Best EDI Software Providers for Ecommerce (+ Costs)

When it comes to scaling your ecommerce business, efficiency isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s a necessity. And as your order volume increases, manual processes simply won’t cut it. That’s where a smart investment in Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) software makes all the difference. EDI automates the transfer of key business data – like purchase orders, invoices, and shipping documents – between you and your suppliers or partners, cutting down on time and costly errors. But with so many options available, finding the right EDI solution for your business can feel overwhelming.

In this article, we’ll break down some of the top EDI software providers for ecommerce businesses to give you a clear look at their features and costs. Whether you're managing wholesale orders with retail partners or simply trying to streamline your supply chain, we’ll help you pinpoint the best fit to meet your growth needs.

What Is Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Software?

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) software is used by businesses to exchange standardized documents electronically with their trading partners. On-premise or cloud-based solutions automate the process of sending and receiving business documents such as purchase orders, invoices, and shipping notices. 

What Does an EDI Software Provider Do

An EDI software provider is a company that specializes in facilitating electronic data interchange between businesses. These providers offer software solutions and services that enable companies to exchange business documents and data electronically in a standardized format. 

When You Need EDI Software

EDI becomes increasingly important as ecommerce businesses grow and form partnerships with larger retailers and wholesalers. EDI is essential to smooth communication for anyone venturing into the B2B or wholesale space, and especially for those working with giants like Walmart or Amazon. But while nearly all retail and wholesale partners will expect EDI as a standard, its value extends beyond just these relationships.

Businesses engaged in international trade often rely on EDI to manage customs documentation and compliance efficiently, while companies with complex supply chains use it to synchronize information across suppliers and inventory systems.

Beyond meeting partner requirements, EDI also saves time by automating data transfers. When businesses don’t have to manually input order information – or spend hours fixing mistakes innate to the process – they’re in a better position to scale. 

How Much Does EDI Software Cost?

The costs of implementing EDI depend on whether you decide to use the software in-house or partner with a third party. It’s important to note that "in-house" integration doesn’t truly mean handling it all yourself — the initial integration and set-up with an EDI provider is notoriously complex, and the software and connection need to be properly maintained for as long as you use it. 

Because of this, managing EDI in-house involves extensive backend work that typically requires hiring external developers unless your business already has a skilled team in place or is willing to build one. This means the cost of outsourcing EDI integration and maintenance can vary greatly, making budgeting difficult.

Partnering with a third party, such as a third party logistics (3PL) provider, is often a faster and more cost-effective way to access EDI software and fulfill wholesale orders. A reliable, well-established 3PL that has experience with wholesale and B2B fulfillment will already have integration capabilities with major EDI providers, which reduces the time and resources required for setup. 

Clients of a 3PL using EDI will usually pay a fixed one-time connection fee and a nominal monthly maintenance fee. These fees cover the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the connection to ensure everything runs smoothly and are usually much cheaper — and easier — than having an in-house team dedicated to EDI software upkeep.

To that end, both EDI software providers and official partners can use various types of pricing models. Many managed service providers base fees on the number of documents a business transacts within the billing period. Some providers charge by the number of documents transacted in a billing period, with file size typically measured in kilo-characters. For example, a purchase order that is 6,000 characters (six kilo-characters) might cost 60 cents, based on a common rate of 10 cents per kilo-character. Other popular arrangements include monthly or yearly subscriptions and flat rate models that require businesses to pay extra for each trading partner they transact with via EDI. 

When budgeting for the costs of EDI, remember to think long-term. Whether in-house or through a partner, this type of software is incredibly complex. You’ll need experts to manage, update, and debug it on an ongoing basis. One major benefit of working with a fulfillment partner for EDI is having dedicated specialists from day one, as well as being able to consolidate their work and billing with the other fulfillment services you need – meaning you can spend less time worrying about invoices and EDI documents, and more time on growing your wholesale channels. 

