Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a cornerstone of modern business-to-business communication. By standardizing document formats, EDI enables seamless, automated exchanges of crucial business information. This post explores 20 real-world EDI examples, complete with sample EDIFACT messages, to illustrate how EDI streamlines operations across various industries.

What is EDI?

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is a method for transferring data between different companies using approved formatting standards. It replaces paper-based exchanges with electronic ones, reducing errors, saving time, and cutting costs.

What is EDIFACT?

EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce, and Transport) is a widely used international EDI standard developed by the United Nations. It defines a set of syntax rules to structure data, along with standard messages for various business transactions.

20 EDI Examples in Action

For each example, we'll provide:

A real-life scenario
A simplified human-readable message
An EDIFACT message sample

1. Purchase Order

Scenario: Walmart sends an electronic purchase order to a supplier for laptop computers.

Human-Readable:

PO#: 12345
Supplier: ABC Electronics
Item: Laptop Computers
Quantity: 500
Price: $800 per unit
Delivery Date: 2024-08-15

EDIFACT (ORDERS message):

UNH+1+ORDERS:D:96A:UN:EAN008'
BGM+220+12345+9'
DTM+137:20240815:102'
NAD+BY+5412345000013::9'
NAD+SU+4012345000094
LIN+1++4000862141404:EN'
PIA+1+ABC123:SA'
QTY+21:500'
PRI+AAA:800'
UNT+9+1'

2. Invoice

Scenario: An auto parts manufacturer sends an electronic invoice to a car company for supplied components.

Human-Readable:

Invoice#: INV-9876
Customer: XYZ Auto
Item: Brake Pads
Quantity: 1000
Total Amount: $25,000
Payment Due: 2024-09-30

EDIFACT (INVOIC message):

UNH+1+INVOIC:D:96A:UN'
BGM+380+INV-9876'
DTM+137:20240930:102'
NAD+SU+5412345000013::9'
NAD+BY+4012345000094::9'
LIN+1'
PIA+5+BP12345:SA'
QTY+47:1000'
MOA+203:25000'
UNT+10+1'

3. Shipping Notice

Scenario: FedEx sends an advance shipping notice to a recipient, detailing package contents and expected delivery date.

Human-Readable:

Tracking#: FDX123456789
Recipient: John Doe
Package Contents: Electronics
Weight: 5 lbs
Expected Delivery: 2024-07-28

EDIFACT (DESADV message):

UNH+1+DESADV:D:96A:UN'
BGM+351+FDX123456789'
DTM+137:20240728:102'
NAD+CN+John
Doe'
LIN+1'
PIA+1+ELEC123:SA'
QTY+12:1'
MEA+PD+AAA+KGM:5'
UNT+9+1'

4. Inventory Update

Scenario: A pharmaceutical distributor provides a real-time inventory update to a pharmacy.

Human-Readable:

Product: Aspirin 100mg
Current Stock: 5000 units
Reorder Point: 1000 units
Last Updated: 2024-07-25 14:30 EST

EDIFACT (INVRPT message):

UNH+1+INVRPT:D:96A:UN'
BGM+35+INV12345'
DTM+137:202407251430:203'
NAD+SU+5412345000013::9'
LIN+1'
PIA+5+ASP100:SA'
QTY+145:5000'
QTY+145:1000'
UNT+9+1'

5. Payment Confirmation

Scenario: A bank sends an electronic payment confirmation to a business after processing a transaction.

Human-Readable:

Transaction ID: PAY-987654321
Amount: $10,000
From Account: 1234567
To Account: 7654321
Date: 2024-07-25
Status: Completed

EDIFACT (REMADV message):

UNH+1+REMADV:D:96A:UN'
BGM+481+PAY-987654321'
DTM+137:20240725:102'
MOA+9:10000'
FII+BF+1234567'
FII+BO+7654321'
UNT+7+1'

6. Customs Declaration

Scenario: An international shipping company submits customs declarations electronically for faster border clearance.

Human-Readable:

Declaration#: CD-001122
Shipper: Global Exports Inc.
Destination: France
Contents: Textiles
Value: $50,000
HS Code: 6204.62

EDIFACT (CUSDEC message):

UNH+1+CUSDEC:D:96A:UN'
BGM+952+CD-001122'
DTM+137:20240725:102'
NAD+EX+Global Exports Inc'
LOC+27+FR'
GDS+1'
FTX+AAA+++Textiles'
MOA+128:50000'
CST+620462'
UNT+10+1'

7. Healthcare Claim

Scenario: A hospital submits a patient insurance claim electronically to a health insurance provider.

Human-Readable:

Claim#: HC-789012
Patient ID: P-12345
Provider: City Hospital
Service Date: 2024-07-20
Procedure: Appendectomy
Amount: $15,000

EDIFACT (MEDREQ message):

UNH+1+MEDREQ:D:96A:UN'
BGM+71+HC-789012'
DTM+137:20240720:102'
NAD+PT+P-12345'
NAD+SLA+City Hospital'
IMD+A+PRO+Appendectomy'
MOA+9:15000'
UNT+8+1'

8. Order Status Update

Scenario: An online retailer sends order status updates to customers throughout the shipping process.

