Web EDI vs. Traditional EDI: What’s the Difference?
Web EDI vs. Traditional EDI: What’s the Difference? As small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) look to modernize operations, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) has become a cornerstone of digital supply chain automation. But not all EDI systems are created equal. This post explores the major differences between Web EDI and traditional EDI—and why more businesses are shifting to the web. What is Traditional EDI? Traditional EDI systems rely on direct connections—usually through on-premise software or value-added networks (VANs). These systems require technical configuration, dedicated IT resources, and can be expensive to maintain. Most large enterprises and legacy providers like SPS Commerce operate in this model. Challenges of Traditional EDI High implementation costs and long setup times Heavy reliance on IT teams or consultants Complex integrations and rigid formats Vendor lock-in with hidden fees What is Web EDI? Web EDI is a modern, cloud-based approach that enables businesses to exchange standardized documents like purchase orders, invoices, and ASNs through a browser interface or REST APIs. It’s faster, more flexible, and designed for today’s digital workflows. Benefits of Web EDI Setup in days, not months No software installation required Flat pricing with transparent costs 24/7 real human support Real-time integrations with QuickBooks, Sage, Shopify, and more Web EDI vs. Traditional EDI: A Quick Comparison Feature Web EDI Traditional EDI Deployment Cloud-based On-premise/VAN Setup Time 1–5 days 4–12 weeks Technical Expertise Not required Usually required Pricing Model Flat monthly fee Volume-based or per-document fees Scalability High (API access, plug-and-play) Moderate (manual upgrades) Why ActionEDI is the Best Web EDI Solution for SMEs At ActionEDI, we built a cloud-native EDI solution specifically for small and mid-sized businesses. With prebuilt integrations, GS1-compliant labels, and flat pricing, ActionEDI eliminates the pain of traditional EDI—while keeping you compliant with major partners like CDW, Target+, and Amazon. 👉 Ready to upgrade to a smarter EDI? Book a demo with ActionEDI today.
Convert Email Purchase Orders to EDI | Email PO Automation by ActionEDI
Convert Email Purchase Orders to EDI Automatically Capture and Process Purchase Orders Sent via Email Eliminate manual data entry from emailed purchase orders with ActionEDI’s Email PO Automation. Our intelligent solution automatically extracts order data from emails and attachments, converting them into standardized EDI documents or directly importing them into your systems. Bridge the Gap Between Email and EDI ActionEDI’s Email PO Automation transforms the chaos of email-based ordering into a structured, automated process. Our platform monitors designated email accounts, intelligently extracts order data from various formats, and converts this information into standardized documents that integrate seamlessly with your business systems. Eliminate manual data entry and reduce processing errors Process orders from non-EDI capable partners through your EDI system Reduce order processing time from hours to minutes Comprehensive Email PO Features Intelligent Email Monitoring: Monitors designated email accounts for incoming purchase orders. Multi-Format Extraction: Extracts data from PDF, Excel, Word, CSV, plain text, and email bodies. Automated Data Parsing: Uses intelligent algorithms to identify and extract order data. Document Conversion: Converts extracted data into standard EDI (850, 875) or internal formats. Exception Handling: Flags orders needing review via an intuitive interface. Order Validation: Validates data against product catalogs and business rules. Benefits of Email PO Automation Eliminate Manual Data Entry: Save time and avoid costly errors. Accelerate Order Processing: Reduce processing time from hours to minutes. Improve Data Accuracy: Eliminate typos and transcription errors. Enhance Customer Service: Process orders faster and reduce customer queries. Reduce Processing Costs: Cut costs by up to 80% with automation. Maintain Document Trail: Ensure traceability from email to EDI output. How It Works Email Receipt: Customers send POs to your designated email. Document Extraction: System extracts attachments or embedded details. Data Recognition: Identifies key order details from any format. Data Transformation: Converts to your preferred format (EDI, ERP, etc.). Validation & Exception Handling: Validates and flags issues. System Integration: Sends data to ERP, EDI, or OMS platforms. Supported Email Formats and Attachments Email Body Plain text HTML formatted Tables in emails Email Attachments PDF, Excel, Word CSV, XML, Plain text Integration Options EDI Integration: Converts emails to EDI documents. ERP Direct Import: Imports data directly to ERP. API Delivery: Sends data to internal/external systems via API. Database Storage: Stores data for custom workflows. Implementation Timeline Basic Setup: 2–3 business days Advanced Configuration: 1–2 weeks Custom Integrations: 2–4 weeks Factors affecting setup: format complexity, system integration, business rules, UI customization. 🚀 Ready to ditch manual EDI headaches? ActionEDI makes order processing effortless—automate POs, invoices, labels, and more with a modern, affordable platform built for growing businesses. ✅ Fast onboarding ✅ Flat-rate pricing ✅ Real support, 24/7 👉 Book a Demo or Talk to Our Team today to see how simple EDI can be.
