• EDI testing is the end-to-end verification of your document flows,from internal systems through to the trading partner to prevent production errors and chargebacks.
• A solid test plan covers internal system readiness, communication protocol validation, partner connection, and post-go-live monitoring.
• Managed Cloud EDI platforms like Elevate help accelerate the testing process by handling maps, partner connectivity, and ongoing monitoring, so you’re ready for production with confidence.

What is EDI Testing?

In simple words, EDI testing is a process of checking EDI documents flow end-to-end between organizations and internal systems to ensure smooth data exchange before the actual EDI implementation. It’s one of the most important steps in the overall EDI implementation process. It’s a general practice encouraged, followed and mandated by most trading partners to verify that suppliers have the necessary software and hardware to send, receive and translate standardized business documents and make sure there are no hiccups during the production. EDI testing from the trading partner’s side takes places either in-house or is outsourced to a managed EDI provider or a third party tech company. Usually, same is the case with their suppliers too.

Why EDI Testing Matters

Before you go live with your EDI transactions, testing ensures that your systems, communications, and trading-partner connections align perfectly. Without it, you expose your business to rejected documents, chargebacks, lost shipments and damaged trading-partner relationships. The testing phase acts as your quality-assurance checkpoint. Every trading partner has its own EDI specifications, formats, and acknowledgment expectations. A single mismatch can reject an entire shipment or delay payment. Structured testing ensures that your data, maps, and communication protocols are all synchronized, something Elevate’s managed onboarding process automates from day one.

Top 5 Things to Remember During EDI Testing

1. Testing needs to be done end-to-end which means not only through your EDI portal but to and from your back-end ERP.It is important to ensure there are no hiccups with your internal back-end ERP when you are in production or live with your trading partner

For e.g., if you are testing an EDI 850 (purchase order) and you have an accounting software where you store all your POs/sales orders, you want to make sure that not only comes through your EDI portal but also goes directly into your accounting software.

Similarly, if you are testing an EDI 810 (invoice), the invoice needs to go from your accounting software to your trading partner through your EDI portal.

2. You will need everyone internally and externally to sign off once a document is processed end-to-end
3. Understand that there are many moving parts in the overall process and this is the stage where you discover any flaws in the data flow and have the opportunity to fix them without getting chargebacks or fines.
4. EDI project team (both internal and external) and account teams have to make sure they communicate properly so that no information is lost regarding the trading partner requirements.
5. Monitoring after testing is complete is absolutely necessary to make sure little surprises can be avoided and immediate reaction and correction of any issues if found.

Listen to this video to learn more about EDI Testing and its importance:

Step by Step Process on How to Create an EDI Project or Test Plan

1. Select the type of EDI Service you want to go with

Select the EDI software for your business considering your current infrastructure, resources and long-term needs. If you want to learn  how to select the right EDI service partner for your business, we got you covered.

2. Obtain EDI trading partner contact

Generally, if you are trading with any big box companies, you will be given a getting started guide or kit which will have all the contacts (phone, email, etc.) to their EDI/Support team who will help you test the EDI documents. If not, you can obtain the contact info from the buyer team you are dealing with

3. Gather EDI implementation guidelines for EDI Documents to be exchanged

In the same guide, you should have a web link that will give you access to the EDI documents/codes and their specifications

4. Gather EDI connectivity information for delivery of EDI documents

The communication method utilized by your trading partner should also be mentioned in the kit. If not, please get in touch with their EDI contact.

5. Outline EDI document flow

It is important you work out how your documents will flow from your ERP, WMS, TMS or accounting software (if you have one) to your EDI portal and to your trading partner and vice versa

6. Test all Internal document flows

Before you reach out to your trading partner for setting up a date for testing, test the flow of documents from your ERP to your EDI portal. For e.g. you might have to export a sales order in the CSV format from your accounting software and convert it into an EDI format and then think about sending it to your trading partner through the portal. Similarly, there could be multiple back-end systems you might be using that need to interact with your EDI portal. This is one of the most important stages of testing that most companies miss and are struck with surprises in production that can prove to break your implementation.

7. Setup, schedule a testing date and test connectivity

Once you have the above basic requirements figured out, you can get in touch with the trading partner’s EDI and set up a testing date. After that, the first step will be to test the connection.

8. EDI document processing with internal user testing and trading Partner document approval

The next step will be to test individual EDI documents one by one between your business and the trading partner simultaneously. The guide will tell you how long the testing process will usually take and what is expected of you as a supplier.

9. EDI error monitoring

Verify completed setup after testing and make sure all the issues (if present) are addressed and rectified. Continuous monitoring is required for a few days after testing to make sure you are ready for production/go-live.

How Elevate Supports EDI Testing

With a managed EDI platform like Elevate, you gain access to specialized onboarding, mapping, and trading-partner testing resources. Elevate’s team collaborates with you and your partners to streamline test scheduling, map creation, and verification. This means fewer surprises at go-live, reduced risk of chargebacks, and faster ramp-up of new partner connections.

Common EDI Testing Scenarios

To ensure real-world readiness, EDI testing should mimic your actual order and fulfillment processes.

Typical scenarios include:

• • Purchase Order (EDI 850): Validate correct product IDs, quantities, and pricing.
  • Functional Acknowledgment (EDI 997): Confirm receipt of each document.
  • Advanced Ship Notice (EDI 856): Ensure carton or pallet information matches the purchase order.
  • Invoice (EDI 810): Validate that invoice totals, tax, and freight align with your accounting system.
  • Order Status (EDI 870) or Inventory (EDI 846): Check optional data flows for accuracy.

Common EDI Testing Challenges (and How to Fix Them)

Post-Go-Live Validation

Best practices:

• Monitor for recurring 997 rejections or partner feedback.
• Run periodic re-tests when maps or ERPs change.
• Document every change request for audit compliance.
• Use automated alerts for failed transmissions.

Elevate performs continuous monitoring and compliance checks after go-live to catch issues early and maintain partner trust.

Final Thoughts

EDI testing is more than a technical checklist, it’s a business safeguard. It ensures data accuracy, protects trading-partner relationships, and prevents downstream operational issues.

If your business needs structured, efficient EDI testing without the headaches of coordination, mapping, and partner sign-offs, think about using the above EDI testing best practices.

FAQs

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