EDI Solutions for Small Businesses
EDI Solutions for Small Businesses Table of Contents Introduction Why Small Businesses Need EDI Challenges of Traditional EDI Tools How ActionEDI Solves These Challenges Real-World Case Study Frequently Asked Questions Next Steps Introduction Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) solutions for small businesses are no longer a luxury—they’re a necessity. As retail partners and marketplaces tighten compliance standards, businesses of all sizes are expected to deliver documents like purchase orders, invoices, and shipping notices electronically. But here’s the problem: traditional EDI platforms were built for enterprises—complex, expensive, and slow to implement. That’s where ActionEDI changes the game. Why Small Businesses Need EDI If you sell to big-box retailers like Walmart or manage fulfillment through platforms like CDW, EDI isn’t optional—it’s required. But more importantly, it helps your business: Speed up purchase order and invoice processing Reduce manual entry and costly fulfillment errors Meet compliance standards like UCC-128 and GS1-128 labeling Integrate seamlessly with QuickBooks, Sage, or Shopify Improve cash flow by accelerating order-to-cash cycles Challenges of Traditional EDI Tools Small businesses often face these roadblocks when adopting EDI: High setup fees: Many EDI providers charge thousands upfront Per-document pricing: Adds up fast with multiple trading partners Long onboarding times: Weeks or months to go live Technical complexity: Requires internal IT or a consultant Limited support: Slow responses, no accountability The result? Missed orders, compliance violations, and lost revenue. How ActionEDI Solves These Challenges ActionEDI is built specifically to deliver EDI solutions for small businesses. Here’s how we stand apart: 🚀 Fast Setup: Get started in days, not months 💰 Flat Monthly Pricing: No surprise fees, unlimited users and partners 📦 Prebuilt Integrations: QuickBooks, Sage, Shipvine, Shopify, CDW 📬 Email PO Automation: No portal login needed—automate from inbox 📄 Label Generation: Auto-generate GS1, UCC-128 shipping labels in ZPL format 🧠 Developer-Friendly API: RESTful API access for custom workflows 📞 Real Support: 24/7 access to EDI experts—not bots Real-World Case Study A growing electronics accessories brand selling on Walmart Marketplace and through CDW switched from SPS Commerce to ActionEDI due to rising costs and poor support. With ActionEDI, they achieved: 45% cost savings on monthly EDI expenses Automated PO-to-invoice workflows with no manual data entry UCC-128 label generation fully automated and GS1-compliant 24/7 support with real-time onboarding assistance Frequently Asked Questions Do I need EDI if I’m a small seller? Yes. If you’re working with major retailers or distributors, EDI is often a compliance requirement. Even if it’s not mandatory, automating your document flow will improve efficiency and scalability. Can ActionEDI integrate with my accounting software? Absolutely. ActionEDI supports QuickBooks and Sage, so your orders, invoices, and inventory stay in sync. What makes ActionEDI different from SPS Commerce? ActionEDI is built for small and mid-sized businesses with flat pricing, faster onboarding, and real customer support—without the hidden fees or enterprise overhead. Is it difficult to get started? Not at all. Most customers are up and running in under a week with no need for an in-house IT team. Next Steps If you’re looking for EDI solutions for small businesses that are simple, scalable, and affordable, ActionEDI is your answer. Whether you’re switching providers or starting fresh, we’ll make sure you’re set up for success. ✅ Ready to streamline your operations and cut EDI costs by up to 50%? 👉 Book a free demo today with ActionEDI
EDI vs Manual Processing: Why Modern Businesses Choose Automation
How Does EDI Compare to Traditional, Manual Processing Methods? When businesses rely on outdated, manual methods to process purchase orders, invoices, and shipping documents, they often pay the price in lost time, errors, and scalability issues. That’s where Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) enters as a game-changer—especially for small and medium-sized businesses trying to grow in a competitive digital landscape. Traditional Manual Processing Manual order processing typically involves: Emailing or faxing purchase orders Manually entering data into accounting or ERP systems Printing, scanning, or mailing invoices Manually generating and affixing shipping labels Human follow-ups to confirm receipt or resolve errors The Problem? Each step introduces the risk of human error, delays, and duplicate effort. How EDI Works Differently With EDI, the exchange of business documents happens electronically—between systems—without manual intervention. ActionEDI automates everything from purchase order to invoice with: Real-time order transmission Email PO parsing (no login required) Auto-generated UCC-128 / ZPL shipping labels Prebuilt integrations with QuickBooks, Sage, Shopify Support for ANSI X12 & EDIFACT formats Comparison Table Feature Manual Processing EDI with ActionEDI Speed Hours to days Instant document transfer Accuracy Prone to typos, duplicates Automated, with validation Scalability Difficult to manage growth Built to grow with you Cost Labor-intensive Reduced manual labor Label Generation Manual or third-party tools Auto-generated GS1 / UCC-128 Tracking & Audit Paper/email trails Cloud-based dashboard Compliance Risk of non-compliance GS1 and CDW-ready formats Why It Matters for SMEs For small and mid-sized businesses, every dollar and hour counts. EDI removes the repetitive, low-value tasks—so your team can focus on growth and strategy, not paperwork. Faster order processing Lower error rates Full audit trail Integration with your tools Scalable for new retail or trading partners “Modern EDI isn’t just automation—it’s peace of mind for growing teams.” Next Steps Tired of clunky EDI portals or exhausting manual workflows? 👉 Book a demo with ActionEDI and see how easy automation can be.