10 Common EDI Terms Every Business Should Know
10 Common EDI Terms Every Business Should Know Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a powerful tool that enables the digital exchange of business documents between companies. But for many small and mid-sized businesses, the jargon can be overwhelming. Let’s break it down. Here are 10 of the most common EDI terms every business should understand. 1. EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) EDI is the computer-to-computer exchange of business documents in a standardized electronic format between trading partners. 2. Trading Partner A trading partner is any business entity involved in EDI communications. This can include suppliers, retailers, manufacturers, or logistics providers. 3. ANSI X12 ANSI X12 is a standard developed by the American National Standards Institute for EDI in North America. It defines document structure, data elements, and communication protocols. 4. EDIFACT EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport) is an international EDI standard developed by the United Nations. 5. Purchase Order (PO) An EDI 850 transaction. It is the electronic version of a buyer’s request to a supplier for products or services. 6. Invoice (EDI 810) An EDI 810 is the electronic version of a traditional invoice. It’s sent by the supplier to request payment for goods or services. 7. Advance Ship Notice (ASN) Known as EDI 856, this document notifies the buyer that a shipment is on its way. It often includes tracking numbers, packaging information, and delivery timelines. 8. UCC-128 / GS1-128 Label This is a standardized barcode label used for shipping cartons. It includes a unique SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) that enables accurate shipment tracking. 9. VAN (Value-Added Network) A VAN is a third-party network provider that facilitates the secure exchange of EDI documents between trading partners. 10. Integration Integration refers to the process of connecting your EDI system with your internal business systems (ERP, WMS, or accounting software) to automate data exchange. Final Thoughts Understanding these key EDI terms lays the foundation for streamlined digital transactions and supply chain automation. Whether you’re new to EDI or upgrading from outdated systems, clarity on the basics empowers better decisions. Need a simpler way to manage EDI? Try ActionEDI — a modern, cloud-based EDI platform designed for SMEs.
How EDI Works: From Purchase Order to Invoice
How EDI Works: From Purchase Order to Invoice Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) enables businesses to automate the exchange of supply chain documents like Purchase Orders (POs), Advance Ship Notices (ASNs), and Invoices. But how does it actually work from start to finish? This post breaks down the entire EDI workflow—from sending a PO to receiving an invoice—so you can understand how automation replaces manual tasks and cuts costs. 1. The Purchase Order (850) The buyer (retailer or distributor) initiates the process by sending an EDI 850 Purchase Order to the supplier. This document includes product quantities, SKUs, pricing, shipping address, and delivery requirements. Without EDI: This would be emailed or faxed, with manual rekeying into the supplier’s system. With EDI: The PO automatically flows into the supplier’s ERP, WMS, or ActionEDI dashboard—no human input required. 2. Order Acknowledgement (855) The supplier responds with an EDI 855 Order Acknowledgement, confirming product availability, expected shipping dates, and any changes. This ensures both parties are aligned on expectations, avoiding miscommunication and stock issues. 3. Advanced Shipping Notice (856) Before shipping, the supplier sends an EDI 856 ASN containing carton-level details, tracking numbers, and UCC-128/GS1-128 shipping labels. This helps the buyer prepare for receiving—especially important in warehouse environments like CDW, Target+, or Amazon. 4. The Invoice (810) After shipment, the supplier sends an EDI 810 Invoice electronically. It includes itemized charges, PO reference, and shipping confirmation. Buyers automatically match the invoice to the original PO and ASN for 3-way matching, streamlining approval and payment. 5. Payment & Reconciliation Once matched and approved, payment is processed—either through standard AP workflows or via an EDI 820 Remittance Advice. ActionEDI’s dashboard shows real-time reconciliation status, so you know exactly what was paid, pending, or rejected. Why Automate This Workflow with ActionEDI? ✅ Save 50%+ in labor costs by eliminating manual order processing 🚚 Accelerate fulfillment with real-time shipping label and ASN generation 📦 Comply with GS1/UCC-128 standards for Amazon, CDW, and Target+ 💬 Get 24/7 human support (no chatbots) 💸 Transparent pricing with no hidden fees Whether you’re a CDW vendor or an e-commerce seller, ActionEDI turns this PO-to-invoice workflow into a plug-and-play system. Want to See It in Action? Book a demo to watch how ActionEDI handles the full EDI cycle in real-time—no technical expertise required.
