EDI INTEGRATION
Your data.
In the right format.
Your system and your retailers do not always speak the same language. Roundhouse handles the agreed mappings and file translation that connect them—so your team can keep working in its own system.
Discuss your integration
Connect the documents to the work.
EDI integration connects the electronic documents exchanged with trading partners to the data your business uses internally. A purchase order must become an order your team can process. Shipment and invoice records must become documents the retailer can use.
Roundhouse translates incoming EDI into an agreed file format for your ERP or order-management system. In the other direction, we translate your exported information into the trading partner’s required EDI format. We define and test that exchange with your team before it goes into daily use.
This is a connection between two workflows, not simply a file conversion. Item references, units, destinations and document status need a clear meaning on both sides.
FROM SPECIFICATIONS TO PRODUCTION
We handle the mapping work.
Review your system and requirements.
We start with your system name and version, import/export specifications, sample files and trading-partner instructions. We identify which documents you need and how your team currently processes them.
Agree how the data translates.
We map the required fields, references and document structures. If a retailer expects information your system does not currently export, we identify the gap with your team before relying on that file in production.
Test the complete exchange.
We prepare and check the agreed document scenarios. Your team or ERP provider verifies that the translated import creates the expected records and that exports contain the right data. We resolve exceptions before agreeing the production handoff.
Support the ongoing connection.
Once the exchange is established, our EDI Gateway service provides the agreed VAN connectivity, translation and mapping maintenance. Your team continues its internal order processing.
The fields that make the difference.
An integration can produce a readable file and still create the wrong business record. These details help determine whether the output is useful to your team.
| Mapping detail | Why it matters | Example to test |
|---|---|---|
| Item identifiers | Your SKU may differ from the retailer’s reference. | The correct style, color and size reaches the order line. |
| Units and packs | Eaches, cases and packs are different quantities. | A case quantity uses the agreed pack relationship. |
| Order references | Changes must relate to the existing order. | An 860 change refers to the correct 850 purchase order. |
| Ship-to locations | A location code must identify the intended destination. | Store and distribution-center references remain distinct. |
| Shipment structure | An 856 ASN needs the required shipment, carton and item relationships. | Carton identifiers and contents match the final packing record. |
| Invoice references | An 810 invoice needs the relevant billing information. | Invoice numbers, quantities and approved values survive translation. |
One style does not always mean one order line.
Consider a garment sold in several colors and sizes. A retailer’s order may identify each variant separately while your system groups them under a style. The mapping must retain the variant detail needed for picking, shipment reporting and billing. Translating the style name alone would lose information the warehouse and retailer need.
Test what happens after the file arrives.
A successful transmission is only one check. We agree how to confirm that the file was translated, imported and processed correctly, and how an error gets back to the person who can resolve it.
- Use representative orders, changes and shipment records.
- Confirm how duplicate files and corrected records are identified.
- Separate technical acknowledgments from business acceptance.
- Agree who handles a failed import or missing source field.
- Reconcile open orders and documents already sent before switching connections.
The standard file handoff does not automatically post data inside your ERP. Manual imports, scheduled imports or another supported arrangement must be agreed for your system. Your ERP vendor or technical team may need to configure that part of the workflow.
For retailer onboarding and approval, see trading partner setup and testing.
Keep mapping changes manageable.
Retailer requirements and business systems change. Roundhouse maintains the agreed trading-partner maps, checks what a change affects and works with your team when the source data or file handoff needs to change.
A new shipment reference may already exist in your export, allowing a mapping adjustment on our side. If it does not exist, your team needs a way to capture and supply it. We do not fill missing business facts with guesses.
Tell us before changing your ERP version, warehouse system, product identifiers or file structure so the affected exchange can be reviewed and tested. Consistent data also supports efforts to reduce avoidable EDI chargebacks.
If you would rather have Roundhouse perform the daily EDI document work as well, explore our fully managed outsourcing service.
Understand the connection behind your documents.
Our EDI VAN service page explains mailboxes, routing, acknowledgments and what to consider when moving an existing connection.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions about EDI integration.
What is EDI integration?
EDI integration connects trading-partner documents to the data used by your internal system. It involves mapping fields, translating formats and defining how information is imported, exported and checked. Roundhouse handles the agreed EDI mapping and translation work.
How does Roundhouse integrate EDI with our ERP?
We review your ERP version, import/export specifications and sample files, then agree the mappings and file handoff. We translate incoming EDI into the agreed import format and your outbound data into the retailer’s EDI format. Your team or ERP provider manages the agreed internal import/export work.
Can we keep our current system?
We assess your system and version against its supported import/export formats and the information your trading partners require. Compatibility and any configuration work are confirmed before implementation.
Will orders automatically appear in our ERP?
That depends on the agreed import process. Delivering a translated file is different from automatically posting an order in an ERP. We define whether your team imports files or an automated process is configured and test that workflow before production.
Who handles mapping changes?
Roundhouse maintains the agreed trading-partner mappings. We review whether a change can use existing data or requires new fields from your system. Changes affecting the file handoff are coordinated and tested with your team.
How is integration different from EDI Gateway?
Integration establishes and tests the exchange between your system and your trading partners. EDI Gateway is Roundhouse’s service for operating the agreed VAN connection, mappings and translation while your team processes orders in-house.
Can we switch providers while orders are open?
A transition can be planned around open orders, documents already transmitted and outstanding responses. We agree the cutover point and responsibility for each outstanding transaction to help avoid missed or duplicate processing.
What do you need to assess our integration?
Provide your system name and version, trading-partner list, document requirements and import/export specifications. Sample files, product-reference rules, warehouse details and a technical contact help us define the scope and tests.
LET’S TALK EDI
Bring us your workflow.
We’ll help connect the pieces.
Tell us which system you use and which trading partners you need to connect.
Talk about your integration