Summary
This article includes the following topics:
General Overview
EDI, or Electronic Data Interchange, is a standard method used to coordinate order fulfillment with major retailers.
While EDI can involve complex systems and detailed processes, this guide is designed to offer a straightforward overview of how it works.
Major retailers prefer EDI because its structured format and built-in Advanced Shipment Notification (ASN) system allow them to enforce transportation and packaging standards with their suppliers, vendors, and partners.
In this guide, you’ll find:
A general understanding of how EDI functions
Key requirements for getting started
A setup application included at the end to help you begin the process
This overview is meant to simplify EDI and help you take the first steps toward successful integration.
What is EDI?
With roots in military logistics over 30 years ago, EDI was originally developed to streamline the movement of air cargo by reducing paperwork and delays. Today, it’s a mission-critical tool in supply chain operations—especially for major retailers and transportation providers managing high-volume, time-sensitive shipments.
At DCL Logistics, we offer EDI as a fully managed service, helping our customers stay connected and compliant with major retailers. In many cases, EDI is not just the preferred method—it’s the only accepted method for transmitting key information such as:
Purchase orders (POs)
Inventory availability
Advance Shipment Notifications (ASNs)
DCL’s EDI management solution connects directly into our eFactory platform, giving you a centralized dashboard with full visibility into EDI feeds, order activity, and shipment status. We also support integrations with third-party EDI providers if you already have an existing setup or prefer to use a specific solution.
Whether managed by DCL or a trusted EDI partner, our goal is to make your EDI connectivity seamless, scalable, and fully compliant—so you can avoid chargebacks, reduce manual errors, and fulfill orders with confidence.
Why is EDI Used?
EDI It enables seamless transmission of purchase orders, inventory updates, and Advanced Shipment Notifications (ASNs) using predefined formats—critical when coordinating large volumes of shipments from multiple suppliers.
Without EDI, managing the steady flow of inbound freight would be slow, error-prone, and inefficient.
In supply chain and retail, EDI helps ensure data accuracy, reduces manual errors, and keeps operations running smoothly. ASNs in particular allow retailers to schedule inbound shipments effectively, making EDI the preferred—and often required—method for large-scale fulfillment.
It enables seamless transmission of purchase orders, inventory updates, and Advanced Shipment Notifications (ASNs) using predefined formats—critical when coordinating large volumes of shipments from multiple suppliers.
Without EDI, managing the steady flow of inbound freight would be slow, error-prone, and inefficient.
In supply chain and retail, EDI helps ensure data accuracy, reduces manual errors, and keeps operations running smoothly. ASNs in particular allow retailers to schedule inbound shipments effectively, making EDI the preferred—and often required—method for large-scale fulfillment.
EDI Requirements with DCL
Setting up EDI can be technically complex—but DCL handles it for you.
To begin, you’ll fill out DCL’s simple EDI Setup Application. Once submitted, our team will take care of the technical configuration with your designated trading partner—typically the retailer(s) you’re shipping to.
DCL acts as the shipper, manages all EDI transactions, and gives you access to a web portal where you can view your order data and transaction history.
All we need from you is the completed setup form with your trading partner details. From there, we handle the rest.
Please refer to the EDI Setup Application to get started.
Trading Partners Integrated with DCL
DCL has a large number of trading partners, below are just a few. If you don't see the retailer you are looking to integrate with reach out to your Account Manager.
AAFES
Academy
Amazon
BedBath&Beyond
BestBuy
BestBuy CA
BHPhoto
Bloomingdale
Costco
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Fred Meyer
HSN
HomeDepot
HomeDepot.com
Ingram Micro
Lowe's
Macy's
Micro Center
Nebraska Furniture Mart
Neiman Marcus
Nordstrom
Petco
PetSmart
Pet Supermarket
Sam's Club
Sephora
ShopKo
Staples
Target
TargetDVS
Ulta
Walgreens
Wal-Mart
Zappos
DCL also has the experience and flexibility to work with other third party EDI providers as well.