A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Replace SPS Commerce with ActionEDI
A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Replace SPS Commerce with ActionEDI Many CDW suppliers and small businesses are making the switch from SPS Commerce to ActionEDI. Why? Because ActionEDI offers flat pricing, real human support, and lightning-fast onboarding without the usual EDI headaches. Why Replace SPS Commerce? 📈 High subscription and transaction fees 📞 Delayed or unhelpful support 🧩 Lack of integration flexibility 🚧 Slow onboarding timelines Step 1: Identify Your Current EDI Flows Start by mapping out the current documents you’re exchanging via SPS Commerce. These may include: Purchase Orders (EDI 850) Invoices (EDI 810) Advance Shipping Notices (EDI 856) UCC-128/GS1-128 Shipping Labels Step 2: Schedule a Demo with ActionEDI Book a call with ActionEDI to review your current setup and explore how their cloud-based EDI platform can mirror (or improve upon) your existing flows. Schedule your demo now. Step 3: Data Migration and Connection Setup ActionEDI will help you: ✅ Import historical data and trading partner configurations ✅ Configure QuickBooks or Sage integrations ✅ Set up shipping label generation (ZPL/UCC-128) Step 4: Test with Trading Partners Run a parallel test with your CDW account and any other major trading partners. ActionEDI’s audit trail dashboard ensures everything is logged and validated. Step 5: Go Live Once testing is complete and you’re happy with the setup, switch off SPS Commerce and activate your ActionEDI flows. Step 6: Monitor, Optimize, and Scale Use ActionEDI’s smart automation features to reduce manual work, parse Email POs, and streamline operations. Enjoy flat-rate pricing and 24/7 support as you grow. Need Help Switching? ActionEDI’s team can guide you through the full migration process with zero downtime. Contact us today to simplify your EDI journey.
Plug-and-Play CDW Supplier Integration: How ActionEDI Saves Time
Fast & Easy CDW Supplier EDI Integration: Save Time with ActionEDI CDW supplier EDI integration doesn’t have to be complicated. ActionEDI provides a fast and easy way to get set up—eliminating delays, hidden fees, and manual work. In this guide, we’ll show you how to accelerate your CDW onboarding with plug-and-play automation. What is CDW Supplier EDI? CDW, a global technology distributor, requires vendors to use Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for smooth communication. EDI ensures that purchase orders, invoices, and shipping details are exchanged electronically in real time. Traditional providers like SPS Commerce make this process expensive and slow. That’s where ActionEDI changes the game. Why CDW Suppliers Need a Smarter EDI Solution Most CDW vendors struggle with: High setup costs from legacy providers Weeks or months of integration time Limited support and poor transparency ActionEDI solves these problems with prebuilt CDW workflows, flat-rate pricing, and 24/7 human support. CDW Supplier EDI Made Simple With ActionEDI, you can go from zero to compliant in a matter of days—not months. Here’s what makes it work: Instant Setup: Plug-and-play CDW configuration Smart Automation: Auto-process email POs without logging into a portal Label Generation: Automatically create GS1 UCC-128 shipping labels Prebuilt Integrations: Seamless EDI with QuickBooks, Sage, Shipvine, and more Transparent Pricing, No Surprises Forget confusing contracts or line-item billing. ActionEDI offers one flat monthly rate so you can predict costs and scale confidently. Real Support from Real People Our support team is available 24/7 to help CDW suppliers troubleshoot any issues, guide onboarding, and provide ongoing assistance. You’ll never be left hanging with a ticket number and a bot. Why It Matters for Your Business Faster EDI setup = faster order processing = faster revenue. When your CDW integration is smooth, your operations flow better. You avoid penalties, cut manual work, and improve supplier ratings. Ready to Upgrade Your CDW Supplier EDI? Join the growing number of vendors ditching SPS Commerce for ActionEDI. It’s faster, simpler, and made just for CDW suppliers like you. 🚀 Learn more about ActionEDI here For more information on CDW’s requirements, visit CDW.com
What Exactly Is EDI and How Does It Work?