Human-Readable:

Order#: ORD-56789
Customer: Jane Smith
Status: Shipped
Carrier: UPS
Tracking#: 1Z999AA1234567890
Est. Delivery: 2024-07-30

EDIFACT (ORDRSP message):

UNH+1+ORDRSP:D:96A:UN'
BGM+231+ORD-56789'
DTM+137:20240730:102'
NAD+BY+Jane Smith'
STS+1+12'
RFF+ON:1Z999AA1234567890'
UNT+7+1'

9. Product Catalog Update

Scenario: A wholesaler distributes updated product catalogs to its network of retailers.

Human-Readable:

Product ID: TOOL-123
Name: Power Drill
Price: $79.99
Available: Yes
Category: Power Tools
Last Updated: 2024-07-24

EDIFACT (PRICAT message):

UNH+1+PRICAT:D:96A:UN'
BGM+9+CAT12345'
DTM+137:20240724:102'
LIN+1'
PIA+5+TOOL-123:SA'
IMD+F++:::Power Drill'
PRI+AAB:79.99'
UNT+8+1'

10. Warehouse Transfer

Scenario: A large supermarket chain manages inventory transfers between its warehouses using EDI.

Human-Readable:

Transfer#: WT-4567
From: Warehouse A
To: Warehouse B
Item: Canned Soup
Quantity: 1000 cases
Transfer Date: 2024-07-26

EDIFACT (INVRPT message):

UNH+1+INVRPT:D:96A:UN'
BGM+351+WT-4567'
DTM+137:20240726:102'
NAD+WH+Warehouse A'
NAD+WH+Warehouse B'
LIN+1'
PIA+5+SOUP123:SA'
QTY+70:1000'
UNT+9+1'

11. Bill of Lading

Scenario: Trucking companies exchange electronic bills of lading with shippers and receivers.

Human-Readable:

BOL#: BL-112233
Shipper: Acme Goods
Consignee: Best Retail
Carrier: Swift Trucking
Items: 10 pallets of merchandise
Weight: 5000 lbs

EDIFACT (IFTMCS message):

UNH+1+IFTMCS:D:96A:UN'
BGM+701+BL-112233'
DTM+137:20240725:102'
NAD+CZ+Acme Goods'
NAD+CN+Best Retail'
NAD+CA+Swift Trucking'
GID+1+10:PA'
MEA+WT+AAB+KGM:2268'
UNT+9+1'

12. Production Schedule

Scenario: An automobile manufacturer shares production schedules with its tire suppliers to ensure timely delivery.

Human-Readable:

Schedule ID: PS-789
Product: Sedan Model X
Quantity: 1000 units
Start Date: 2024-08-01
End Date: 2024-08-31
Tire Requirement: 4000

EDIFACT (DELFOR message):

UNH+1+DELFOR:D:96A:UN'
BGM+241+PS-789'
DTM+137:20240801:102'
NAD+BY+5412345000013::9'
NAD+SU+4012345000094::9'
LIN+1++4000862141404:EN'
QTY+113:1000'
DTM+11:20240831:102'
QTY+1:4000'
UNT+10+1'

13. Sales Report (continued)

EDIFACT (SLSRPT message):

UNH+1+SLSRPT:D:96A:UN'
BGM+81+SR12345'
DTM+137:20240724:102'
NAD+SU+FF-123'
MOA+9:15675'
QTY+47:523'
LIN+1'
PIA+5+CHBURG:SA'
QTY+153:287'
UNT+10+1'

14. Loan Application

Scenario: Banks process mortgage applications received electronically from brokers.

Human-Readable:

Application#: LA-456789
Applicant: Sarah Johnson
Loan Amount: $250,000
Purpose: Home Purchase
Credit Score: 780
Annual Income: $85,000

EDIFACT (FINSTA message):

UNH+1+FINSTA:D:96A:UN'
BGM+715+LA-456789'
DTM+137:20240725:102'
NAD+HQ+Sarah Johnson'
MOA+9:250000'
FTX+AAI+++Home Purchase'
MOA+341:85000'
UNT+8+1'

15. Employee Benefits Enrollment

Scenario: A company's HR department submits employee benefits enrollment information to insurance providers.

Human-Readable:

Employee ID: E-1122
Name: Michael Brown
Plan: Family Health Coverage
Dental: Yes
Vision: Yes
Effective Date: 2024-09-01

EDIFACT (PAYDUC message):

UNH+1+PAYDUC:D:96A:UN'
BGM+351+BE12345'
DTM+137:20240901:102'
NAD+HQ+E-1122'
NAD+CN+Michael Brown'
IMD+A++:::Family Health Coverage'
PCD+12:100'
UNT+8+1'

16. Flight Booking

Scenario: Travel agencies make flight reservations through EDI connections with airlines.

