EDI), businesses can streamline supply chains and communication, boosting overall productivity.
However, integrating EDI into internal systems can be challenging, often requiring specialized skills that are in high demand. Many professionals are unsure where to begin or how to tackle the technical complexities.
Fortunately, online courses and tutorials make it easier than ever for beginners to learn EDI systems and processes. In this guide, we’ll explore how to learn EDI and highlight expert-recommended resources to help you succeed.
Core EDI Components to Learn
The first step to understanding EDI is familiarizing yourself with its core components. These elements are key to navigating EDI systems with confidence. Here’s a breakdown:
EDI Standards
EDI standards establish predefined formats for structuring data exchanged between partners, ensuring consistency and accurate interpretation. Widely used standards include EDIFACT for global transactions, ANSIX12 in North America, and TRADACOMS in the United Kingdom. These frameworks specify the necessary data elements for various transaction types, such as purchase orders or invoices, tailored to specific industries.
EDI Transaction Types
Each EDI transaction type serves a unique purpose, with specific fields and formatting rules. Examples include invoices (EDI 810), purchase orders (EDI 850), and advance shipping notices (EDI 856). Familiarity with these helps troubleshoot issues and ensure smooth data exchange within supply chains.
EDI Translation
EDI translation converts data into a format that the recipient's system can process. It handles critical tasks like data transformation, validation, and automation. For instance, it might translate an EDI 850 purchase order into a CSV file that seamlessly integrates with an ERP system.
EDI Communication Protocols
These protocols enable secure document exchange between trading partners. Key methods include:
- Value-added network (VAN): These third-party services manage transactions and provide additional features like tracking, compliance checks, and secure mailboxes.
- AS2: This widely used protocol encrypts data and uses digital certificates for secure, direct transmission over the internet.
- SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol): This secure protocol also encrypts file transfers over a network but is less common in EDI than AS2 due to fewer EDI-specific features.
EDI Mapping and Data Transformation
Mapping ensures data formats align between sender and recipient systems, maintaining consistency and accuracy during exchanges. For instance, it organizes purchase order details to match the recipient's system requirements.
Data transformation applies specific rules to adjust data, such as converting currencies or reformatting dates, so it meets business standards and supports seamless processing.
EDI Envelopes
EDI envelopes play a critical role in organizing and transmitting data accurately. Each envelope level — transactional sets, functional groups, and interchanges — serves a specific purpose in structuring the data. For example, an interchange envelope includes sender and receiver details, ensuring the documents reach the correct destination without errors.
EDI Integration With Business Systems
Connecting EDI to systems like ERP or WMS boosts its value by automating data flow. For instance, when a purchase order is received, the integration can automatically update inventory levels in the ERP. This streamlines processes like order management, improves communication, and enhances accuracy across the supply chain.
Real-Time Sata Validation
Real-time validation makes sure EDI transactions meet business and industry standards before they’re processed. For example, if a shipping notice is missing a required delivery date, validation rules will flag the error before it causes delays. Setting up these rules helps catch mistakes early, keeping data accurate and reducing errors throughout the workflow.
See more common EDI terms or our EDI glossary.
Online EDI Courses and Tutorials
Whether you're starting from scratch or building on existing knowledge, these online EDI courses offer valuable insights into EDI systems and processes, equipping you with the expertise to thrive in this in-demand field:
Learn EDI (Orderful)
Orderful’s Learn EDI offers a wide range of EDI learning resources, including case studies, blog articles, and reports. Designed for both beginners and experts, the hub covers topics like EDI solutions, mapping, and EDI histroy, along with insights into benefits and best practices.
Cost: Free
Requirements: None
Reed Courses SAP IDIOC
Reed Courses’ EDI certification online course is perfect for learners with basic knowledge who want to deepen their understanding of SAP IDOC document structures. It offers lifetime access to study materials and technical support, and the self-paced format is tailored to advanced SAP EDI training.
Cost: £12 (approximately $15)
Duration: 17 lectures (approximately 10 hours)
Requirements: None
SAP EDI Training: Practical Guide to SAP EDI Implementation
Ideal for both newcomers and those looking for a refresher, Udemy’s course covers SAP EDI basics through video tutorials, real-world examples, and quizzes. Students learn about EDI by creating and processing IDOCs from scratch while gaining practical and theoretical knowledge of SAP EDI workflows.
Cost: $39.99
Duration: 24 lectures (approximately two hours)
Requirements: Prior experience with a technical or functional module is preferred, but SAP familiarity is sufficient. Access to an IDES system isn't required but greatly aids hands-on learning.
EDI certification Courses
If in-person learning fits your style, here's an interactive EDI certification course to consider:
EDI Fundamentals and Best Practices
EDI Academy’s course offers live instruction from experienced professionals, combining theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. Over six webinars, students learn EDI tracking, monitoring, communication protocols, standards, and translation techniques.
By covering common challenges and best practices, the course equips learners with practical skills to tackle EDI implementation and management confidently. Unlike other EDI certification courses, this covers EDI tracking, monitoring, communication, standards, translation, and other advancements.
Completing the course earns you a certification, a valuable asset for enhancing your EDI expertise.
Cost: $250–300 per webinar ($1,500–$1,800 total)
Duration: 90 minutes per webinar; six webinars total
Requirements: None
Other Tesources to Learn EDI
Beyond formal courses, plenty of resources exist to deepen your understanding of EDI. Here’s a look at some helpful options:
HIPAA Training Fundamentals and Best Practices (EDI Academy)
EDI Academy's live webinar is tailored for those in healthcare, offering expert guidance on HIPAA-compliant EDI practices. The course covers critical regulatory standards and data compliance essentials, empowering participants to help their trading partners stay HIPAA-compliant.
Cost: $300 per webinar ($1,500–$1,800)
Duration: 90 minutes per webinar; six webinars total
Requirements: None
EDIFACT and TRADACOMS EDI Fundamentals and Best Practices
Another offering from EDI Academy, this specialized training focuses on EDIFACT and TRADACOMS standards, commonly used in Europe and Asia. It dives into document structures, protocol differences, implementation strategies, and real-world use cases, making it ideal for professionals in global supply chains or the UK market.
Cost, duration, and requirements:Contact EDI Academy for more information
Orderful’s Free Real-Time EDI Validator
For those managing complex transactions, Orderful’s free validator tool streamlines error detection. It provides instant compliance checks and data format feedback before transmitting data to recipients, saving time and reducing mistakes.
Orderful’s EDI 101 YouTube Playlist
Orderful’s YouTube tutorials break down foundational and advanced EDI concepts. The playlist covers essential topics, including real-world transaction scenarios, making it a great resource for those seeking a refresher or troubleshooting guidance.
Reddit’s r/EDI subreddit offers a space for professionals to share knowledge, tips, and problem-solving strategies. It’s a valuable hub for connecting with experts, exploring industry trends, and discovering best practices through community discussion.
Master EDI on Any Budget
As more businesses integrate EDI into their workflows, employees with strong EDI skills are more valuable than ever. While learning the basics is a great start, diving into online EDI training can help you deepen your understanding and stand out in the field.
Orderful leads the way in EDI education, offering free online training programs tailored for both beginners and those looking to advance their expertise. These comprehensive sessions cover essential EDI concepts, giving you the tools to effectively manage and optimize EDI processes.
Ready to level up your EDI knowledge? Connect with an Orderful expert to access our free training programs today.