What Exactly Is EDI and How Does It Work? EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is the structured transmission of data between businesses in a standardized electronic format. Instead of exchanging documents by mail, fax, or email—like purchase orders, invoices, or shipping labels—EDI lets systems talk directly to each other, automatically. What Does EDI Actually Do? At its core, EDI automates transactions between trading partners. Imagine a supplier receives an electronic purchase order (PO), processes it, then sends an invoice—all without a human typing anything. That’s EDI in action. EDI replaces manual data entry with machine-to-machine data flow. It reduces errors, speeds up order fulfillment, and strengthens supply chain efficiency. How Does EDI Work? Here’s a simplified step-by-step of the EDI process: Document Creation: A buyer generates a business document (e.g., a purchase order) using their internal ERP or accounting system (like Sage or QuickBooks). EDI Translation: The document is translated into an EDI standard format (e.g., ANSI X12 or EDIFACT). Transmission: The translated document is securely transmitted to the supplier via EDI protocols like AS2, FTP, or APIs. Reception and Integration: The supplier’s EDI system receives the document, translates it back into a readable format, and integrates it into their internal system for fulfillment. Real-World Example E-commerce Seller → Distributor: An Amazon merchant sends an electronic purchase order to their distributor. Within seconds, the distributor’s system auto-generates an Advance Shipping Notice (ASN) and a UCC-128 label, then sends an electronic invoice—all via EDI. Without EDI, this process would take hours of manual data entry and back-and-forth emails. Why Is EDI Important? Speed: Automated transactions = faster fulfillment Accuracy: Eliminates manual errors Scalability: Handle 10 or 10,000 orders the same way Compliance: Required by big retailers (e.g., Walmart, Target, CDW) Cost-saving: Reduces labor and operational costs ActionEDI: EDI Made Simple for SMEs Unlike legacy systems like SPS Commerce, ActionEDI was built specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. You don’t need an IT department to get started. With prebuilt integrations (Sage, QuickBooks, Shopify), email PO parsing, and real-time automation, ActionEDI lets you do EDI like the big players—without the big price tag. ✅ Flat pricing ✅ Fast onboarding ✅ 24/7 real support Final Thought If your business still sends PDFs manually or logs into clunky vendor portals, it’s time to upgrade. EDI is not just a tool—it’s a game-changer for modern supply chains. Simplify EDI. Scale your business. Start with ActionEDI. Next Steps Book a free demo at actionedi.com or explore how our plug-and-play tools can cut your EDI costs by 50%.
