• A brand new EDI software setup takes around four to six weeks
• If you are setting up an ERP system and you need to add an EDI layer on top of it, it usually takes around 180 days or even more depending on who you are working with
• If you have both ERP and EDI solution in place, then adding a new trading partner should not take more than 1-2 weeks

Below are 4 different scenarios you’ll need to consider and see where you fit in:

1. A brand new EDI software setup, installation, configuration along with at least one trading partner setup, testing ideally should take around 30-60 days. This largely does depend on how the trading partner is responding from their end. The responsiveness from your trading partner and EDI service provider is a huge factor in determining how long it will take for your trading partner to onboard you and from your EDI provider’s side how quick can they help implement their EDI solution. Both have to match and go hand-in-hand for a successful implementation.
2. You have an ERP that you want to integrate your EDI solution with. This scenario can take a little bit longer approx. around 4-8 weeks depending on who you choose as your EDI providers. Some managed EDI services will build you a complete road-map for your EDI and data integration and implement the overall solution at the same time. Some other services will do it in phases. Keep in mind, based on whatever your needs are, they have to be discussed beforehand to figure out which is the right partner for you.
3. If you are setting up a brand new ERP system and would like to add an EDI layer on top of it, this will definitely take more than 60 days. It usually is more than 180 days because you need to learn how the ERP system works, add required data, understand how it will integrate with your EDI system and EDI testing with one trading partner.
4. If you already have both systems setup and ready to go, then adding a new trading partner should take a week to two depending on how your trading partner is responding. Some trading partners will put you in a queue considering the range and number of suppliers they are working with and that can take longer. But in an ideal situation if there is no delay from your trading partner, there is no reason to exceed 30 days.

Important points to remember: Go through the EDI implementation guide provided by your trading partner to understand their onboarding timelines and process.

The key is having the right partner working with you and guiding you in the right direction from laying the foundation for the right digital setup and document flow all the way up till completing the implementation, making sure all the data is flowing correctly from one system to the other and even after that continuously monitoring the system for errors to avoid any fines or chargebacks from your trading partner.

Learn in detail about different scenarios and implementation timelines in this video:

Get prepared to setup a new trading partner by following a simple step-by-step process