--- title: How Can an EDI VAN Simplify Trading Partner Connectivity? description: EDI VAN's can streamline trading partner connectivity, automate operations, and reduce costs for streamlined supply chain transactions. image: https://blog.edictsystems.com/hubfs/group%20meeting%20in%20office.jpg --- (800) 443-3428 | [solutions@edictsystems.com](mailto:solutions@edictsystems.com) [![Edict Systems Brand Image](https://blog.edictsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/EdictSystems_January2021/images/EdictLogoWeb.png?width=300&height=219&name=EdictLogoWeb.png "Edict Systems Brand Image")](https://www.edictsystems.com/) - BUYER SERVICES - [Buyer EDI Services Overview](https://www.edictsystems.com/buyer-edi-services/) - [Join Our Trading Network](https://www.edictsystems.com/buyer-edi-services/b2b-trading-network/) - [Outsourced Supply Chain EDI](https://www.edictsystems.com/buyer-edi-services/outsourced-edi/) - [Cloud-based EDI Connectivity](https://www.edictsystems.com/buyer-edi-services/cloud-based-edi-connectivity/) - [Cloud-based Data Mapping](https://www.edictsystems.com/buyer-edi-services/cloud-based-data-mapping-and-integration/) - [JD Edwards Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/jd-edwards-edi/) - [Microsoft Dynamics Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/microsoft-dynamics-edi/) - [NetSuite Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/netsuite-edi/) - [PeopleSoft Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/peoplesoft-edi/) - [SAP Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/sap-edi/) - [Integrated EDI](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/integrated-edi/) - [Transaction Validation](https://www.edictsystems.com/buyer-edi-services/transaction-validation/) - [Supplier EDI-Enabling and Onboarding](https://www.edictsystems.com/buyer-edi-services/supplier-edi-enabling-and-onboarding/) - [Supplier EDI Testing and Certification](https://www.edictsystems.com/buyer-edi-services/supplier-edi-testing-and-certification/) - SUPPLIER SERVICES - [Supplier EDI Services Overview](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/) - [Supported Trading Partners](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/webedi/trading-partners/) - [Integrated EDI](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/integrated-edi/) - [JD Edwards Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/jd-edwards-edi/) - [Microsoft Dynamics Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/microsoft-dynamics-edi/) - [NetSuite Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/netsuite-edi/) - [PeopleSoft Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/peoplesoft-edi/) - [SAP Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/sap-edi/) - [Any System Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/integrated-edi/) - [WebEDI](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/webedi/) - [WebEDI Trading Partners](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/webedi/trading-partners/) - [WebEDI Pricing](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/webedi/webedi-pricing/) - [WebEDI Signup](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/webedi/webedi-sign-up/) - [WebEDI QuickBooks Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/webedi/quickbooks-edi/) - [WebEDI Questions and Answers](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/webedi/webedi-questions-and-answers/) - COMPANY - [What Is EDI?](https://www.edictsystems.com/company/what-is-electronic-data-interchange-edi/) - [About Us](https://www.edictsystems.com/company/about-us/) - [Blog](https://blog.edictsystems.com/) - [Leadership](https://www.edictsystems.com/company/leadership/) - [Careers](https://www.edictsystems.com/company/careers/) - [Support](https://www.edictsystems.com/company/support/) - [Contact Us](https://www.edictsystems.com/company/contact-us/) - [CONTACT US](https://www.edictsystems.com/company/contact-us/) - BUYER SERVICES - [Buyer EDI Services Overview](https://www.edictsystems.com/buyer-edi-services/) - [Join Our Trading Network](https://www.edictsystems.com/buyer-edi-services/b2b-trading-network/) - [Outsourced Supply Chain EDI](https://www.edictsystems.com/buyer-edi-services/outsourced-edi/) - [Cloud-based EDI Connectivity](https://www.edictsystems.com/buyer-edi-services/cloud-based-edi-connectivity/) - [Cloud-based Data Mapping](https://www.edictsystems.com/buyer-edi-services/cloud-based-data-mapping-and-integration/) - [JD Edwards Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/jd-edwards-edi/) - [Microsoft Dynamics Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/microsoft-dynamics-edi/) - [NetSuite Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/netsuite-edi/) - [PeopleSoft Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/peoplesoft-edi/) - [SAP Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/sap-edi/) - [Integrated EDI](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/integrated-edi/) - [Transaction