Top 7 Benefits of EDI in Supply Chain Management
Top 7 Benefits of EDI in Supply Chain Management Table of Contents What is EDI in the Supply Chain? Top 7 Benefits of EDI Real-World Success Story More Use Cases of EDI in Supply Chain Processes How ActionEDI Helps Frequently Asked Questions Next Steps What is EDI in the Supply Chain? Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the digital exchange of standardized documents such as purchase orders (EDI 850), invoices (EDI 810), and shipment notices (EDI 856) between supply chain partners. By automating the exchange of these critical documents, companies eliminate manual processes, reduce delays, and improve accuracy throughout the supply chain. EDI supports real-time communication between manufacturers, distributors, 3PLs, and retailers—streamlining everything from procurement to final delivery. Top 7 Benefits of EDI 1. Faster Transactions EDI enables instant transmission of purchase orders, invoices, and shipment confirmations. Companies can reduce processing time by up to 60%—meaning goods move faster, and revenue flows quicker. 2. Fewer Manual Errors Manual data entry is one of the top causes of errors in supply chain operations. With EDI, businesses reduce data duplication, avoid mismatched order details, and minimize costly chargebacks from retailers. 3. Real-Time Visibility With EDI, you gain complete visibility across your order lifecycle. From inventory levels (EDI 846) to delivery status (EDI 214), every document is traceable and timely, helping your teams make faster, better decisions. 4. Enhanced Compliance Major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Target require strict EDI compliance. Automating your document exchange ensures that you meet deadlines and formatting requirements without stress or penalties. 5. Cost Savings Automation reduces the need for paper, postage, and headcount for data entry tasks. Companies using EDI see significant cost reductions in operations, especially through fewer returns and errors. 6. Improved Forecasting Planning schedules (EDI 830) and inventory updates let your procurement and sales teams align production with real demand. That means fewer overstock issues and more responsive supply strategies. 7. Streamlined Logistics EDI enables smooth coordination between your warehouses, 3PLs, and carriers. With documents like EDI 940 (Warehouse Shipping Order) and EDI 204 (Freight Tender), your logistics team stays ahead of every shipment. Real-World Success Story A mid-size distributor supplying Target and Costco was overwhelmed by manual order entry and constant chargebacks. After switching to ActionEDI: POs, ASNs, and invoices were automated and synced across systems Shipment data was instantly accessible through their 3PL integration Chargebacks dropped by 70% Order cycles were shortened by 45% ActionEDI gave them speed, accuracy, and control over their supply chain. More Use Cases of EDI in Supply Chain Processes EDI 830: Share planning schedules to align demand and supply EDI 861: Confirm goods receipt quickly and accurately EDI 846: Track inventory status in real time EDI 204/214: Manage freight tenders and monitor shipments end-to-end How ActionEDI Helps ActionEDI is a fully hosted cloud-based EDI Fulfillment Software for SMEs that provides a full suite of EDI integrations without breaking the bank. No setup fees and unlimited trading partners WebEDI, EDI, and API integrations GS1 UCC 128 labeling support for retail compliance Real-time visibility into every transaction 24/7 onboarding and technical support \”We eliminated manual processes, hit every retailer compliance standard, and saved thousands per month—all thanks to ActionEDI.\” — Director of Logistics, National Retail Supplier Frequently Asked Questions Is EDI only for big companies? Not anymore. ActionEDI is built for small and midsize businesses that want the same automation and efficiency as enterprise-level players. Can EDI integrate with our ERP or WMS? Yes. ActionEDI supports flat files, APIs, and WebEDI portals—perfect for platforms like QuickBooks, NetSuite, Sage, and more. How fast can I get started? Most companies go live in less than 10 business days with the help of our white-glove onboarding team. Next Steps Ready to unlock the full power of your supply chain? EDI made simple. Book a demo at ActionEDI
EDI for E-Commerce: How Electronic Data Interchange Streamlines Online Retail
EDI for E-Commerce: Supercharge Online Retail with Automation Table of Contents What is EDI for E-Commerce? Why EDI is Essential for Online Retailers Common EDI Transactions in E-Commerce Real-World Example: Automating Shopify Orders How ActionEDI Simplifies EDI for E-Commerce Frequently Asked Questions Next Steps What is EDI for E-Commerce? EDI for e-commerce is the use of Electronic Data Interchange to automate document exchange—like purchase orders, invoices, and shipping notices—between online retailers, suppliers, and fulfillment centers. Instead of manually entering information or sending PDFs, businesses use EDI to enable real-time, seamless, and error-free communication. Why EDI is Essential for Online Retailers As e-commerce grows, so does the need for fast, scalable, and reliable operations. Manual order entry slows down fulfillment and increases the risk of costly errors. Key Benefits of EDI in E-Commerce: Faster Order Processing: Automate POs, invoices, and ASNs to ship quicker Fewer Errors: Reduce manual entry mistakes and duplicates Inventory Accuracy: Real-time data