The four main categories of EDI solutions

When it comes to EDI solutions, they can be broadly classified into four main categories. The first category is stand-alone EDI converter software on the PC, which generates data with the assistance of data entry screens or forms. The second category is the front-end of EDI gateway – which connects EDI PC to the existing in-house computer and its main job is to import/export flat-files into/from the application software. The third category is EDI software co-hosting on in-house mainframe. The application program interface with EDI which uses API or FPI (File Programme Interface or File Bridge). The fourth and last category is using the EDI conversation and communication facility provided by the third party Value Added Networks (VANs).