How EDI Automation Streamlines Manufacturing Order Processing

For decades, EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) has helped to standardize the exchange of order information such as POs (purchase orders), invoices, and shipping notifications between manufacturers and their trading partners.

And while EDI isn’t going anywhere, old-school implementation methods are being phased out in favor of modern, automated EDI setups. Especially in manufacturing, where speed, accuracy, and volume are everything, older EDI systems that require manual intervention can create costly bottlenecks that slow down the entire supply chain.

Through integration and automation, EDI becomes more than just a compliance requirement — it becomes a competitive advantage. In this blog, we’ll give real-world examples of how EDI automation is changing the way manufacturers handle order processing, as well as share best practices for businesses looking to modernize their EDI setup.

What is EDI automation?

EDI automation takes traditional EDI one step further by eliminating the need for human intervention in the exchange, translation and processing of manufacturing order data.

Modern EDI automation is powered by workflows, connectors and prebuilt templates that handle the flow of order-related documents between systems behind the scenes.

The key to this automation is integration. When the entire manufacturing ecosystem is connected and data flows between systems and trading partners in real time, the entire supply chain can operate as a single unit without getting stuck in inefficient silos.

Benefits of EDI Automation in Manufacturing

Integrated across procurement, production and fulfillment, automated EDI improves order processing efficiency for manufacturers by enabling:

• Real-time communication across the supply chain

  Automated exchanges of purchase orders, invoices and shipping notices speed up communication between systems and partners. Instead of waiting on email attachments or manual entry, transactions happen instantly — keeping production on track and minimizing delays.

• Improved data visibility for better decision-making

  Structured EDI data integrates directly with ERP, MES and logistics systems. This provides end-to-end visibility into order status, inventory levels and vendor performance, making it easier to forecast demand and adjust production in real time.

• Stronger trading partner relationships

  Automated EDI ensures you meet partner requirements quickly and accurately. Fewer delays and less rework mean more reliable service, which builds trust and opens the door for expanded contracts or collaboration.

• Lower costs and fewer manual errors

  Reducing repetitive data entry tasks cuts down on labor costs and human mistakes. Teams can refocus on value-add activities while letting automation handle validation, routing and formatting.

• Built-in compliance and scalability

  EDI automation helps you meet changing partners or industry specs without rewriting code. Built-in validation rules ensure compliance, while low-code platforms make it easy to expand your ecosystem as business grows.

Key EDI Document Types in Manufacturing

Manufacturers rely on a handful of core EDI document types to keep operations running efficiently. While there are hundreds of standardized formats available, most day-to-day manufacturing processes only require a few.

Here are four of the most commonly used EDI documents that can be streamlined through automation:

See the full list of EDI document types

EDI Automation in Action: Real-World Case Study

Topcon Positioning Group is a manufacturer of positioning technology that helps farmers increase food production and improve operational efficiency, but the company was dealing with its own inefficiencies behind the scenes. With several large manufacturing trading partners in multiple verticals and nearly a dozen different EDI formats, Topcon’s manual order processing workflows were slowing the company down.

Seeking a faster, more reliable way to connect SAP with their OEM partners, Topcon turned to Jitterbit Harmony to integrate and automate their EDI processes.

With Jitterbit’s EDI integration solution, Topcon eliminated manual order entry, saved time across teams, and built trust with partners through faster, more efficient operations. The result? A scalable, future-ready integration approach that supports global growth.

Read the full case study
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How to Automate EDI Order Processing: 4 Key Steps

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel — or overhaul your entire tech stack — to begin automating EDI processes. In fact, some of the most successful manufacturers start small, with a clear understanding of their current state and a plan to scale intentionally.

If your team is still relying on email, spreadsheets or manual data entry to manage purchase orders or invoices, you’re not alone — and you’re not behind. Here’s how to take the first step toward modern, automated EDI order processing:

1. Audit your current EDI setup

Start by mapping out how your EDI workflows function today. Where are delays happening? Which steps still rely on human input? Are you constantly chasing down missing order confirmations or correcting invoice errors?

Identifying these friction points will help you pinpoint where automation can drive the biggest impact, as well as highlight any gaps in visibility or system connectivity. Don’t forget to involve teams across procurement, IT and logistics. They’re the ones who feel the pain when the process breaks down.

2. Evaluate your integration needs

EDI doesn’t exist in a vacuum. To be effective, it needs to connect seamlessly with the systems your teams already use — like your ERP, CRM, WMS (warehouse management system) or supplier portals.

Think about where data needs to flow: Do you need to update inventory in real time? Send shipping notices to customers? Trigger invoicing as soon as goods are received? Understanding your integration landscape will help you choose a solution that doesn’t just send documents, but actually improves operations.

3. Choose a flexible, modern platform

Once you know what’s working and what’s not, look for an EDI platform that can meet your needs now and evolve with you later.

As part of the Harmony platform for enterprise automation, Jitterbit EDI offers prebuilt connectors, low-code tools and full visibility into your EDI processes — making it easier for both technical and non-technical teams to collaborate. Bonus: you won’t need months of custom development or costly middleware to get started.

4. Start small and scale fast

Don’t feel pressured to automate every EDI transaction on day one. Start with one high-impact workflow — like purchase orders or shipping confirmations — and use it as a proof of concept. Measure the time saved, the error reduction, and the improvements in partner satisfaction. Then expand from there. With the right platform in place, scaling becomes a strategic choice, not a technical hurdle.

Modernize Your EDI Setup with Jitterbit

EDI is the backbone of digital order processing in manufacturing. But to meet the demands of modern supply chains, manufacturers need more than just compliance — they need connected systems, real-time data and scalable automation.

Jitterbit provides a unified platform that brings together EDI, application integration and API management so you can reduce errors, speed up fulfillment and focus on growing your business.

Ready to simplify and scale your manufacturing operations? Learn more about our EDI solution, or explore other ways Jitterbit’s AI-infused automation platform supports businesses in the manufacturing industry.