# Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the automated, computer-to-computer exchange of standardised business documents—purchase orders, invoices, bills of lading, customs declarations—without manual data entry.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the automated, computer-to-computer exchange of standardised business documents—purchase orders, invoices, bills of lading, customs declarations—without manual data entry. The dominant standards in freight and customs are UN/EDIFACT and XML-based formats, enabling direct system integration between shippers, freight forwarders, carriers, and government authorities. In customs practice, EDI underpins advance cargo reporting, automated filing of import and export declarations, and real-time status updates across the supply chain. Implementation requires technical alignment and process coordination among all parties, but the investment pays off quickly through faster processing, fewer input errors, and lower administrative overhead. EDI differs from simple electronic messaging: it operates through structured, machine-readable data formats that require no human interpretation.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_data_interchange](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_data_interchange)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 114 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_data_interchange |

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