Validation](https://www.edictsystems.com/buyer-edi-services/transaction-validation/) - [Supplier EDI-Enabling and Onboarding](https://www.edictsystems.com/buyer-edi-services/supplier-edi-enabling-and-onboarding/) - [Supplier EDI Testing and Certification](https://www.edictsystems.com/buyer-edi-services/supplier-edi-testing-and-certification/) - SUPPLIER SERVICES - [Supplier EDI Services Overview](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/) - [Supported Trading Partners](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/webedi/trading-partners/) - [Integrated EDI](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/integrated-edi/) - [JD Edwards Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/jd-edwards-edi/) - [Microsoft Dynamics Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/microsoft-dynamics-edi/) - [NetSuite Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/netsuite-edi/) - [PeopleSoft Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/peoplesoft-edi/) - [SAP Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/sap-edi/) - [Any System Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/integrated-edi/) - [WebEDI](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/webedi/) - [WebEDI Trading Partners](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/webedi/trading-partners/) - [WebEDI Pricing](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/webedi/webedi-pricing/) - [WebEDI Signup](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/webedi/webedi-sign-up/) - [WebEDI QuickBooks Integration](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/webedi/quickbooks-edi/) - [WebEDI Questions and Answers](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/webedi/webedi-questions-and-answers/) - COMPANY - [What Is EDI?](https://www.edictsystems.com/company/what-is-electronic-data-interchange-edi/) - [About Us](https://www.edictsystems.com/company/about-us/) - [Blog](https://blog.edictsystems.com/) - [Leadership](https://www.edictsystems.com/company/leadership/) - [Careers](https://www.edictsystems.com/company/careers/) - [Support](https://www.edictsystems.com/company/support/) - [Contact Us](https://www.edictsystems.com/company/contact-us/) - [CONTACT US](https://www.edictsystems.com/company/contact-us/) ![](https://blog.edictsystems.com/hubfs/group%20meeting%20in%20office.jpg) # How Can an EDI VAN Simplify Trading Partner Connectivity? Published by [Edict Systems](https://blog.edictsystems.com/author/edict-systems-1) on Jun 10, 2026 11:00:00 AM As supply chain transactions move faster and faster, the ability to exchange data quickly and accurately has become a competitive necessity. To keep up with this pace, businesses rely on Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) to keep their operations moving, yet many struggle with the technical hurdles of securely moving that data between different companies. While EDI provides the language for these digital conversations, a Value-Added Network (VAN) provides a reliable connection that ensures your business documents arrive exactly where they need to be, without the headache of managing individual connections for every new partner. ## **What is a Value-Added Network (VAN)?**  A VAN is a third-party service provider that acts as the intermediary for your EDI transactions, facilitating the exchange of EDI documents between trading partners. It allows for documents to be sent and received with the VAN managing the connection and transmission of documents. Many VANs offer optional value-added services such as data translation, managing trading partner connections, document archiving, and user interfaces with added functionality.  ## **How does it work? ** Think of a VAN as a post office that ensures EDI documents are transported to and from your trading partners. 1. Connection Setup: A connection is established between both partners and the VAN provider so documents can be sent and received. 2. Document Generation: You create a business document, such as an invoice, containing all the required information and details. 3. Document Translation: The document is then translated to EDI by your internal system or through an outsourced translation solution like Edict Systems’ [Cloud-based EDI Translation & Data Mapping](https://www.edictsystems.com/buyer-edi-services/cloud-based-data-mapping-and-integration/). 4. Transmission Through the VAN Mailbox: The EDI document is then sent through the VAN for secure and reliable data transmission. 5. Trading Partner Translation and Confirmation: Once the document is sent and received by your trading partner, they will translate the file to a format that their system can import. The sender will automatically be sent an EDI Functional Acknowledgment (997) as a positive confirmation that the document was successfully received. 