How Secure Is EDI for Transmitting Sensitive Business Data?
How Secure Is EDI for Transmitting Sensitive Business Data? When it comes to transmitting sensitive business data like purchase orders, invoices, and shipping details, security is non-negotiable. For companies in retail, logistics, manufacturing, and e-commerce, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) remains a trusted solution—but how secure is it, really? What Makes EDI Secure? Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a structured way for businesses to exchange documents digitally instead of using email, fax, or snail mail. But beyond just convenience and speed, EDI systems are built with multiple layers of security designed to protect sensitive data. 1. Data Encryption EDI messages are encrypted during transmission using protocols such as AS2, SFTP, or HTTPS. This encryption ensures that even if the data is intercepted, it’s unreadable without the appropriate decryption key. 2. Authentication and Authorization Every EDI transmission includes authentication mechanisms to verify the identity of the sender and receiver. This prevents unauthorized access and ensures that only approved trading partners can exchange data. 3. Audit Trails and Logging EDI platforms, especially cloud-based ones like ActionEDI, provide a full audit trail. This means every transaction is logged, timestamped, and stored securely for compliance and tracking purposes. 4. Data Integrity Checks EDI systems use digital signatures and hashing to ensure data integrity. If a document is altered during transmission, the system can detect the inconsistency and flag the issue. 5. Compliance with Security Standards Modern EDI providers align with industry regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS depending on the sector. ActionEDI ensures GS1 compliance and integrates security best practices across all document types. Why Security Matters in EDI If you’re dealing with big retailers like Walmart, Target, or CDW—or working with 3PLs and suppliers—one mishandled document could cost you thousands in chargebacks, delayed shipments, or worse: reputational damage. Here’s what’s often at stake in EDI data exchange: Customer data (names, addresses) Banking and payment details Inventory and pricing information Sensitive business contracts or agreements The Myth of “Old” EDI Being Insecure Some critics argue that EDI is outdated and vulnerable compared to modern APIs. While it’s true that EDI has been around for decades, the reality is that today’s EDI is anything but old-school. Cloud-based EDI platforms like ActionEDI offer: Modern security protocols Real-time monitoring Role-based user access No reliance on on-premise servers On-Premise vs Cloud EDI Security Feature On-Premise EDI Cloud EDI (e.g., ActionEDI) Data Storage Local servers (higher risk) Encrypted cloud infrastructure Updates Manual, irregular Automatic and frequent Access Control Limited to internal users Role-based, multi-user access Monitoring Reactive 24/7 proactive monitoring How ActionEDI Keeps Your Data Safe At ActionEDI, we’ve made security part of our core architecture. Here’s how we protect your sensitive business data: End-to-end encryption for all data in transit and at rest SFTP and AS2 transmission protocols for secure communication Continuous monitoring and backups to prevent data loss Flat pricing and no surprise fees Real human support, available 24/7 Final Thoughts So—how secure is EDI for transmitting sensitive business data? In a word: very. Especially when powered by a modern, cloud-based platform like ActionEDI. With built-in encryption, compliance-ready architecture, and automated workflows, EDI is not only secure—it’s a smarter way to do business. If you’re still sending POs via email or using outdated EDI software, you’re not just slowing down your operations—you’re putting your data at risk. 🛡️ It’s time to upgrade to ActionEDI—where security, simplicity, and scalability come standard.
EDI vs. API Integration: What’s the Best Choice for Your Business?
