What is the primary function of EDI?

The primary function of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is to standardize invoicing and purchasing transactions. EDI provides a structured way for businesses to exchange important documents such as purchase orders, invoices, shipping notices, and other business data electronically between computer systems, streamlining processes and reducing the risk of errors that can occur with manual data entry. This standardization facilitates seamless communication between different trading partners and across various industries, making it easier to process transactions quickly and efficiently.

By adhering to specific industry standards and protocols, EDI enables organizations to automate and accelerate their business transactions, reduce administrative costs, and improve overall operational efficiencies. Thus, the focus of EDI on standardizing these critical documents is central to its function in business environments.