6 Best EDI Platforms for Retail & Consumer Brands in 2025

In the modern retail arena, electronic data interchange (EDI) has become the foundation of fast, accurate, and scalable supply chain operations. From direct store delivery to global ecommerce, EDI for retail enables you to process orders, share shipping notices, and eliminate manual data entry across every link in the retail supply chain.

As the retail sector continues its digital transformation, many retail business managers are reevaluating outdated EDI systems and looking for smarter, cloud-based solutions to modernize their workflows. The right platform can help improve operational efficiency, reduce costly errors, and simplify your path to compliance with big-box retailers and online marketplaces.

Whether you're new to EDI or expanding your trading partner portfolio, today’s top platforms offer a range of specialties and strengths. This guide will show you what to look for in an electronic data interchange system and explore the top EDI providers in 2025.

What To Look For in an EDI Platform

A strong EDI platform should scale with your operations while keeping data exchange fast and accurate. Even minor delays can disrupt warehouse systems, vendor relationships, and customer satisfaction.

Look for a cloud-based solution that integrates with your ERP, supports multiple data formats, and automates routine tasks. Key features include vendor-managed inventory (VMI), direct store delivery (DSD), and real-time monitoring.

Transparent pricing, responsive support, and simple integration tools can help reduce errors and speed up onboarding, especially if you’re replacing legacy EDI systems.

6 Best EDI Platforms for Retail and Consumer Brands

With so many platforms on the market, it’s important to find an EDI integration that will align with your business size, workflows, and retail partner requirements. These platforms have stood out in the consumer retail market as leaders in the era of modern supply chain EDI.

1. Orderful

Orderful is a modern, cloud-native EDI platform built to simplify data exchange between retailers, suppliers, 3PLs, and other trading partners. Orderful uses centralized API connectivity that streamlines onboarding and reduces complexity for everyone involved.

Orderful stands out for fast EDI onboarding and quick adaptation to changing retailer needs. Its intuitive dashboard lets teams monitor transactions, test integrations, and troubleshoot without deep EDI expertise.

What Orderful does well:

• Fast onboarding with minimal IT lift.

• Retail-specific workflows and templates.

• Supports retail-specific workflows like direct store delivery (DSD), vendor-managed inventory (VMI), and complex fulfillment models.

• Transparent pricing and excellent customer support.

• Pre-built connections with many big-box retailers.  

Potential challenges:

• May not be ideal for teams with rigid legacy infrastructure or heavy custom EDI maps.

2. SPS Commerce

SPS Commerce is an established EDI provider in the retail industry, with an extensive network of pre-built connections to thousands of retailers, suppliers, and logistics providers. It supports a wide range of electronic documents and workflows, making it a reliable option for expanding your supply chain footprint.

SPS works well for companies that value access to a large partner network and support for advanced data formats. Its managed services model appeals to teams with limited tech resources or those avoiding day-to-day EDI management.

What SPS Commerce does well:

• Extensive retail partner network with strong market penetration

• Built-in support for product data management and advanced formats like global data synchronization (GDSN)

• Fully managed EDI services reduce internal lift

• Strong onboarding programs for established ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems

Potential challenges:

• More costly than most other options, especially for small or midsize brands

• Scope and complexity often result in longer onboarding times

• Limited flexibility in workflows and custom integration paths

3. TrueCommerce

TrueCommerce offers a unified commerce platform that supports retail and wholesale operations. It provides out-of-the-box connectors for popular ERP systems and ecommerce platforms, making it easy to automate order processing and shipping notices across sales channels.

TrueCommerce is ideal for businesses looking to unify supply chain and commerce functions. Its modular setup lets teams adopt only what they need without overcommitting to full implementation.

What TrueCommerce does well:

• Extensive library of pre-built connectors for ERP, ecommerce, and marketplace platforms

• Strong multi-channel commerce capabilities

• Managed services available for businesses that want hands-off operations

Potential challenges:

• Interface can feel dated compared to newer platforms

• Support response times may vary based on the service level tier

4. Cleo Integration Cloud

Cleo Integration Cloud is a hybrid EDI and API platform designed for end-to-end control across complex ecosystems. Known for its flexible architecture, Cleo enables businesses to manage traditional EDI and modern API-based data exchange through a unified interface. 

Cleo supports high-volume retail and logistics workflows with customizable dashboards, automation tools, and pre-built ERP and TMS connectors. It’s a strong fit for businesses managing multiple units or international trade.

What Cleo Integration Cloud does well:

• Enables businesses to centralize EDI and API integrations on a single platform

• Robust tools for data integration, error handling, and visibility

• Strong support for high-complexity workflows and multi-enterprise ecosystems

• Scalable solution for global supply chains

Potential challenges:

• May be overpowered for smaller brands with simpler supply chains

• Pricing can increase with customization and volume

5. IBM Sterling EDI VAN

IBM Sterling EDI VAN is a longstanding provider that enables businesses to securely exchange digital business documents with thousands of trading partners across a private, managed network, offering robust data integration, visibility, and compliance tools.

IBM Sterling is designed for companies with high volumes, complex partner networks, or stringent compliance requirements. Common in regulated industries such as retail and healthcare, it offers strong audit support, security, and scalability, backed by 24/7 service.

What IBM Sterling does well:

• Enterprise-level EDI VAN infrastructure with secure and reliable data exchange

• Built-in tools for compliance, document archiving, and audit support

• Seamless integration with IBM Sterling B2B Integrator and other IBM tools

• Strong support for high-volume and high-complexity operations

Potential challenges:

• Cost structure may be prohibitive for smaller or mid-market brands

• Implementation and customization often require IBM-certified specialists

6. DiCentral

Now a part of TrueCommerce, DiCentral is popular among midsize and enterprise-level retail brands, supporting complex integrations across diverse supply chain management environments. This enables businesses to maintain a consistent and accurate flow of EDI documents between internal systems and external partners.

DiCentral supports omnichannel operations with real-time visibility and configurable workflows, as well as API-EDI hybrid integration. 

What DiCentral does well:

• Strong support for omnichannel retail and global supply chain integration

• Real-time data exchange across EDI, API, and ERP systems

• Modular features for scaling EDI capabilities alongside business growth

• Reliable performance across multiple industries and trading networks

Potential challenges:

• Now integrated into the TrueCommerce ecosystem, some features may overlap or require migration

• Pricing and support tiers can vary depending on the service bundle

Comparison of Top EDI Providers for Retail Brands

Choosing the Right Platform for Your Brand

With numerous EDI platforms available, narrowing your options begins by identifying the features that align with your retail workflows, trading partner requirements, and long-term growth plans. Whether you need a full-service integration partner or a lightweight EDI solution for rapid compliance, the right platform will offer the flexibility and functionality to grow with you.

This checklist will help you determine what to prioritize:

• Scalable solution that supports new sales channels and business models

• EDI capabilities for key documents like purchase orders, invoices, and advance ship notices

• Compatibility with your ERP and back office systems

• Support for different data formats to reduce errors and simplify onboarding

• Tools to eliminate manual data entry and automate the EDI process

• Flexible support for multiple solutions, including web EDI and API integrations

• A vendor that enhances your business agility instead of slowing you down

Every retailer’s needs are different, but choosing a solution that removes technical barriers and accelerates EDI adoption can be a smart investment, especially as digital supply chains continue to evolve.

Smart EDI for Modern Retailers

Today’s best platforms make it easier than ever to meet retailer mandates, streamline operations, and scale with confidence. Whether you're just starting your digital transformation or replacing legacy systems, choosing the right partner unlocks serious gains in efficiency and visibility.