EDI vs. API Integration: What’s the Best Choice for Your Business? As businesses look to streamline operations and improve data exchange efficiency, two popular technologies stand out: Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). While both are designed to automate data exchange, they cater to different needs. But which is the best choice for your business? In this article, we’ll break down EDI vs. API integration, helping you understand their key differences, advantages, and when to use each. What is EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)? EDI is a standard for exchanging business documents like invoices, purchase orders, and shipping notices electronically between systems, without the need for manual intervention. EDI eliminates paper-based processes, reducing the risk of human error and speeding up communication across different systems and partners. Advantages of EDI: Standardization: EDI uses predefined formats (like ANSI X12 or EDIFACT), making it suitable for global trade. Automation: Reduces manual intervention, speeds up order processing, and minimizes errors. Security and Compliance: EDI transactions are typically encrypted and comply with industry regulations, making it ideal for sectors like retail and healthcare. What is API Integration? An API (Application Programming Interface) allows different software applications to communicate with each other in real time over the internet. APIs provide more flexibility than EDI by enabling the exchange of data between different platforms and applications. Advantages of API Integration: Real-Time Data Exchange: APIs enable immediate data exchange between systems, offering faster response times. Flexibility: APIs support modern data formats like JSON and XML, making them more adaptable to today’s dynamic business environments. Scalability: APIs can handle more complex transactions and allow businesses to scale their integrations as they grow. EDI vs. API: Key Differences Feature EDI API Data Exchange Batch-based, scheduled transmissions Real-time, on-demand communication Technology Uses fixed formats (e.g., X12, EDIFACT) Flexible formats like JSON, XML Implementation Often requires specialized software Easier integration with modern systems Cost Typically higher due to setup and maintenance costs Generally lower, especially for cloud-based solutions Use Cases Large-scale, structured industries like retail, logistics Web applications, SaaS products, dynamic transactions When Should You Use EDI? EDI is ideal for businesses dealing with high volumes of transactional data, such as suppliers, manufacturers, and large retailers. If your business needs to handle standardized data exchange across a complex supply chain with minimal human intervention, EDI is the way to go. Key Industries Using EDI: Retail Manufacturing Logistics Healthcare When Should You Use API? If your business operates in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where data exchange needs to be real-time and flexible, APIs are your best bet. They’re perfect for modern web applications, e-commerce integrations, or customer-facing systems that require constant data updates. Key Use Cases for API: E-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, Amazon) Mobile apps SaaS integrations Which is Right for Your Business? Choosing between EDI and API depends largely on your business model and integration needs. If you’re handling large-scale supply chain data with multiple partners, EDI might be the most effective solution. However, if you’re working with dynamic, real-time data or need more flexibility, API integration will likely serve your needs better. ActionEDI’s Solution: ActionEDI supports both EDI and API integrations, allowing businesses to choose the best solution for their needs. Whether you’re integrating with QuickBooks, Sage, or automating your order processing, we provide the tools for both standard EDI transactions and real-time API connections. Conclusion While both EDI and API integration have their advantages, it’s important to evaluate your specific business needs. By understanding the differences between EDI vs. API, you can make an informed decision that enhances your operations and improves your data exchange processes. FAQs Can I use EDI and APIs together? Yes, many modern businesses use both technologies in tandem, utilizing EDI for batch transactions and APIs for real-time data exchange. Is EDI more secure than APIs? EDI is generally considered highly secure due to its encrypted formats, but APIs can also be secured using modern encryption techniques and protocols. How do I integrate EDI or APIs into my business? ActionEDI offers plug-and-play integrations with platforms like Sage, QuickBooks, and Shopify, making it easy to get started with either EDI or API solutions. Next Steps Looking to simplify your EDI and API integrations? Schedule a demo to learn how ActionEDI can streamline your data exchanges and help your business grow.
The Real Cost of Manual Order Processing (And How EDI Solves It)
The Real Cost of Manual Order Processing (And How EDI Solves It) For small and mid-sized businesses, manual order processing can feel like the “easy” path—until the errors, delays, and costs start stacking up. What seems manageable with spreadsheets and email quickly becomes a drain on time, money, and customer satisfaction. The Hidden Costs of Manual Order Processing 1. Data Entry Errors Manual keying of POs, invoices, or ASNs increases the risk of typos and mismatches. Even a single digit error can delay fulfillment or trigger chargebacks from partners like CDW. 2. Slower Order Cycles Emailing, printing, and manually entering documents can extend order-to-cash cycles by days—or even weeks—causing missed SLAs and frustrated customers. 3. Staff Time & Opportunity Cost Your team spends hours on repetitive admin work instead of focusing on growth, customer service, or inventory optimization. 4. Compliance Risks Major trading partners demand EDI-compliant formats and labeling (like GS1-128). Manual processes make compliance harder, risking costly non-compliance penalties. 5. Scaling Challenges As you grow, so do your orders. Manual processes don’t scale well, forcing companies to either hire more staff or suffer bottlenecks. How EDI Automation Fixes All That Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) automates your order lifecycle—eliminating manual data entry, reducing errors, and speeding up processing. Here’s how ActionEDI helps: ✅ Parse Email POs Automatically Our smart parser reads and extracts order data from emails and attachments without needing a portal login. ✅ Automate Order to Invoice Workflow From purchase order to invoice, ActionEDI handles every transaction in your supply chain—error-free and in real-time. ✅ Generate Labels Instantly Auto-generate UCC-128 and GS1-compliant labels (ZPL or PDF) for shipments to CDW, Amazon, and more. ✅ Seamless Integrations Works with QuickBooks, Sage, Shopify, and other platforms—no IT team required. ✅ Scale Without Headcount Whether you process 10 or 10,000 orders, ActionEDI scales with you without increasing overhead. Make the Switch to EDI—Without the Hassle With flat-rate pricing, real human support, and fast onboarding, ActionEDI makes it easy to escape the manual mess. 📅 Book a free demo today and see how much time and money you could be saving.