Human-Readable:

Booking Ref: ABC123
Passenger: Emily White
Flight: AA100
From: LAX
To: JFK
Date: 2024-08-15
Departure: 10:00 AM

EDIFACT (PAXLST message):

UNH+1+PAXLST:D:96A:UN'
BGM+745+ABC123'
NAD+FL+Emily White'
TDT+20+AA100'
LOC+125+LAX'
LOC+87+JFK'
DTM+189:202408151000:203'
UNT+8+1'

17. Prescription Order

Scenario: Doctors send electronic prescriptions directly to pharmacies.

Human-Readable:

Rx#: 987654
Patient: Robert Green
Medication: Lisinopril 10mg
Quantity: 30 tablets
Refills: 3
Doctor: Dr. Lisa Brown

EDIFACT (MEDPRE message):

UNH+1+MEDPRE:D:96A:UN'
BGM+720+987654'
DTM+137:20240725:102'
NAD+PAT+Robert Green'
NAD+DOC+Dr. Lisa Brown'
LIN+1'
PIA+5+LIS10:SA'
QTY+47:30'
QTY+194:3'
UNT+10+1'

18. Repair Order

Scenario: Auto repair shops send electronic repair orders to parts suppliers for quick fulfillment.

Human-Readable:

RO#: REP-5678
Vehicle: 2022 Ford F-150
VIN: 1FTEW1E53NFA12345
Parts Needed: Air Filter, Oil Filter
Labor Hours: 2
Expected Completion: 2024-07-27

EDIFACT (ORDERS message):

UNH+1+ORDERS:D:96A:UN'
BGM+220+REP-5678'
DTM+137:20240727:102'
NAD+BY+5412345000013::9'
VEH+1+1FTEW1E53NFA12345::5+:::2022 Ford F-150'
LIN+1++4000862141404:EN'
PIA+5+AIRFILT:SA'
LIN+2++4000862141405:EN'
PIA+5+OILFILT:SA'
UNS+S'
UNT+11+1'

19. Quality Control Report

Scenario: A food processing plant shares quality control reports with regulatory agencies.

Human-Readable:

Report ID: QC-789
Product: Canned Tomatoes
Batch#: BT-456
pH Level: 4.2
Contaminants: None Detected
Inspector: John Smith
Date: 2024-07-25

EDIFACT (QALITY message):

UNH+1+QALITY:D:96A:UN'
BGM+380+QC-789'
DTM+137:20240725:102'
NAD+MF+5412345000013::9'
LIN+1'
PIA+5+CANTOM:SA'
IMD+C++:::Canned Tomatoes'
RFF+BT:BT-456'
MEA+PH+AAA:4.2'
FTX+AAI+++None Detected'
UNT+11+1'

20. Tax Filing

Scenario: Businesses submit tax returns and payments electronically to government tax authorities.

Human-Readable:

Filing Type: Quarterly Sales Tax
Business ID: BIZ-987654
Period: Q2 2024
Total Sales: $1,500,000
Taxable Sales: $1,200,000
Tax Due: $72,000
Payment Method: Electronic Transfer

EDIFACT (TAXCON message):

UNH+1+TAXCON:D:96A:UN'
BGM+751+TF12345'
DTM+194:20240630:102'
NAD+DT+BIZ-987654'
MOA+125:1500000'
MOA+124:1200000'
MOA+150:72000'
PAI+::42'
UNT+9+1'

Benefits of EDI

Reduced Costs: Eliminates paper, printing, and postage expenses.
Increased Efficiency: Automates data entry and processing.
Improved Accuracy: Reduces human errors in data handling.
Faster Transaction Speed: Enables real-time information exchange.
Better Relationships: Enhances communication between trading partners.

Implementing EDI

To implement EDI in your business:

Identify your EDI needs and potential partners.
Choose an EDI solution (in-house or cloud-based).
Select the EDI standards you'll use (e.g., EDIFACT, X12).
Map your internal data to EDI formats.
Test thoroughly with trading partners.
Train your staff on new processes.
Go live and monitor performance.

Conclusion

These 20 examples demonstrate the versatility and power of EDI across various industries and business processes. By adopting EDI, companies can significantly improve their operational efficiency, reduce costs, and stay competitive in today's fast-paced business environment. Whether you're in retail, manufacturing, healthcare, or any other sector, EDI can transform your business-to-business communications and streamline your operations.

20 Real-Life EDI Examples with EDIFACT Messages

What is EDI?

What is EDIFACT?

20 EDI Examples in Action

1. Purchase Order

2. Invoice

3. Shipping Notice

4. Inventory Update

5. Payment Confirmation

6. Customs Declaration

7. Healthcare Claim

8. Order Status Update

9. Product Catalog Update

10. Warehouse Transfer

11. Bill of Lading

12. Production Schedule

13. Sales Report (continued)

14. Loan Application

15. Employee Benefits Enrollment

16. Flight Booking

17. Prescription Order

18. Repair Order

19. Quality Control Report

20. Tax Filing

Benefits of EDI

Implementing EDI

Conclusion