Web EDI, or conducting EDI through an internet web browser, is the simplest form of EDI that can be undertaken by two companies. Internet web browsers are available on nearly every PC and so long as a company has access to the internet then they can trade electronically with potentially any company in the world.

Web EDI works by replicating the contents of a paper based document on to a web page.  The web page or form will typically contain a number of boxes where users can enter information and a company logo may be included on the form as well. Once the relevant information has been entered to the form, the information is automatically converted into an EDI message and is then sent securely via a number of popular communication protocols such as File Transfer Protocol Secure (FTPS), Hyper Text Transport Protocol Secure (HTTPS) and AS2.

Rolling out a web EDI solution helps to ensure maximum participation from potentially all trading partners across a supply chain.  This is especially important when trying to work with suppliers located in countries with limited ICT or EDI skills, for example China or India.  Companies are not required to install any EDI software on their PCs and there are no concerns with having to maintain a complex EDI environment on an ongoing basis.

Web EDI tools have seen significant adoption levels  in emerging markets such as China and India where EDI implementation and management skills are very scarce.  Web EDI allows a company to interact with its suppliers in these regions without having to worry about implementing a complex EDI infrastructure. The Internet, as with VAN providers, uses its own communications protocols to ensure that EDI documents are transmitted securely. The most popular protocols are File Transfer Protocol Secure (FTPS), Hyper Text Transport Protocol Secure (HTTPS), and AS2.

In its simplest form, web EDI allows small to medium-sized businesses to receive, turn around, create and manage electronic documents using just a web browser. This service seamlessly transforms your data into EDI format and transmits it to your trading partner. Simple pre-populated forms enable businesses to communicate and comply with their trading partners' requirements using built-in business rules. Using a friendly web-based interface, EDI transactions can be received, edited and sent as easily as an email. You will also be able to receive EDI documents and send EDI invoices and shipping documents with no software to install. All you require is an Internet connection. WebEDI has the added advantages that it is accessible anywhere in the world and you do not need a dedicated IT person to manage any software installation.

Even though VANs offer a very secure and reliable service to companies wishing to trade electronically, the Internet is making EDI more available to all. This is especially important in the emerging markets where IT awareness and infrastructure are very limited. WebEDI is traditionally based around the "hub and spoke'"model, with major trading partners or Application Service Providers (ASPs) being the hubs and smaller partners being the spokes.

• Hubs or ASPs implement EDI using email or virtual mailboxes
• Trading partners can send EDI messages directly to a web-enabled EDI messaging site, via the hub. EDI messages are simply sent using a web browser
• Systems that are currently being developed will enable EDI messages to be displayed in a web browser and directed via open standard XML, directly into the user's accounts system
• WebEDI-based users can interact with VANs without incurring the costs of setting up a dedicated VAN connection