EDI Compliance Without the Cost: A Smarter Way for SMEs
EDI Compliance Without the Cost: A Smarter Way for SMEs Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is essential for doing business with big retailers and partners like CDW, Target, or Amazon. But traditional EDI systems—like SPS Commerce—can be complex, expensive, and inflexible, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Why Traditional EDI Fails Small Businesses 🧩 Complex setup and integration 💸 High and unpredictable costs 🧑💻 Poor support from EDI providers 🪵 Manual processes that waste time What SMEs Really Need from EDI Most SMEs don’t have full IT teams or want to deal with hours of onboarding. They need: Fast and plug-and-play integrations (like QuickBooks and Sage) Flat-rate pricing without surprise fees Real support—by humans, not bots Compliance with GS1, UCC-128, and CDW requirements ActionEDI: The Cost-Effective EDI Built for You ActionEDI is a modern, cloud-based EDI platform built specifically for SMEs in retail, logistics, supply chain, and manufacturing. Whether you’re replacing SPS Commerce or just starting out with EDI, ActionEDI gets you compliant fast—without the cost and hassle. Key Features That Save You Time and Money 📦 Automated PO to Invoice Flows – No more copy-pasting or duplicate entry. 📧 Email PO Processing – Parse POs right from your inbox—no portals needed. 🔖 UCC-128 & ZPL Label Generation – Instantly create compliant shipping labels. 📊 QuickBooks & Sage Integration – Plug and play with your accounting system. 🧠 Cloud-Based Dashboard with Full Audit Trail Built for SMEs, Ready for Growth Whether you’re a CDW supplier, e-commerce seller, or supply chain partner, ActionEDI grows with you. Our smart automation scales, and our pricing stays predictable—so you can focus on growing your business. Say Goodbye to SPS Commerce and Hello to Simplicity If SPS Commerce has been draining your budget or slowing your operations, ActionEDI offers a better way—flat pricing, real support, and everything you need to stay compliant and competitive. 📞 Ready to see it in action? Book a demo today and simplify EDI for good.
Email-to-EDI Automation: Save Hours Every Week
Email-to-EDI Automation: Save Hours Every Week Manual data entry is still the norm for many small and mid-sized suppliers. When a customer sends a PDF purchase order by email, it kicks off a tedious process—open the email, download the file, re-enter everything into your accounting or ERP system, double-check for typos, and maybe even reprint it for your warehouse team. The Problem with Email POs Email-based purchase orders are everywhere, but they’re a time trap. Each one can take 10–30 minutes to manually process. Multiply that by 20–50 orders a week and your team is losing 10–25 hours every week on low-value data entry tasks. Enter Email-to-EDI Automation With ActionEDI’s Email PO Automation, those same orders are parsed and translated into structured EDI documents—automatically. No portal logins. No rekeying of data. No missed orders due to inbox chaos. Instead of downloading files and typing into your system, ActionEDI captures purchase orders directly from email attachments (PDF or Excel), extracts the necessary data using AI-powered parsing, and converts them into EDI-compliant documents ready for downstream workflows—like invoice generation, shipping labels, and inventory updates. Real Time-Savings. Real Results. Companies using ActionEDI’s Email-to-EDI automation report: 70–90% less time spent on order processing Fewer human errors Faster fulfillment and happier partners Built for Busy Teams Unlike legacy EDI tools, ActionEDI was built for small teams who don’t have an IT department. Setup takes days, not months. You get flat-rate pricing, real human support, and plug-and-play integrations with QuickBooks, Sage, and more. Ready to Save Hours Every Week? If your team is buried under email POs, it’s time for a better way. Book a demo and see how much time you could reclaim.