The 6 Best EDI Providers for Ecommerce Businesses

Oftentimes, it isn’t a question of whether you need EDI software, but rather which EDI software solution you need. A well-informed decision ensures the ability to meet retailers’ communication and ordering needs on an ongoing basis. Picking a system that isn’t right for your business, however, may mean losing time, money, and hard-earned partnerships with B2B and wholesale clients. Review the following candidates carefully to find the best EDI software provider for your specific business needs. 

1. SPS Commerce

Formerly known as Data Masons, SPS Commerce is a leading provider of cloud-based supply chain management solutions, specializing in EDI and retail network integration. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the company maintains a vast network of over 95,000 trading partners, including retailers, suppliers, and third-party logistics companies.

SPS Commerce says its solutions can integrate with “any system,” from Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) to Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and other business platforms. Users laud efficiency-enhancing features like field data auto-sourcing for inventory reporting and ASNs. A volume-based, tailored pricing model ensures businesses never pay for more than they need.

Major brands such as RxBar, Glossier, L’Oreal, Nutricare, Red Wing Shoes, and Oakley currently utilize SPS Commerce's solutions to streamline their supply chain operations. Client companies average 50 to 200 employees in size and $10M-50M in revenue every year. 

However, SPS Commerce is by no means reserved for large brands. Medium-sized businesses make up a significant portion of its client base. Its widespread accessibility and popularity mean that most, if not all, logistics providers have an integration for this specific software. 

Pros:

• Advanced Exceptions Management tools
• Can be integrated with “any” third-party platform
• Comprehensive and timely support

Cons:

• Data import and export capabilities are limited
• Reports of extended onboarding timelines and technical errors during implementation phase

2. Jasper PIM

Jasper PIM is an EDI solution offered by Jasper Commerce, Inc. A basic plan with this vendor comes with a reasonable array of features, including CSV import and export, unlimited product SKUs, advanced search, support for product variants, product relations tools for kitting and bundling, multiple location inventory, asset management, and smart categorization. Higher-priced tiers offer more capabilities, channels, and onboarding assistance. 

Where manual or internally developed systems require tedious data entry, Jasper prides itself on simplicity. This solution is capable of synchronizing data across multiple platforms within a technology stack. It’s linked with Shopify Plus Partner and WooCommerce, and also works seamlessly with major ecommerce platforms and marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and Google Merchant Center. Specialized APIs and plug-ins allow organizations to connect Jasper PIM to their ERP, inventory management, and other back-end systems. 

Recognizable brands that rely on this EDI software provider include Bosch, Samsonite, ToyRUs, Tile, and Inika Organic. Unlike many other EDI vendors, Jasper PIM offers a 14-day free trial. 

Pros:

• Setup process is easy and relatively fast
• Effective consolidation of internal workflows and external sales channels
• Accommodates varying language and currency needs across different geographic regions

Cons:

• Dashboard could be more customizable
• The features themselves and the documentation of those features are underdeveloped

3. TrueCommerce

TrueCommerce is a multi-enterprise supply chain software and managed services provider that was founded in 1995. Its EDI offerings are quite diverse, ranging from solutions for small businesses to enterprises to suppliers. Over 180,000 companies are currently connected to the company’s global supply chain network, including Doctor’s Best Vitamins, Dell, Diadora, and Abercrombie & Fitch.  

TrueCommerce has received lots of praise from G2, being recognized as a leader among small business and mid-market EDI software products, and also awarded titles of “Easiest Setup” and “Easiest Admin” for enterprise users. Its efficiency is thanks in part to integrations with a plethora of popular business systems – Microsoft Dynamics 365, NetSuite, SAP, Sage, Acumatica, QuickBooks, and more. 

Pros: 

• User-friendly interface is easy to learn
• Businesses have control over every detail of their sales operations, from shipping methods to discounts and coupons

Cons:

• The setup process takes a long time
• Sub-par tech support for complicated issues

4. Cleo

Cleo Integration Cloud (CIC) is a cloud-based solution designed to eliminate traditional challenges pertaining to EDI like scalability, uptime, and compliance. It automates an organization’s entire flow of transacted B2B documents, including quotation requests, Advanced Ship Notices (ASNs), outgoing invoices, and credit memos. Businesses are enabled to take action on important matters sooner with proactive alerting and proactive alerting. 