sync across sales and warehouse systems Happy Customers: Improve shipping times and order accuracy Retailer Compliance: Meet EDI mandates from Amazon, Walmart, and more Common EDI Transactions in E-Commerce EDI 850 (Purchase Order): When a customer places an order EDI 810 (Invoice): Used to request payment EDI 856 (Advance Ship Notice): Details what’s being shipped EDI 940 (Warehouse Shipping Order): Sends ship instructions to 3PL EDI 997 (Functional Acknowledgment): Confirms receipt of EDI docs Real-World Example: Automating Shopify Orders A health product brand using Shopify struggled with hours of manual order processing—double-checking inboxes, keying data, printing labels, and emailing updates. After switching to ActionEDI: Orders pulled directly from Shopify Shipping details sent to warehouse via EDI 940 ASNs and invoices generated automatically Every transaction tracked on a single dashboard Results: 65% less processing time and 40% fewer fulfillment errors. How ActionEDI Simplifies EDI for E-Commerce ActionEDI delivers enterprise-grade EDI tools built for growing e-commerce companies. Why Online Retailers Choose ActionEDI: Fully Hosted Cloud Platform: No servers to manage Launch Fast: Start using in days, not months Unlimited Trading Partners: Grow without hitting limits Flexible Integration: API, EDI, and WebEDI support for Shopify, ERPs, WMS All-in-One Dashboard: Monitor every transaction in real time “With ActionEDI, we connected our Shopify store, fulfillment partner, and accounting system in under a week. It’s a game-changer.” — CTO, Online Apparel Brand Frequently Asked Questions Is EDI just for large companies? No—ActionEDI was built for small to mid-sized e-commerce businesses ready to scale. How fast can we launch with ActionEDI? Most brands are live in 7–10 business days. Is it complicated to use? No tech skills needed. Our team does the setup. The dashboard is user-friendly. Next Steps Are you still manually entering orders and chasing shipping updates? Let ActionEDI streamline your online business. EDI made simple. Book a demo at ActionEDI today.
The Fastest Way to Generate Compliant GS1-128 (UCC-128) Labels – Without IT Help
GS1-128 Labels Simplified: Generate Shipping Labels Without IT Table of Contents What Are GS1-128 (UCC-128) Labels? Why Label Compliance Matters for Retail and Distribution The Old Way vs The Fast Way to Print GS1-128 Labels How ActionEDI Automates GS1-128 Label Generation Real-World Example: From Manual Labeling to One-Click Printing FAQ Next Steps: Book Your ActionEDI Demo What Are GS1-128 (UCC-128) Labels? GS1-128 labels—also known as UCC-128 labels—are standardized shipping labels that include barcodes, SSCCs, and product details. They’re required by major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Target to ensure accuracy and efficiency across supply chains. These labels typically include: SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) PO number and destination Carrier and tracking information Barcode readable by scanners Why Label Compliance Matters for Retail and Distribution Incorrect or manually created shipping labels can lead to: 🚫 Shipment rejections 💸 Chargebacks or retailer penalties 📦 Warehouse misrouting ⏱️ Missed fulfillment deadlines Small and mid-sized businesses are especially vulnerable when relying on spreadsheets or legacy software—and waiting on IT for every change adds delays. The Old Way vs The Fast Way to Print GS1-128 Labels Process Traditional Approach With ActionEDI Data Entry Manual Auto-filled from ERP or email IT Involvement Often required None needed Output Format Custom templates GS1-compliant ZPL Compliance High error risk 100% GS1-compliant Speed 10–30 minutes per label Less than 1 minute How ActionEDI Automates GS1-128 Label Generation ActionEDI is a cloud-based EDI software that allows SMEs to create and print GS1-128 shipping labels instantly—without IT support. Features include: 🧠 Syncs with QuickBooks, Sage, NetSuite, and other ERPs 🔁 Auto-populates all GS1 fields: PO, ship-to, quantity, SSCC 🖨️ Exports ZPL files for use with thermal printers ✅ Meets label specs for Amazon, Walmart, Target, and more Real-World Example: From Manual Labeling to One-Click Printing A mid-sized home goods supplier previously used Excel and email to generate GS1-128 labels. Each label required manual entry and took 15 minutes to complete. After switching to ActionEDI, the same company now prints labels in seconds—fully compliant, auto-filled, and printer-ready—with no IT intervention. FAQ Do I need to know how to code or set up templates? No coding or tech skills required. ActionEDI handles the formatting, ZPL generation, and label logic for you. What types of printers does ActionEDI support? We support thermal printers (like Zebra) using ZPL file output for GS1-128 labels. Can I use this for multiple trading partners? Yes! Our software supports GS1-128 label formats for a wide range of retailers, distributors, and logistics companies. Will it work with my ERP? Yes—ActionEDI integrates with QuickBooks, Sage, NetSuite, and more. It can also pull data from email POs. Next Steps: Book Your ActionEDI Demo Stop wasting time formatting labels manually or chasing down your IT team. With ActionEDI, you can: ✅ Print GS1-128 labels with one click ✅ Stay compliant with Amazon, Walmart, and Target ✅ Eliminate label errors and chargebacks ✅ Scale shipments without growing your tech team EDI made simple. 👉 Book your free demo today and see GS1-128 labeling automation in action.
