What's the best EDI testing tool for your project?

2 EDI validation and verification

Another essential feature of an EDI testing tool is the ability to validate and verify your EDI messages against the EDI standards, formats, and business rules. EDI validation checks if your EDI messages follow the correct syntax, structure, and data types, while EDI verification checks if your EDI messages meet the specific requirements and expectations of your trading partners. A good EDI testing tool should be able to perform both EDI validation and verification, and provide you with clear and detailed reports of any errors, warnings, or suggestions for improvement.

3 EDI simulation and emulation

A third feature to look for in an EDI testing tool is the capability to simulate and emulate your EDI transactions and workflows. EDI simulation allows you to generate and send test EDI messages to a mock trading partner, and receive test EDI messages back. This way, you can test how your EDI system handles different scenarios, such as acknowledgements, rejections, or exceptions. EDI emulation allows you to mimic the behavior and responses of a real trading partner, and test how your EDI system interacts with them. This way, you can test your EDI system in a realistic and controlled environment, and identify any potential issues or gaps before going live.

4 EDI integration and automation

A fourth feature to consider in an EDI testing tool is the integration and automation options that it offers. EDI integration refers to the ability to connect your EDI system with your other systems and applications, such as your ERP, CRM, or accounting software. This way, you can streamline your data flow and avoid manual data entry and duplication. EDI automation refers to the ability to schedule, trigger, or monitor your EDI transactions and workflows, such as sending or receiving EDI messages, validating or verifying them, or generating reports or alerts. This way, you can save time and resources, and ensure consistency and accuracy.

5 EDI customization and scalability

A fifth feature to evaluate in an EDI testing tool is the customization and scalability that it provides. EDI customization means that you can tailor your EDI system to your specific needs and preferences, such as adding custom fields, rules, or templates, or modifying existing ones. EDI scalability means that you can adjust your EDI system to your changing demands and expectations, such as adding new trading partners, standards, or formats, or increasing your transaction volume or frequency. A flexible and adaptable EDI testing tool should allow you to customize and scale your EDI system as needed, without compromising its performance or quality.

6 EDI cost and support

A final factor to weigh in an EDI testing tool is the cost and support that it entails. EDI cost includes the initial and ongoing expenses of acquiring, installing, maintaining, and upgrading your EDI system and testing tool. You should compare the features and benefits of different EDI testing tools with their respective prices, and choose the one that offers the best value for your budget. EDI support includes the technical and customer assistance that you can access from your EDI testing tool provider or vendor. You should look for an EDI testing tool that comes with reliable and responsive support, and that can help you troubleshoot any problems or answer any questions that you may have.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?