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Electronic Data Interchange Required for Big Retailers

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the computer to computer exchange of business documents.  For many businesses it has replaced the mailing and faxing of paper documents like purchase orders and invoices.  EDI is entirely electronic and paperless, so it’s faster, more accurate, and requires less labor time.

This technology is relevant to an inventor who wants to build a profitable business. Think about the stages an invention must go through to be a success:  from a concept on the drawing board to production to a retailer’s shelf to the consumer.

EDI is a requirement for getting  your invention on the shelf of Wal-Mart, Fry’s, Petco, Kroger, and Nordstrom. In fact it is required with virtually all of the first and second tier retailers and grocers.

You’re not EDI capable? You need a few things that you can either buy or outsource: specialized software,  EDI expertise, software modules for each retailer, and  hardware.  Buying everything is an expensive approach, but it makes sense for large companies with dozens of trading partners and many thousands of documents per month.

Alternatively, many inventors and smaller businesses choose to outsource their EDI needs. This solution provides you with an affordable means of reviewing and sending virtually any EDI business document. No expensive hardware, software, or staff are needed.

Prices vary, but web-based outsourced service is available that will have you EDI capable for the price of dinner and a movie each month. Unless your expected transaction volume is exorbitantly high, this option is the most cost effective.

The bottom line: if you want your invention to be sold in the retail sector, you will eventually have to address the need for EDI.  Many inventors and small business find this is easily achieved by outsourcing.

Steve Brewer is the president of CovalentWorks, a web-based EDI solution provider.

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