6. Receiving Document: When your trading partner sends a document back to you the process is reversed. ![VAN Graphic-1](https://blog.edictsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VAN%20Graphic-1.png?width=754&height=265&name=VAN%20Graphic-1.png) ## **How Can I Grow Beyond the Traditional VAN Capabilities? ** An EDI VAN is only the beginning of connection capabilities with your trading partners. Many EDI VAN providers, like [Edict Systems](https://www.edictsystems.com/), offer solutions that build upon a traditional VAN. On top of transporting documents to and from your trading partners, optional services are available to help your business further automate operations. These solutions can automate the heavy lifting, integrate directly with your existing software, and ensure data integrity before it ever touches your internal system. At Edict Systems, we offer [EnterpriseEC](https://www.edictsystems.com/buyer-edi-services/cloud-based-edi-connectivity/), a cloud-based B2B Trading Network that provides services beyond the traditional VAN. EnterpriseEC provides outsourced EDI and VAN services designed to lower costs and eliminate the burden of managing individual connections. We also offer integrations that bridge the gap between your EDI and your business, ERP/MRP, or accounting solution. Integration capabilities include systems like [SAP](https://www.edictsystems.com/sap-edi/), [JD Edwards](https://www.edictsystems.com/jd-edwards-edi/), [Microsoft Dynamics](https://www.edictsystems.com/microsoft-dynamics-edi/), and more. One connection to EnterpriseEC helps you manage all your EDI trading connections.  ![2025-EEC-Diag2-Solid-TP](https://blog.edictsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2025-EEC-Diag2-Solid-TP.png?width=1308&height=641&name=2025-EEC-Diag2-Solid-TP.png) EnterpriseEC also offers optional services such as integration, data mapping and translation, and document validation to further streamline your trading partner connections. **Cloud-Based Data Mapping:** In-house translation software is expensive to license and time-consuming to maintain. [Cloud-Based Data Mapping](https://www.edictsystems.com/buyer-edi-services/cloud-based-data-mapping-and-integration/) replaces your in-house translator by converting EDI data into your required format. A dedicated project manager sees you through your mapping, testing, and production from start to finish. **ValidateEC:** [ValidateEC](https://www.edictsystems.com/buyer-edi-services/validateec/) is a rule engine for buying organizations that checks incoming and outgoing documents against your specific business rules before they reach your internal systems. If an item, quantity or price doesn't match, you are notified and the document is held for review, where it is then rejected or accepted by your ERP system based on the established rule for that trading partner and item.  ## **We do EDI so You Don’t Have to**® Edict Systems’ comprehensive EDI services help [buying organizations](https://www.edictsystems.com/buyer-edi-services/cloud-based-edi-connectivity/) and [suppliers](https://www.edictsystems.com/supplier-edi-services/integrated-edi/) of all sizes ease the burdens associated with in-house EDI operations. Our VAN solution, EnterpriseEC, helps remove the complexities of exchanging electronic documents with their trading partners, lowering costs and simplifying connections and management of all EDI transactions and trading relationships. Benefit from transparent billing with no rounding up, no long-term contracts, and a dedicated customer support team that works to earn your business every day. If you are interested in learning how Edict Systems can securely connect to all your EDI trading partners with one connection, [contact our experts](https://www.edictsystems.com/contact-us/).    Tags: [Trading Network](https://blog.edictsystems.com/tag/trading-network), [EDI](https://blog.edictsystems.com/tag/edi), [Outsourced EDI](https://blog.edictsystems.com/tag/outsourced-edi), [Suppliers](https://blog.edictsystems.com/tag/suppliers), [Buying Organization](https://blog.edictsystems.com/tag/buying-organization), [Supply Chain](https://blog.edictsystems.com/tag/supply-chain), [EDI Insights](https://blog.edictsystems.com/tag/edi-insights), [VAN](https://blog.edictsystems.com/tag/van) [Back to Blog](https://blog.edictsystems.com) ## Related Articles ## [Integrated EDI for SAP Helps Streamline Supply Chain Operations](https://blog.edictsystems.com/integrated-edi-for-sap) If your business wants to create supply chain efficiencies with a SAP system, Edict Systems can... [Read More](https://blog.edictsystems.com/integrated-edi-for-sap) ## [Streamline Supply Chain Operations With Your PeopleSoft System](https://blog.edictsystems.com/streamline-operations-with-peoplesoft) If your business wants to create supply chain efficiencies with a PeopleSoft system, Edict Systems... [Read More](https://blog.edictsystems.com/streamline-operations-with-peoplesoft) ## [How to Streamline Supply Chain Operations With Your JD Edwards System](https://blog.edictsystems.com/streamline-operations-with-jdedwards) If your business wants to create supply chain efficiencies with a JD Edwards system, Edict Systems... 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