EDI translation is the conversion of business data between an internal system format and a standardized EDI format used by a trading partner.
What Is EDI Translation and How Does It Work?
EDI translation is the conversion of business data between an organization’s internal format and the standardized EDI format required by a trading partner. An EDI translator applies mapping rules so documents such as purchase orders, invoices, and shipping notices can move automatically between different business systems. The process usually works in both directions: outbound data becomes a partner-ready EDI message, while inbound EDI data becomes a format the receiving ERP or other internal system can process. The SEEBURGER Business Integration Suite (BIS) supports EDI translation, partner onboarding, partner communications, and integration with internal systems.
Key takeaways
- EDI translation converts internal business data into agreed EDI standards and converts incoming EDI messages back into usable internal formats.
- Mapping rules connect source data elements with the segments and elements required by the target standard.
- Integrated translation and routing reduce manual re-entry and help organizations exchange documents consistently across partner networks.
What does EDI translation software do?
Business and ERP systems often store data in company-specific structures that trading partners cannot use directly. EDI translation software transforms this data into a structured format agreed by both parties, such as ANSI X12 or UN/EDIFACT.
Depending on the solution and process, source data may come from XML, flat files, spreadsheets, PDFs, databases, ERP systems, or other applications. The translator maps source fields to the corresponding segments and elements in the target standard. The output is an EDI message that follows the agreed structure. The same logic can work in reverse for incoming messages.
How does an EDI translator work?
A typical EDI translation workflow connects internal data, mapping rules, an agreed EDI standard, and a communication method.
Extract or collect business data
Map and convert the data
Transmit the EDI message
Convert inbound messages for internal use
An integrated EDI solution can route translated data directly into or out of ERP and accounting systems. A manual approach produces reports that users must key into internal systems, which retains manual effort and error risk.
Which documents, formats, and standards can be translated?
| Category | Examples |
| Business documents | Purchase orders, invoices, shipping notices, and other agreed B2B documents |
| Internal source formats | XML, flat files, spreadsheets, PDFs, database records, and ERP data |
| EDI standards | ANSI X12 and UN/EDIFACT |
| Transmission methods | AS2, SFTP, FTP, and EDI Value Added Networks (VANs) |
Why is EDI translation important?
Trading partners may use different internal systems, document structures, and EDI requirements. Translation creates a consistent exchange layer between those differences. Without it, organizations may need to re-enter data manually or maintain separate custom processes for each partner.
Automated translation is particularly useful when a business exchanges documents with many customers, suppliers, or vendors across industries and countries.
What are the benefits of EDI translation?
Simpler partner exchange
Less manual effort
Faster transaction cycles
Consistent controls
Operational focus
Choosing an EDI translation solution
In the past, some companies opted to build their own in-house EDI translator solutions. However, given the ever-evolving landscape of EDI standards and the complexity and cost of developing and maintaining custom code, this approach has become impractical and expensive. Partnering with an experienced EDI provider ensures a simpler, faster and more cost-effective path to achieving reliable EDI translation capabilities.
When selecting a provider for EDI translations, consider these key factors:
Standards and format coverage
Mapping and usability
Automation and routing
Scalability
Connectivity
Deployment and governance
Provider support
How does SEEBURGER support EDI translation?
The SEEBURGER Business Integration Suite (BIS) translates EDI documents, supports partner onboarding and communication, and connects translated data with internal systems. Reusable mappings, partner profiles, and templates can help teams apply established integration assets across workflows and partners.
AI-assisted mapping capabilities support the design of data and message transformations in the BIS Mapping Designer.
BIS supports communication methods including AS2, OFTP2, SFTP, REST, and SOAP. Deployment options include SEEBURGER Cloud, selected public cloud environments, private cloud, and on-premises operation.
Case Studies
PANZANI: PANZANI Migrates to the SEEBURGER Cloud for Its EDI & EAI Data Integrations and Exchanges
Frequently asked questions about EDI translation
What is EDI translation?
What is an EDI translator?
An EDI translator is software or a service that applies mapping rules to convert source data into an agreed EDI structure and convert incoming EDI messages into formats internal systems can process.
Is EDI translation bidirectional?
Yes. Outbound translation converts internal data into a partner-ready EDI message. Inbound translation converts the partner’s EDI message into a format the receiving system can use.
Which documents can EDI translation software process?
Common examples include purchase orders, invoices, shipping notices, and other structured B2B documents agreed between trading partners.
Which EDI standards are used in translation?
The page focuses on ANSI X12, which is common in North America, and UN/EDIFACT, which is widely used internationally.
What is the difference between manual and integrated EDI translation?
A manual approach produces translated reports that users key into internal systems. An integrated approach routes converted data directly between EDI processes and systems such as ERP or accounting applications.
How does SEEBURGER BIS support EDI translation?
SEEBURGER BIS supports document translation, mapping, partner onboarding, partner communication, reusable integration assets, and connections to internal systems.
Related topics
Good to Know
AS2 (Applicability Statement 2) is a http based protocol to transmit messages (especially EDI messages) safely, cheaply and quickly. In the last 20 years AS2 has become the most widely used protocol for EDI in many industries, such as the retail and the consumer goods industry.
What Is AS2 and Why Is It Important for EDI?
Good to Know
EDI allows electronic interchange of business information using standardized protocols and formats. These paperless business-to-business (B2B) transactions make EDI the standard of automating supply chain management (SCM) in many different industries.
What Are EDI Benefits?
Do you work in a sector with its own specific needs?
Take a look at the SEEBURGER range of industry-specific solutions
