VANs (Value Added Networks)
Value Added Networks, VANs, are private networks where EDI related information can be exchanged between companies securely. Trading partners will typically require an account with an EDI VAN provider which simply acts as an electronic mail box to both send and receive electronic documents. The sender connects with the VAN and sends its EDI transactions to the recipient's mailbox where they are stored. The sender then disconnects from the service. Then, at some point that is convenient, the recipient can connect to the network and receive those transactions from their mailbox. Most VANs offer an alerting service which informs the sender when messages have been sent successfully and informs the recipients when a new EDI message has arrived in their mailbox.
In addition to looking after the transmission and receiving of EDI messages, VAN providers offer a number of other value added services including, managing outsourced EDI, community or trading partner enablement and other services which allow companies to integrate back office systems seamlessly.
