Comparison of AS2 and EDI - Simple Guide

Explore the differences between AS2 and EDI in this straightforward guide. Discover how AS2 securely transmits and delivers the structured data formatted by EDI, playing a vital role in effective business communication.

Understanding the Difference Between AS2 and EDI: A Simple Guide

In today’s business landscape, efficient and secure data exchange is essential. AS2 and EDI are two important terms frequently mentioned in this context. While they are connected, each serves a distinct purpose. Let’s explore what they are and the key differences between them.

What is EDI?

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is a method used to transfer documents between businesses electronically. Think of it as a digital version of sending paper documents through the mail, but much faster and more reliable. EDI helps companies exchange important information like purchase orders, invoices, shipping notices, and more.

• How EDI Works: Instead of sending a physical document, companies send a structured digital file that follows a standard format. This ensures that the receiving system can understand and process the information without manual intervention.
• Key Benefits of EDI:

What is AS2?

AS2 (Applicability Statement 2) is a secure B2B transfer protocol used to securely transmit EDI and other data types over the internet. In simpler terms, AS2 is a way to send EDI files securely between businesses.

• How AS2 Works: AS2 creates a secure connection over the internet to send data. It uses encryption to protect the data and digital signatures to ensure the authenticity and integrity of the documents.
• Key Benefits of AS2:

Key Differences Between AS2 and EDI

Purpose

• AS2: Secure and reliable transmission of B2B data over the internet
• EDI: Format and structure of the data being exchanged

Function

• AS2: Ensures that this standardized information can be sent securely and verified upon receipt
• EDI: Standardizes the information so it can be processed automatically by different systems

Scope

• AS2: Specifically designed for secure internet transmission, often used for EDI data but not limited to it
• EDI: Can be used with different transmission methods, not just AS2 (e.g., FTP, VAN)

Putting It All Together

Imagine EDI as a well-organized and formatted letter, and AS2 as the secure and reliable courier service that delivers it. EDI ensures that the content of the letter is in a standardized format that the recipient can easily understand and process. AS2 ensures that the letter is delivered quickly, securely, and only to the intended recipient.

In summary:

• EDI standardizes business documents for digital exchange.
• AS2 securely transmits these documents over the internet.

By understanding these two concepts, businesses can streamline their data exchange processes, improve security, and enhance efficiency in their operations.

Try it out

We offer EDI and AS2 solutions for small to enterprise businesses. The key product solutions are as follows:

• MFT Gateway: A hosted Software as a Service (SaaS) solution for AS2 file transfer.
• AS2 Gateway: An on-premise installable solution for AS2 file transfer.
• EDI Generator: Incorporates EDI exchange capabilities within your AS2 software.

Should you wish to test and evaluate the above solutions, you can sign up for a free trial today.