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5 Reasons Why Cloud EDI Makes Your Transport Business Better

by Murray Phillips,
Nov 28, 2022
Cloud EDI Software for Transport Companies
Cloud EDI Software for Transport Companies

How EDI cloud software improves efficiency.

Table of contents:

–   What is cloud EDI?
–   Should you incorporate cloud EDI into your supply chain?
–   How to change systems
–   Ready to make the switch to cloud EDI?

We all know how important a few minutes can be in the transport business, let alone hours.

With cloud EDI, you can transmit data within your supply chain instantly and accurately. What once could have taken you a whole day can be achieved in just a few minutes.

Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

TransVirtual doesn’t just automate your data entry (although that’s worth celebrating), we utilise cloud EDI and API to seamlessly manage your complex integrations from larger ERP software to smaller delivery partners.

Let’s go over how cloud EDI works and exactly how you can make the most of it.

What is EDI Cloud?

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) allows businesses to exchange documents between two computers with no human labour involved.

For example, although email is electronic, it requires a person to download and prepare the documents to be sent, ultimately slowing down processing and allowing for human error. Instead, EDI documents are formatted in a standard way and go directly to an application on the receiver’s computer so that processing can begin immediately.

EDI has been a feature of the global transport industry for a long time now with shippers, carriers and brokers all aiming to integrate and exchange information as fast as possible.

Traditionally, transmitting an EDI needed to happen between two EDI systems that were set up and formatted in the same way. Transmission times were anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. Introducing a third party to the communications? You needed to start from scratch and ensure all three systems were able to communicate using the same system.

Cloud EDI on the other hand works together with API technology, using the cloud to transmit data instantly and seamlessly. And importantly, you can then transmit this data into systems using different formats.

In other words, two different systems can now communicate with each other quickly and accurately.

This real-time data transmission is revolutionising the transport industry. Many industry giants such as Amazon have incorporated cloud EDI and API into their supply chain.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) in transport industry
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

Should you incorporate cloud EDI into your supply chain?

There are some serious benefits to making the switch to cloud EDI. They mostly revolve around improving efficiency, accuracy and speed. Let’s take a closer look.

1. You can be flexible

You decide when, where and how you send and receive data. You’ll find endless customisation options within the TransVirtual platform to make the EDI work the way you need it to. And don’t forget about our stellar support team if you want a hand setting your customisations up.

2. You’ll lower your costs

Gone are the days of needing to pay expensive charges to make simple changes. Our EDI management tools mean you can do it yourself, or ask for our help (it’s what we’re here for).

3. Integrate with third parties

Cloud EDI allows shippers, carriers and brokers to exchange information quickly and accurately. Having your EDI in the cloud reduces manual tasks, decreases costs and eliminates human error. Our experienced integrations staff are on hand to answer your questions.

4. Use varied file formats with ease

Tired of needing to match your files to third party systems? Now you can connect files of every kind, from basic spreadsheets through to complex XML. You choose the format. Your cloud EDI does the rest.

5. Move your data quickly and accurately

With our extensive API you’ll get the fastest and most reliable data transfer. Every time. Send data and notifications instantly, to everyone who needs to know.

Extensive API for fast reliable data transfer.
Extensive API for fast, reliable data.

How to change systems

Without tearing your hair out!

The benefits are clear and, this time at least, technology has delivered us all a better way to do business. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean it’s going to be quick or easy for you to change over to a new way of doing things.

We know that implementing a new system in your business can be time consuming and stressful. We’re here to help. With some time and consideration on your part and expert guidance from us, together we can make the switch seamless for you.

Cloud EDI ultimately puts dollars back in your pocket and time back in your week, so it’s worthwhile. Here are a few tips to smooth the process:

▶️ Define your goals: what do you really want to get out of your software?

▶️ Find the right software for your business: make sure you choose one
which has the right features for your business now and into the future.

▶️ Get your staff on board: they’ll be the ones using your software and
can make or break the process.

▶️ Make and follow a detailed plan: implementing new software can be a long
process, having a clear plan will help your team maintain momentum.

Ready to make the switch to cloud EDI?

If you’re looking to make the switch to a cloud EDI, then you may need to look at a new Transport Management System (TMS). Read our how-to guide for more on implementing a new TMS (and whether it’s right for you).

Otherwise, you can get in touch with our team directly for a chat about your individual needs.