New standards enable suppliers and customers to embrace non-proprietary technologies for exchanging information related to orders, deliveries, and inventory. Unfortunately, the customers who make small purchases still can't use Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) due to their lack of technological sophistication. Suppliers can use fax-to-EDI service bureaus or Web-based interfaces to get the electronic data they require.
Whither the Proprietary EDI Network?
EDI is the data backbone of many organizations. EDI is a form of computer-to-computer communication that is widely used in manufacturing and retail. EDI is used to exchange information such as orders, receipts, inventory updates, and ship notices.