EDI Overview

This article includes the following topics:

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:

This overview is meant to simplify EDI and help you take the first steps toward successful integration.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

DCL also has the experience and flexibility to work with other third party EDI providers as well.