EDI XML does have some potential benefits. Consider the following advantages of XML business transactions:
Ease of use: Since XML is a language frequently used in the data integration process, EDI XML could, in theory, make the process easier.
Cost of use: XML uses the internet to transmit data, which could reduce the cost of onboarding new trading partners.
Readability: XML tags are more easily read than raw EDI data formats, making XML data exchanges easier to troubleshoot.
However, since most trading partners have developed unique, individual “implementations” of EDI, the same is likely to happen with EDI XML. This individualization negates any benefit from the more straightforward format of XML EDI documents.