How Does EDI Reduce Errors in Order Processing?


Order processing is the lifeline of supply chain operations. But when it’s handled manually, it’s like playing a high-stakes game of “telephone” — messages get lost, misinterpreted, or delayed. That’s where Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) comes in.
The Problem: Manual Order Processing Is Prone to Errors
Before automation, businesses relied on:
Manually keying in purchase orders from emails or PDFs
Printing, faxing, or scanning documents
Cross-checking spreadsheets for order details
This led to:
Data entry errors (wrong product codes, prices, or quantities)
Missed orders or delays due to miscommunication
Duplicate entries in ERPs or WMS
Compliance issues from incorrectly formatted documents
The Solution: EDI Automates and Validates Every Step
With a modern EDI system like ActionEDI, order data flows directly between your system and your trading partners — no PDFs, no manual input, no second-guessing.
1. Eliminates Manual Data Entry
ActionEDI parses incoming orders and integrates with your ERP or accounting platform like QuickBooks or Sage. No human error. Just accurate data every time.
2. Built-in Validation Rules
ActionEDI checks formats, product codes, required fields, and label data for GS1/UCC-128 compliance — flagging errors before they escalate.
3. Real-Time Alerts and Error Reporting
Errors are flagged immediately. Users are notified so mistakes are resolved before shipments are affected.
4. Audit Trails and Logs
Every transaction is recorded for transparency, traceability, and regulatory compliance.
5. Integrated Workflows
Prebuilt integrations with Shopify, Amazon, Shipvine, and CDW ensure data flows smoothly without delays or reformatting.
Real-World Example: Shopify Seller Gone Right
A midsized e-commerce retailer used to manually enter Shopify orders into spreadsheets and email PDFs to their 3PL. After switching to ActionEDI:
Email POs are parsed automatically
ZPL labels are generated instantly
Inventory syncs in real-time
Errors dropped by over 90%
Final Thought
In a world where one wrong digit can cost you a customer, accuracy isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. EDI takes human error out of the equation so your team can focus on growth, not corrections.
Want to automate your order workflows?
Explore ActionEDI and reduce your error rate today.
ActionEDI simplifies order processing with smart automation, real-time validation, and seamless system integration — so you never lose another order to manual mistakes.
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Written by

Action EDI
Action EDI
Achieve Full EDI Compliance in Days, Not Weeks, with ActionEDI. Discover the most complete and scalable EDI software for SME's that makes it easier and more cost-effective to do business with your trading partners. https://www.actionedi.com/