EDI partner onboarding
Quick answer
The process of connecting EDI with a new trading partner: mapping, transport setup and end-to-end testing.
Key takeaways
- Kick-off - the partner's requirements (messages, versions, GLN codes)
- Mapping - linking messages to your system
- Transport setup - the required protocol
- Testing - test messages validated by the partner
- Go-live - moving to production and monitoring
What EDI onboarding is
EDI onboarding is the process of establishing message exchange with a new partner: agreeing messages and versions, mapping to your ERP, configuring the transport channel (AS2/VAN/SFTP) and end-to-end testing through to production validation.
Typical stages
- Kick-off - the partner's requirements (messages, versions, GLN codes)
- Mapping - linking messages to your system
- Transport setup - the required protocol
- Testing - test messages validated by the partner
- Go-live - moving to production and monitoring
Why it takes time
Large retailers have strict testing procedures (each message type tested separately). Onboarding can take from a few days (known partner) to 4-8 weeks (new, complex partner).
How CRMconnect helps
With a library of pre-mapped retailers and testing tools, CRMconnect dramatically shortens onboarding: known retailers in days, new ones via a guided process with reusable mappings.
Real-world example
A supplier entering Kaufland feared months of setup. With Kaufland already in the CRMconnect library, onboarding (mapping + transport + testing) took 9 business days to go-live.
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Frequently asked
How long does EDI onboarding take?+
For an already-supported retailer (pre-mapped), days. For a new partner, 4-8 weeks, dominated by the end-to-end tests the partner requires for each message type.
What do I need to start?+
The partner's requirements: which messages and versions they use, GLN codes, transport protocol and mapping specs. An EDI module like CRMconnect guides you through each step.
Can I reuse work between partners?+
Partly. The core structure and flows are reused, but each partner has its own mappings and codes. CRMconnect's mapping library eliminates repetitive work for known retailers.
Where CRMconnect fits
Related terms
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)
Structured exchange of commercial documents between B2B partners, without emails or manual data entry.
TechnologyEDI mapping
Translating between the standard EDI message structure and your ERP's data format, for automatic processing.
TechnologyRetailer EDI compliance
The set of technical and operational requirements a retailer imposes on suppliers for EDI exchange, whose breach triggers penalties.
TechnologyGLN (Global Location Number)
13-digit GS1 code uniquely identifying a location (HQ, warehouse, store, delivery dock).