EDI Archives - GraceBlood LLC

What is an SDQ Purchase Order?

Updated 8/27/25 Efficiency often comes down to how well data is shared and utilized. That’s where SDQ (Ship Destination Quantity) purchase orders—sometimes called spreadsheet or explosion orders—prove their value. By reducing redundant data, these orders streamline communication and eliminate the need to send the same sales order header multiple times.…

EDI 852: Optimizing Product Activity Data and Inventory Management for Better Supply Chain Decisions

Updated 7/30/25 Many of our cloud EDI clients ask: How can I track our customers’ product sales and on-hand inventory? The answer lies in the EDI 852, also known as the Product Activity Data transaction. The EDI 852 is a critical tool in supply chain management, enabling customers to share…

The Mechanics of Electronic Data Interchange: How EDI Works

Modern businesses are under increasing pressure to automate operations, improve efficiency, and maintain seamless connections with trading partners. Thus, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) has emerged as a powerful solution to meet these demands. EDI enables companies to exchange standardized business documents—such as purchase orders, invoices, and shipping notices—electronically, eliminating the…

Understanding EDI Industry Standards: X12 vs. EDIFACT Explained

Updated 7/25/25 In the world of electronic data interchange (EDI), two prominent standards have long dominated the landscape: X12 (US standard) and EDIFACT (European standard) Why should you care about this? In every EDI relationship, you’ll have to adhere to one of these standards. Both are widely used for facilitating…

What Is EDI? Fundamentals, Benefits, and Future of Electronic Data Interchange

Updated 7/23/25 Despite numerous blogs and speculation, EDI is not dead. It is never going to die, and stands as the most efficient communication and data management tool for B2B transactions. Well, what is EDI? Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the computer-to-computer exchange of business documents in a standard format.…

What Does EDI Capable Mean and Why Does It Matter?

Updated 5/16/25 Being “EDI capable” refers to the ability to exchange standardized documents with trading partners, typically customers and suppliers. This capability involves using Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) technology to send and receive business documents such as purchase orders (EDI 850), invoices (EDI 810), and shipment notices (EDI 856) directly…

Blockchain in the Supply Chain: Starting Blocks for Success

Updated 3/31/25 You’ve seen the increasing drumbeat of sensational headlines about blockchain in supply chain. The landscape is undergoing a technological revolution, and blockchain is at the heart of this transformation. Once synonymous only with cryptocurrencies, blockchain has now emerged as a powerful force reshaping industries, particularly supply chain management.…

The Role of EDI in Modern Logistics

When it comes to moving product around the globe, efficiency and accuracy are paramount in logistics. Modern supply chains demand seamless communication and coordination between trading partners, carriers, and warehouses. Enter Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) – a technology that has revolutionized logistics by automating data exchanges and eliminating manual…

The Future of EDI: 2025 Supply Chain Predictions

As we edge closer to 2025, the landscape of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and supply chain management continues to evolve. Driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer expectations, and global disruptions like the pandemic we saw a few years ago and port closures, strikes and congestion, many industries are undergoing a…

Everything You Need to Know About EDI Invoicing

Businesses of all sizes are constantly seeking ways to optimize their financial operations (at least, they should be), improve cash flow management and automate invoice processing. One of the most transformative innovations in financial processing is EDI, which has become a cornerstone of invoice automation. EDI replaces traditional paper-based invoicing…

XML and EDI: A Harmonious Existence

There has been much written about XML and EDI and which one is better. The answer is neither, because both have a place in modern business. Organizations often face a choice between using XML data exchange (eXtensible Markup Language) and EDI (Electronic Data Interchange). However, this decision shouldn’t be viewed…

Do Election Years Cause Supply Chain Disruption?

Supply chain disruptions can arise from a variety of factors, including political events, natural disasters, and market shifts. Election years, in particular, have long been speculated to influence supply chain dynamics due to economic uncertainty, shifting regulations, and changes in consumer behavior. In this post, we explore the potential causes…

How EDI Supports Financial Operations

A leading wholesale distributor cuts their order processing costs by 30%. A prominent food and beverage company reduces its FDA compliance-related issues by 40%. A retailer of consumer packaged goods saw a 25% reduction in chargebacks by improving its order accuracy. What do these three companies all have in common?…

Streamline Your EDI Transactions with Electronic Trading Profiles

Updated July 7, 2023 You’ve taken your first steps as a small business owner—you have a website, business cards, a line card, and other collateral for your business. You’ve implemented or will soon implement some degree of EDI capability. Your next step is to put that EDI to use with…

EDI for eCommerce and Other Business Tech Tips for the Holidays

Retail sales in November and December are considered holiday sales, even though many stores begin their holiday push in early October. To ensure they receive part of the estimated $950 billion in sales, eCommerce merchants should test that their technologies, such as EDI for eCommerce, are ready for the holiday…