EDI in the Shipping Industry
EDI has often been referred to as the lifeblood of the logistics industry. Implementing a proper EDI solution can do all kinds of incredible things for the shipping/logistics industry. It can improve operational efficiency, increase visibility into their supply chain, and most of all, strengthen customer relationships throughout their ecosystem.
The EDI in shipping industry helps manage the documentation for
- Purchase orders
- Bill of lading
- Details of the warehouse
- Shipping details
- Customs documents
- Inventory documents
- Shipping status documents
- Payment documents
- Invoices and advance ship notices
EDI X12 Document Types
EDI X12 Document Types Used in Shipping Industry
EDI X12 Document Types Used in Warehouse Industry
EDI X12 Document Types Used in Air and Motor Industry
EDI X12 Document Types Used in Ocean Industry
EDI X12 Document Types Used in Rail Industry
Here is the full list of EDI X12 Document Types
Logistics Chain Operations in Shipping Industry
Here is the list of logistics chain operations that use EDI in shipping industry. In other words, this is how the data will flow in a normal day-to-day operation in the shipping industry,
- Exporters
- Freight Forwarders
- Customs Broker
- Customs Officer
- Shipping agents/NVOCCs
- Port Operators
Exporters or manufacturers may use an EDI system with EDI ANSI X12 standard to receive incoming EDI 850 purchase orders.
Why it’s Important to be EDI compliant for Shipping Industries
A recent survey data shows that poor integration overall led to 14% of companies losing $1 million or more in 2021, and nearly 1 in 4 lost $500,000 or more
Shipping/Logistics companies that aren’t EDI compliant are going to soon realize how quickly fines can add up. Going one step further, besides costing your company money, non-compliance impacts the trust companies have built with trading partners, jeopardizing those relationships, and lowering the competitive threshold.
How to Get Started With EDI for Shipping Industry
Here are the steps to get started with EDI,
Step 1: Understand EDI Standards
You as a business need to understand what standards apply to your shipping company so that you can use EDI effectively. There are two main standards used today: ISO 20022 (EDIFACT) and EDI ANSI X12 Standard.
Step 3: Create Your EDI Document Templates
You can use EDI templates to make sure your shipping company has everything it needs to process orders quickly and efficiently. If you’re using a third-party service provider, ask them what kind of template they need to work with.
Step 2: Setup Your EDI Solution
Identify whether you want to build your own in-house EDI solution or want to use managed EDI services from 3rd party provider. Once you’ve set up your EDI solution, you’ll need to add your customers and vendors to the system. This will allow your shipping company to automatically send and receive EDI documents electronically.
Step 4: Start using Your EDI Solution
Now you can automate your entire data exchange process with your business partners. It’s easy to set up, and once you do, you won’t ever have to worry about manually entering data again.
Benefits of Using EDI in the Shipping Industry
The Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) allows companies to exchange information electronically between each other, which helps reduce paperwork and costs associated with paper documents.
Here are eight reasons why it's worth considering
- Saves money.
- Saves time.
- Improve business operational efficiency.
- Make data more accessible.
- Eliminate manual data entry errors and automates the data processing
- Gain visibility into your business supply chain.
- Improves relationships with your business partners
- Easily scale your business across the world
Reduce Costs
EDI is an electronic data interchange (EDI) system used by shippers to exchange information with carriers and other parties involved in the transportation process. It allows companies to share information electronically instead of manually entering data into paper forms. This saves time and money.
Increase Efficiency
EDI also helps businesses save time and money by increasing efficiency. By using EDI, shippers can automate processes such as invoicing, tracking shipments, and receiving payments. They can also use EDI to track inventory and manage customer orders more efficiently.
Eliminate Errors
EDI allows companies to eliminate errors and reduce costs. It also improves customer service because customers receive accurate bills and invoices.
Streamline Operations
EDI helps streamline operations by reducing manual data entry and eliminating errors. This reduces the need for human intervention, which means less time spent processing paperwork and more time spent doing what matters most – serving customers.
Access information in Real time
The introduction of EDI in the shipping industry is considered a boon in many ways. One of them is accessing real-time information. This helps avoid possible delays in sending or receiving data/documents.
Integrated communication system
Thanks to the EDI, you can now have an integrated communication system in place for all your shipping operations. The one communication flow ensures traceability, integrated transactions such as purchase orders, order receipts, invoices, pending payments, and more.
Environment-friendly
EDI reduces 99.99% of paperwork required in your business
you can save a few dollars otherwise spent on:
- Buying paper
- Postal service
- Document storage
- Loss-proof documentation
- Improve customer service
Improve trading partner relations
EDI helps you to communicate with your trading partners swiftly. Unlike paper documentation which takes more time to convey a message
Ready to find out more about Commport EDI Solutions?
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