GS1 Barcodes: Cost, Compliance & How They Power Modern Supply Chains
GS1 Barcodes: Cost, Compliance & How They Power Modern Supply Chains Table of Contents What Are GS1 Barcodes and Why Do They Matter? How GS1 US Powers GS1 Barcodes and Global Standards GS1 Barcodes vs UPC Codes: What’s the Difference? How Much Do GS1 Barcodes Cost in 2025? How Many GS1 Barcodes Do You Need for Your Products? How ActionEDI Automates GS1-128 Barcode Labels for You Next Steps: Make GS1 Barcode Compliance Simple What Are GS1 Barcodes and Why Do They Matter? GS1 barcodes are globally standardized codes that uniquely identify products, cases, or pallets across the supply chain. Each GS1 barcode contains a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), which ensures your product is traceable and recognized by major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart. GS1 barcodes are essential for retail, eCommerce, and logistics—powering automation, inventory accuracy, and product authenticity across global supply chains. How GS1 US Powers GS1 Barcodes and Global Standards GS1 US is the official body that assigns unique Company Prefixes in the United States. These prefixes form the base of your GS1 barcode numbers. GS1 US also maintains the standards used for: UPC for retail products GS1-128 (formerly UCC-128) for shipping containers QR and DataMatrix codes for healthcare and logistics GS1 Barcodes vs UPC Codes: What’s the Difference? GS1 is the organization that defines barcode standards. UPC is just one type of barcode issued under GS1 rules. All valid UPCs are GS1-compliant, but not all GS1 barcodes are UPCs. If you’re selling internationally or managing shipments and inventory in bulk, you’ll often use other GS1 formats like GS1-128 or ITF-14. How Many GS1 Barcodes Do You Need for Your Products? You need a unique GS1 barcode for each: Product variation (color, size, style) Pack size or bundle (e.g., 1-pack, 3-pack, 12-pack) Case or pallet shipping unit For example, if you sell 3 colors of a t-shirt in 4 sizes, you need 12 GS1 barcodes. And if you ship cases, you’ll also need GS1-128 labels with unique SSCCs. How ActionEDI Automates GS1-128 Barcode Labels for You Manually generating GS1 labels can lead to errors, delays, and compliance issues. That’s where ActionEDI comes in: 💡 Automatically generates GS1-128 labels from your orders 📦 Auto-fills PO, quantity, ship-to address, and SSCC numbers 🖨️ Creates ZPL files ready for your thermal printer ✅ 100% compliant with Amazon, Target, and other retailers Whether you’re an SME or scaling up, ActionEDI helps you stay compliant and ship faster. Next Steps: Make GS1 Barcode Compliance Simple If you’re ready to simplify how you generate and manage GS1 barcodes, ActionEDI can help you: ✅ Print GS1-128 labels on demand ✅ Automate your ASN and DESADV workflows ✅ Stay retailer-compliant with no IT required ✅ Scale without worrying about barcode or user limits Barcode compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. 👉 Book a demo with ActionEDI today and automate your GS1 labeling in days—not months.
