Electronic Data Interchange (EDI): can be formally defined as the transfer of structured data, by agreed message standards, from one computer system to another without human intervention.  This is not the normal electronic data transmission such as email.  This is a different system devised to transmit data in a very specific way.  EDI is the standard way in which large businesses exchange business documents (invoices, purchase orders, Request for Quotes, Advanced Ship Notices, bill of lading, etc.) in a standard electronic format  with their vendors/suppliers.   

EDI allows companies with different document standards and different languages to receive, understand and transmit documents in standard formats.  There are different EDI standards such as ANSI, EDIFAC, TRADACOMS and XML.  Each standard also have different versions.  Hence, when two businesses decide to exchange EDI documents, they must agree on the specific EDI standard and version.

EDI is a process that is provided as a service by 3^rd party vendors.  If you are required to use EDI as a requirement to become a vendor/supplier to a major retailer you should find a company that provide EDI as a cloud service ( and subscribe to it) so that it minimizes your out of pocket up-front cost. 

Below is a list directories that provide listings of companies that provides EDI services.