Top 5 EDI Mistakes New CDW Suppliers Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Top 5 EDI Mistakes New CDW Suppliers Make (and How to Avoid Them) Becoming an official CDW supplier opens the door to lucrative B2B opportunities. CDW is one of the largest technology distributors in the U.S., and landing a spot in their vendor ecosystem is a major win for any manufacturer, software vendor, or tech reseller. But here’s the catch: with opportunity comes responsibility—especially when it comes to Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). If you’re new to EDI or just starting out as a CDW partner, mistakes can cost you big. We’re talking shipment delays, rejected POs, compliance penalties, lost revenue, and even the risk of losing your vendor status. Luckily, these pitfalls are entirely avoidable if you know what to look for—and what to avoid. Let’s break down the most common EDI mistakes CDW suppliers make, and how you can sidestep them with the right strategy, support, and tools. 1. Delaying EDI Setup Until the Last Minute One of the biggest missteps suppliers make is waiting too long to get started with EDI. Some vendors mistakenly assume they can “figure it out later” or wait until CDW enforces a hard deadline. But here’s the reality: CDW expects seamless EDI compliance from the beginning of your partnership. There’s little room for manual processes or half-done configurations. Why it hurts: Late onboarding leads to missed shipments, backlogged inventory, and errors that frustrate CDW’s logistics teams. It puts your relationship at risk before it even begins. How to Avoid It: Start your EDI setup as soon as your vendor agreement is approved. Choose an EDI partner like ActionEDI that can onboard you in days—not months. With ActionEDI’s plug-and-play workflows, you’ll be trading documents like POs and ASNs quickly and accurately. 2. Overpaying for Legacy EDI Providers Many new suppliers are directed toward big-name EDI providers—like SPS Commerce—only to discover high costs, complex onboarding, and nickel-and-dime fees. These legacy tools were built for enterprise use, not for nimble suppliers or e-commerce sellers trying to keep costs predictable. Why it hurts: High monthly fees, usage-based billing, and extra charges for support or label generation can quickly erode your margins—especially when order volume fluctuates. How to Avoid It: Look for modern, cloud-based EDI solutions with flat-rate pricing. ActionEDI offers affordable monthly plans, no hidden fees, and 24/7 support—all built for CDW suppliers looking to scale efficiently. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying—and what you’re getting. 3. Not Understanding UCC-128 Labeling Requirements Here’s a hidden landmine: shipping label compliance. CDW requires suppliers to generate GS1-compliant UCC-128 (or GS1-128) shipping labels for every pallet or case. These labels must include the correct barcodes, formatting, and identifiers like SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code). Why it hurts: Incorrect or missing labels can lead to rejected deliveries, delays in payment, and strained relationships with CDW’s warehouse operations. It’s one of the top reasons new suppliers fail audits. How to Avoid It: Use a solution like ActionEDI that automatically generates UCC-128 labels using purchase order data. You get ZPL or PDF labels that are 100% GS1-compliant—no manual work required. ActionEDI even integrates label generation into your PO workflow, so there’s zero disruption. 4. Ignoring Automation Opportunities If you’re still manually downloading POs, typing invoice data into portals, or generating ASNs by hand, you’re leaving money on the table—and opening the door to errors. Manual EDI processes are slow, labor-intensive, and prone to mistakes that get magnified at scale. Why it hurts: Missed acknowledgments, late invoices, or mismatched line items can cause serious downstream problems. Plus, your staff ends up bogged down in low-value admin work. How to Avoid It: ActionEDI automates your entire CDW EDI cycle—from parsing email POs to generating invoices and shipment notices. You get a cloud-based dashboard with real-time status tracking and full audit trails. Less manual work. Fewer errors. More time to focus on growing your business. 5. Underestimating the Value of Real Support Many suppliers discover too late that their EDI provider is unresponsive or unhelpful when things go wrong. Whether it’s a misaligned 856 document, an invoice rejection, or a new CDW mapping update—you need answers fast. Bots and long ticket queues don’t cut it. Why it hurts: Slow or ineffective support can turn a minor issue into a full-blown crisis, delaying your shipments or payments. Worse, it makes you look unreliable to CDW. How to Avoid It: Work with an EDI provider like ActionEDI that offers 24/7 human support so you’re never left in the dark. Ready to Master CDW EDI? Don’t let rookie mistakes slow your growth. Learn how ActionEDI can simplify your CDW EDI setup—so you can focus on scaling, not stressing.
