Electronic commerce is a vital link in the value chain for the Canadian industry. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is based on the use of message standards, ensuring that all participants are using a common language. A message standard consists of uniform formats for business documents, which have been adopted for electronic transmission. It also includes security and control elements, as well as other rules and conventions relating to the use of transaction sets/documents that all users agree to follow.
EDI enables the computer-to-computer exchange of business documents between companies using a standard format. Even in a world of newer technologies, it continues as a very important technology for e-commerce. While initially focused on larger businesses, EDI now provides benefits and cost-efficient implementation options for companies of all sizes. This electronic communication means you are efficiently and effectively providing your trading partners with accurate and complete business requirements. The need for accurate and timely data communication continues to be a requirement as trading partners ask more questions about the products they purchase and use.
X12 EDI Standards provide specific areas of the relevant data to be transmitted. The goal of X12 standards is to provide globally unique product identification and data capture of trade items, assets, logistic units, parties, locations, etc.
GS1 Canada in collaboration with GS1 US continue to develop and maintain implementation guidelines for Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Solutions (VICS) EDI Standards, with GS1 Canada providing tools and support to subscribers using EDI for data synchronization and supply chain communication. The Canadian Implementation Guidelines provide end-to-end support - from establishing the product information and purchase order, to the payment of those orders and providing all the details that your trading partners need.