Like most other EDI software, this SaaS product can integrate with ERP, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and WMS systems. Cleo aims to differentiate itself with a no/low-code interface and short onboarding timeline, claiming users bring on new trading partners 10x faster with its pre-built EDI integrations. The vendor touts a customer base of 4,200, with New Balance, Ryder, and Brother being a few examples of noteworthy clients. 

Pros:

• End-to-end visibility over a variety of EDI order processing documents
• Ability to configure special business logic for individual customers
• Fast setup and great tech support

Cons:

• Some businesses say the Cleo team can be slow or unresponsive
• Log errors occur occasionally, and being written in Java, are hard to understand
• Reporting could be more comprehensive

5. DataTrans

DataTrans is a well-known technology solutions company located in Spring, Texas. Its primary product is a cloud-based EDI system called WebEDI. Per the name, WebEDI can be accessed via an online portal. That gives users flexibility over where and how they access their documents while eliminating the costs associated with on-premise deployment. 

The software is capable of generating a variety of standard B2B/wholesale documents, from UCC-128 shipping labels to Bills of Lading (BOL) to packing slips. Integrations with QuickBooks, GlobalShop Solutions, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Sage, and Infor promise to make doing so seamless. DataTrans is currently a trading partner of CVS Pharmacy, Target, Walmart, The Home Depot, and Advance Auto Parts, among other notable companies.

Pros:

• DataTrans’ pricing model and fee structure is praised as transparent
• Easy-to-understand interface ideal for first-time EDI users
• Timely customer support

Cons:

• Pick and pack functionality isn’t sophisticated enough for some users
• Challenges sending files during peak times and sending multiple files at once
• No free version or free trial is available, so there’s a risk of committing and not liking the software

6. Boomi

Boomi operates a cloud-native platform designed with modern B2B sales in mind. The EDI software accommodates standard connections of all kinds – including XML, X12, EDIFACT, HL7, RosettaNet, and Tradacoms – and also gives users the option to define custom standards. A dedicated dashboard provides extensive visibility into EDI data and can generate detailed reports upon request. 

This EDI vendor is unique from the others on this list in that it incorporates AI into its software. Boomi GPT, Boomi DesignGen, Boomi Pathfinder, Boomi DataDetective, Boomi Scribe, and Boomi Answers all strive to make it easier for businesses to maximize the time-savings and insights they reap from their system. While Boomi doesn’t have as many ‘high-profile’ clients as its competitors, the company has published case studies highlighting positive relationships with Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE), Exertis, and BNP Paribas Fortis Factor.

Pros:

• Capable of connecting to various Enterprise Platforms, including NetSuite, SAP, MS Dynamics, and Shopify
• Offers hybrid Integration for both on-premise and cloud systems
• Convenient drag-and-drop interface doesn’t require advanced technological skills

Cons:

• Simplicity is unideal for complex use cases
• Tedious troubleshooting and debugging processes
• System could be more accessible and reliable

Access the Best EDI Software for Less Through Shipfusion

EDI software is one of many expensive yet critical investments ecommerce companies must make as they grow. However, not everyone knows that the high cost of implementing a B2B/wholesale document exchange system can be offset. 

When you partner with a 3PL like Shipfusion, you get access not only to enterprise-grade technology, but the experience of our dedicated wholesale experts. Our in-house developers facilitate swift connections with major software vendors seamlessly, and as a preferred partner of SPS Commerce, we already have the infrastructure you’d need to hire an in-house team to build. 

The best part? EDI is just the beginning. Shipfusion’s robust, high-capacity ecommerce inventory management software allows businesses of all sizes to maintain 99.9% order accuracy while taking back the time needed to focus on growth. B2B and B2C fulfillment operations work together seamlessly across a high-capacity network of warehouse locations that update in real-time.

Scaling without limits is possible, and it starts with entrusting your logistics needs to the best 3PL in North America. Contact us today to learn how Shipfusion can help your business grow.