An EDI mailbox is a file storage area within a computer that can be uniquely identified from connected mailboxes and VANs in other locations. It is where EDI messages are consolidated and stored for retrieval by a vendor or supplier.
The vast majority of EDI still occurs via EDI VAN, also known as Value Added Network. Despite the emergence of some basic, low-cost approaches, such as Web EDI or EDI over AS2, the EDI VAN model remains the preferred option due to the value-added service that EDI VAN providers can provide. Often, companies try to implement a hybrid strategy where different types of EDI are deployed depending on the needs of the business. Still, the EDI VAN remains at the heart of these deployments.
The vendor or supplier can then access this information via an EDI translator, which can be installed locally or in the cloud and accessed via a portal login.