Skip to main content

Technology

There are two basic components to a successful EDI program: the delivery of data and the integration of the data into an application.

Traditional VANs deliver data while providing security, reliability and a third-party audit trail—features not available with, say, e-mail. Integration of the data into an order entry system, or interfacing with a forecasting system to pull purchase orders is where EDI provides true value.

The removal of “human” steps speeds up the process and removes data-entry errors. So while sending a “fax” might seem less expensive than setting up an EDI system, a fax is not integrated into an application at the receiving end, and is therefore less efficient and more prone to problems.

York supports a variety of connection protocols. Meaning that you can connect to us via AS2, ftp, s/ftp, http, e-mail, API, and so on. By moving the data-format translation to your mailbox on FOUNDATION™, you can send and receive in the formats used by your ERP system—making integration easier, and allowing you to take advantage of all the other data cleansing features available only on our network.

Contact Us

“I think York provides superb customer service in all ways. The service feels personalized and that is hard to find.”

Minerva Hammes
EDI Analyst, Vortex Optics

About The Technologies

AS2

AS2 (Applicability Statement 2) is a widely used secure communications protocol that plays a crucial role in facilitating Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) by ensuring the secure and reliable exchange of business documents between trading partners. Here’s how AS2 assists with EDI:

  • Secure Data Transmission: AS2 provides a secure and encrypted channel for the transmission of EDI documents between trading partners. It uses digital certificates and encryption algorithms to protect data in transit, ensuring that sensitive business information remains confidential and tamper-proof.
  • Data Integrity: AS2 verifies the integrity of EDI documents during transmission. This means that both the sender and receiver can be confident that the data has not been altered or corrupted during transit.
  • Message Authentication: AS2 uses digital signatures to authenticate the sender and receiver of EDI documents. This authentication process ensures that the sender is who they claim to be and that the receiver can trust the source of the data.
  • Non-Repudiation: AS2 provides non-repudiation capabilities, meaning that once an EDI document is sent and received, neither party can deny the transaction. This is important for legal and audit purposes.
  • EDI Standards Compatibility: AS2 is compatible with various EDI standards, such as ANSI X12 and EDIFACT. It allows organizations to exchange EDI documents seamlessly, regardless of the specific EDI standard being used.
  • Reliability: AS2 ensures reliable data transmission. It supports acknowledgments and receipt confirmations, allowing the sender to know whether the recipient has successfully received and processed the EDI document.
  • Integration: AS2 can be integrated with existing EDI systems and business applications. This means that organizations can incorporate AS2 into their EDI infrastructure without significant disruptions or changes to their existing processes.
  • Reduced Paperwork: AS2 enables the digital exchange of EDI documents, reducing the need for physical paperwork, manual data entry, and associated errors. This streamlines the EDI process, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
  • Global Reach: AS2 is used worldwide, making it suitable for international EDI transactions. It allows organizations to exchange documents with trading partners across borders while maintaining security and compliance.
  • Automation: AS2 supports automated EDI workflows. Organizations can set up scheduled transfers and automated processes for sending and receiving EDI documents, reducing manual intervention and improving efficiency.

VAN (Value-Added-Network)

A Value Added Network (VAN) is a private, third-party network service that provides enhanced communication and data exchange capabilities to businesses and organizations. VANs play a crucial role in facilitating electronic data interchange (EDI) and electronic commerce (e-commerce) transactions between trading partners, helping them exchange information efficiently and securely.

Here’s a breakdown of what a VAN is and who it serves:

  • Network Infrastructure: A VAN is essentially a network infrastructure that acts as an intermediary between different organizations. It consists of a collection of communication servers, routers, and switches that enable the secure and reliable exchange of electronic documents and data between businesses.
  • Enhanced Services: VANs offer various value-added services on top of basic data transmission. These services can include data translation and transformation, data validation, error checking and correction, data archiving, auditing, and reporting. These enhancements help ensure data integrity and compliance with specific industry standards.
  • Security and Compliance: VANs prioritize security, employing encryption and secure protocols to protect sensitive data during transmission. They often adhere to industry-specific compliance standards and regulations, such as HIPAA in healthcare or EDIFACT in international trade, to ensure that data exchanges meet legal requirements.
  • Trading Partner Connectivity: VANs serve a wide range of businesses and industries, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, finance, and logistics. Their primary purpose is to enable these organizations to communicate effectively with their trading partners, such as suppliers, customers, and distributors.
  • Data Format Conversion: One of the critical functions of a VAN is to convert data from one format to another. This is particularly important in EDI, where different organizations may use different data formats and standards for their documents. The VAN acts as a mediator, translating data to ensure compatibility between trading partners.
  • Reliability and Redundancy: VANs are designed for high reliability and availability. They often have redundant data centers and communication links to minimize downtime and ensure uninterrupted data exchange. This reliability is essential for businesses that rely on real-time or near-real-time data for their operations.
  • Cost-Efficiency: VANs can help organizations reduce costs related to EDI and data exchange. By outsourcing these services to a VAN, businesses can avoid the need to build and maintain their own complex network infrastructure and can benefit from the VAN’s economies of scale.