The Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) market is set for significant growth, estimated to reach $49,213.1 million by 2027. EDI has helped businesses of all sizes, from small and medium enterprises to large corporations, grow their operations and increase efficiencies. It has proven to be a useful tool during the challenging 2020 year, where many businesses had to pivot operations to the eCommerce market.
What makes EDI so appealing is that it works across industries. There are many different EDI services available, depending on your business needs. Its high adaptability, versatility, and ease of integration mean it is the ideal choice for organisations. With the right systems in place, EDI can unlock efficiencies across your supply chain and help you to focus your attention in the right areas. You can create stronger relationships with your suppliers, save time on manual processes, and adjust easily to changing global trends. Here’s how EDI works in different industries.
How Different Industries Are Using EDI
Automotive & Manufacturing
Both the manufacturing and automotive industries rely on rapid processing in order to meet global demands. One of the most vital elements for manufacturers around the world is to integrate new suppliers into their current supply chain. This allows them to provide consistently high standards around the world.
On this global scale, it is vital that supplies can exchange documents with ease, and implementing a straightforward EDI solution will mean that both small and large suppliers can continue to meet your industry needs.
Purchase orders are one of the most common transactions for manufacturers, as it states not only the items ordered but also the quantities. Using EDI will allow you to automate your systems and easily see not only the quantities ordered, but also note any changes in ordering so you can keep up with global trends and changes.
Financial Services
The financial services industry requires a great deal of regulation, especially as sensitive data is handled regularly for a range of clients. One of the most popular uses of EDI is to electronically receive and make payments on invoices.
Many businesses aren’t aware of just how costly paper-based services can be. To safely print and store this financial information is an expense that many companies could do without. By eliminating this cost and switching to a secure EDI solution instead, you can cut costs and keep client data more secure.
Manual processing often results in a number of errors. By moving your business to an EDI system instead, you will eliminate the potential for error. Another added benefit is consistency in the formats used. With the variety of file formats and systems around the globe, it can be challenging to create consistent documentation within the financial services industry. EDI makes this process easier, enabling you to implement file format standardisation around the world.
Retail & Food Service
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on both the retail and foodservice industries. With the global lockdowns, shopping instore was extremely limited to essential items from food shops, while restaurants had to shift to a takeaway model in order to work through one of the most significant commercial challenges we have faced.
According to Finances Online, 64% of retailers had to adapt their current strategies for the eCommerce market. This presents businesses of all different sizes with huge challenges, as it relies on consistent stock levels.
For many retailers and foodservice organisations, EDI provided them with much-needed flexibility. Suppliers had greater control of their inventory, meaning that retailers did not have the same concerns about over-supply. For businesses within the food industry, they could more accurately check stock, ensuring that ordering was accurate without allowing for waste. They could order a restock with ease, cutting down on the time spent on manual tasks. For any of the retailers who have changed platforms, an Amazon EDI might be the ideal solution. It will help you keep up with orders.
Technology
Organisations within the technology sector are often better positioned to adapt to change. They have a greater understanding of digital processes, but you may find that the supply chain structure in high tech companies is the most complex.
Given the continually changing trends within the technology industry, it is important for businesses to adapt quickly to demand. The right EDI solution can do this, taking into account seasonal fluctuations, new product launches, and global trends. Businesses can ensure that their products are meeting the demands of their customers.
Because the technology sector is a global industry, there is a need for consistent and easy-to-understand processes in place. Many EDI solutions can seem needlessly complicated, but the right one will be easy to maintain and ensure that your global business can continue to deliver the exceptional services your clients have come to expect from you.
Can EDI Help Your Industry?
EDI can seem extremely complicated, especially for businesses attempting to build their own solution. It can become excessively complicated and costly, which is why many global industries are turning to EDI specialists instead. Your chosen specialists will seamlessly integrate the best solution for your business, depending on the industry, niche, and specific requirements you have in mind.
You can increase efficiency, ensure accurate stock-taking, and build strong relationships with suppliers on a global scale. EDI is one of the most effective methods for businesses seeking to grow and increase profitability.
If you have questions about EDI, or you’d like to discuss which EDI services might be right for you, get in touch. Our intelligent process automation experts are available to answer your questions.
