EDI Myth: You Don’t Have a Choice When It Comes to Selecting Your EDI Provider 

When it comes to Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), one of the most common myths we hear is that businesses don’t have a choice in selecting their EDI provider. Many companies feel boxed in—believing they must use the same provider as their trading partners or one from a “preferred list” because it is “easier.” The assumption? That all EDI solutions are essentially the same, so it’s best to choose the cheapest or easiest option. 

Let’s set the record straight: You do have a choice. 

The Challenge: Feeling Locked In to Your EDI Provider 

It’s easy to understand where this myth comes from. Some trading partners may suggest that working with a specific EDI provider will simplify integration. Others might imply that deviating from a preferred vendor list could lead to compliance issues or delays. This creates a perception that switching providers is risky, complicated, or downright impossible. 

But the truth is—EDI is built on standardized data formats, such as ANSI X12, EDIFACT, and XML, which are universally recognized and used across industries. These standards act like a common language that allows different systems to “speak” to one another, regardless of which software or provider is used. In the same way two people can communicate effectively if they both understand English, two businesses can exchange EDI documents if their systems follow the same standards. 

That means it doesn’t matter who your EDI provider is—it matters whether your provider can consistently and accurately translate your internal data into the correct EDI format and vice versa. A reliable EDI solution ensures that purchase orders, invoices, ASNs, and other business documents are formatted precisely to meet your trading partners’ specifications, regardless of their system. 

With the right technology and support, your EDI provider acts as a bridge—not a barrier—between your business systems and your partners. So, if you’re using an EDI provider that lacks flexibility, modern functionality, or integration capabilities, there’s no reason to stay stuck. Switching doesn’t break the standard; it opens up new potential. 

The Insight: Switching EDI Providers Is Possible—And Often Worth It 

The reality is, you can work with any EDI provider, regardless of who your trading partners use. A quality EDI solution will translate your data into the proper format and ensure it flows seamlessly between systems. TrueCommerce supports this with flexible solutions and expert onboarding to make transitions smooth and disruption-free. 

Moreover, not all EDI providers are created equal. Some may offer only basic functionality, lack support for integrations with your ERP system, or offer subpar customer service. Others—like TrueCommerce—go beyond the basics, offering automation, visibility, compliance support, and integration with platforms like QuickBooks, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, and more. 

Check out our EDI Buyer’s Guide for a detailed list and checklist of items to compare between EDI providers. 

Why It Matters 

Being stuck with a “one-size-fits-all” or legacy solution limits your ability to grow, automate, and compete. Choosing the right EDI partner empowers your business to: 

• Simplify and automate workflows 

• Reduce errors and manual entry 

• Scale more efficiently as your network of trading partners grows 

• Gain real-time visibility into document exchanges and order status 

• Ensure compliance with trading partner requirements 

The TrueCommerce Advantage 

At TrueCommerce, we’ve helped thousands of businesses switch from outdated or underperforming EDI providers to a more modern, scalable platform. Our dedicated implementation experts guide you through every step, ensuring business continuity and fast time-to-value. 

You’re not locked in. You’re not stuck. And you absolutely have a choice. 

Ready to switch to a provider built for growth, compliance, and long-term success?