An EDI VAN is a secure private network that facilitates the exchange of EDI documents. It helps businesses simplify their electronic trading; instead of managing multiple EDI connections to different trading partners, an organisation can use one connection into a Value-Added Network that connects to all its business partners.
Incoming documents are managed in a virtual mailbox, which needs to be manually checked and processed via data entry by the receiving party. The EDI VAN receives mail from senders, sorts it for intended recipients and delivers the mail to the recipient’s mailbox.
VANs offer a range of services, including message validation, audit trails, and notifications.