Smarter GS1 EDI Standards for Manufacturers & Logistics Providers
Smarter GS1 EDI Standards for Manufacturers & Logistics Providers Table of Contents What Are GS1 EDI Standards? Why GS1 EDI Matters to Manufacturers and Logistics Companies GS1 EDI Messages Used in Manufacturing & Logistics Compliance: A Must-Have for Major Retail & Distributor Accounts How ActionEDI Supports Your Supply Chain FAQ Next Steps: Book a Demo with ActionEDI What Are GS1 EDI Standards? GS1 Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) standards are internationally recognized messaging formats designed to automate business transactions between supply chain partners. These standards ensure consistent communication for orders, invoices, shipping notifications, and other essential documents. By using GS1 EDI, manufacturers and logistics providers can significantly reduce manual entry, avoid data errors, and improve speed and accuracy in document exchange. These standards are adopted across industries—particularly in retail, healthcare, foodservice, and distribution—making them crucial for businesses looking to scale and stay compliant. For companies dealing with multiple trading partners, GS1 EDI provides a “common language” that streamlines interactions with suppliers, retailers, 3PLs, and distributors. Why GS1 EDI Matters to Manufacturers and Logistics Companies Whether you’re a component manufacturer shipping to OEMs or a logistics provider managing warehousing and freight, implementing GS1-compliant EDI workflows offers key advantages: Just-in-Time Fulfillment: GS1 EDI enables real-time, automated order processing—helping manufacturers align production schedules with customer demand and delivery windows. Labeling & Documentation Compliance: Use GS1-128 (also known as UCC-128) labels and send electronic Advance Ship Notices (ASNs) that meet large retailer and distributor requirements. Seamless ERP Integration: Integrate with your existing systems like QuickBooks, Sage, or NetSuite to ensure data flows from sales order to shipment without manual intervention. Cost Control: Reduce operational inefficiencies by cutting out duplicate data entry, minimizing chargebacks from compliance errors, and improving overall fulfillment accuracy. GS1 EDI Messages Used in Manufacturing & Logistics Different messages serve specific purposes in the supply chain. Here are the most relevant GS1 EDI standards used by manufacturers and logistics providers: ORDERS Streamline purchase order intake across all customers in a uniform, electronic format. Avoid delays and errors caused by phone, fax, or email-based orders. DESADV (Advance Shipping Notice) Send structured shipment notifications that inform your trading partner about incoming goods. This is often accompanied by GS1-128 labels that provide carton-level traceability. INVOIC Automate invoice delivery and ensure accurate billing data is exchanged instantly. This shortens payment cycles and improves cash flow. RECADV (Receiving Advice) Acknowledge received goods and report discrepancies in quantity or condition to help maintain inventory accuracy and improve supplier relationships. IFTMIN / IFTMAN Manage transportation instructions and shipping manifests. These messages help logistics providers and freight handlers track outbound shipments efficiently. Compliance: A Must-Have for Major Retail & Distributor Accounts If you manufacture goods distributed to retailers like Target or manage shipping for food brands sold at Costco, you already know how strict these organizations are with vendor compliance. They often require: ✅ Correct GS1 EDI message formats ✅ Proper GS1-128 shipping labels ✅ Timely ASN (Advance Shipping Notice) submissions With ActionEDI, you don’t need a dedicated IT team or third-party consultants. Our GS1-compliant platform takes the complexity out of EDI so you can focus on growing your business. How ActionEDI Supports Your Supply Chain ActionEDI is a cloud-based, fully hosted EDI solution built specifically for the needs of small to mid-sized manufacturers and logistics providers. Feature Benefit GS1-128 Label Generator Instantly print shipment-ready labels with GS1-compliant barcodes Pre-Built EDI Templates Easily send common GS1 messages like DESADV and INVOIC ERP Integration Connect directly with QuickBooks, Sage, NetSuite, and others Unlimited Trading Partners Scale without extra licensing costs per partner Flexible Options: API, EDI & WebEDI Choose the integration method that best fits your systems We also offer unlimited user access, so your warehouse team, operations staff, and customer service reps can all collaborate without added costs. FAQ Can ActionEDI help if we work with multiple warehouses or 3PLs? Yes! ActionEDI supports multi-location workflows and can route EDI documents to specific warehouses or fulfillment centers automatically. How fast can I go live with ActionEDI? Most clients are fully set up in under a week. We offer 24/7 support, no setup fees, and easy onboarding for your trading partners. What if we already use an ERP system? Not a problem. ActionEDI integrates with your existing ERP to sync orders, shipments, and invoices—so there’s no need to retype or duplicate data. Next Steps: Book a Demo with ActionEDI If you’re looking to improve efficiency, eliminate errors, and ensure GS1 EDI compliance, ActionEDI is the partner you’ve been looking for. ✅ Fully cloud-based ✅ No setup fees ✅ Unlimited trading partners ✅ Lightning-fast onboarding EDI made simple. 👉 Book your demo today →
