EDI Integration & Automated data transfer
When your business systems do not communicate with each other, data gets trapped. Orders are re-keyed from one platform to another. Stock levels fall out of sync. Invoices are delayed because information has to be manually transferred between departments. Every manual step introduces the risk of errors, wastes your team’s time and slows your business down.
Solweb’s EDI integration and data transfer solutions eliminate these problems. We build automated connections between your systems so that data flows where it needs to go, accurately and without human intervention. Whether you need to exchange information with trading partners, synchronise data between internal applications, or automate the transfer of orders, invoices and inventory data, we have the experience and the technology to make it happen.
What is EDI?
Electronic Data Interchange, or EDI, is the automated exchange of business documents and data between computer systems in a standardised electronic format. Instead of printing, posting, or emailing documents such as purchase orders, invoices, despatch notes, and forecasts, EDI allows this information to be transmitted directly between systems without manual handling.
For businesses that exchange high volumes of transactional data with customers, suppliers, or partners, EDI dramatically reduces processing time, eliminates transcription errors, and strengthens relationships by ensuring everyone is working with accurate, up-to-date information.
The problem we solve
One of the most common challenges businesses face is incompatibility between systems. Your accounting software formats data one way. Your manufacturing system formats it another. Your customer’s ordering platform uses a different format entirely. The result is a reliance on manual processes such as exporting files, reformatting spreadsheets and copying data between screens, which is time consuming, error prone and impossible to scale.
We bridge this gap. Our EDI and data transfer solutions translate and move data between incompatible systems automatically, regardless of the formats, databases, or platforms involved. We have built integrations between a wide range of business applications and can connect virtually any system that stores or produces data.
Powered by The Data Bridge®
At the heart of our data transfer capability is The Data Bridge®, our proven, proprietary platform for automated data exchange. Developed and refined over many years, The Data Bridge® is a service based application built on Microsoft’s .NET Framework that is installed on your local server and configured to connect with your specific systems.
The Data Bridge® can be configured to connect with virtually any database system, including SQL and ODBC-compatible databases, as well as API based services. It has been successfully integrated with systems including Access Dimensions, Sage, 123insight, Xero, Solidworks, Passfield Data Systems and numerous bespoke applications and websites.
As well as a comprehensive suite of ready made tasks for common data transfer scenarios, The Data Bridge® is highly customisable. We can write bespoke tasks to match your exact requirements, whether that involves file monitoring, document creation, email automation, scheduled batch processing, or a completely custom integration with a third-party system.
Flexible connectivity
connects to SQL databases, ODBC sources, APIs, file systems, and cloud services. If your system stores data, we can connect to it.
Automated scheduling
data transfers can run on a schedule, triggered by events, or initiated manually through a simple web interface. You choose how and when your data moves.
Web-based monitoring
a cloud based dashboard lets you view transfer logs, edit task settings, and pause or resume transactions at any time. Full visibility of what is happening with your data.
Proactive error detection
our support team is automatically alerted to any issues, from malformed data to connectivity problems. We often resolve problems before you even know they have occurred.
Secure data handling
connections to our configuration server are restricted by IP address, and all data transfers are monitored and logged for complete traceability.
Scalable architecture
designed to grow with your business. Additional channels, trading partners, and data sources can be added without rebuilding the core system.
Benefits of EDI & Automated data transfer
Eliminate manual data entry
The most immediate benefit of EDI is the removal of manual data entry. Orders, invoices, despatch notes, forecasts and other business documents are processed automatically. Your team is freed up to focus on higher value work instead of typing the same information into multiple systems.
Reduce errors and improve accuracy
Human error is inevitable when data is manually handled. A mistyped quantity, a transposed digit in a price, a wrong product code, these mistakes cost time and money to correct, and can damage customer relationships. Automated data transfer eliminates these risks by ensuring data is moved precisely and consistently every time.
Save time and reduce costs
The labour cost of manual data processing adds up quickly, especially as your transaction volumes grow. EDI dramatically reduces the time spent on administrative tasks, and the cost savings from eliminating errors, paper handling, and duplicated effort typically deliver a rapid return on investment.
Real Time information
With automated data transfer, your systems are always up to date. Stock levels, order statuses, pricing and customer account information are synchronised across platforms in real time or at intervals you define. This means better decision-making for your team and more accurate information for your customers and partners.
Strengthen trading relationships
Many larger organisations now require their suppliers to communicate via EDI. Having a robust EDI capability not only meets these requirements but positions your business as a professional, efficient partner. Faster order processing, accurate invoicing, and timely despatch information all contribute to stronger commercial relationships.
Go paperless
EDI reduces your reliance on paper documents, printed orders and physical filing. This supports your environmental objectives, reduces storage costs and means your data is accessible from anywhere, not locked away in a filing cabinet.
Systems we integrate with
We have built data transfer solutions connecting a wide range of platforms. Our experience includes integrations with Access Dimensions, Sage 50 and Sage 200, Xero, 123insight, Solidworks, Omnify, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Passfield Data System and many bespoke applications and websites. If your system has a database, an API, or can produce and consume data files, we can integrate with it.
What data can we transfer?
The flexibility of The Data Bridge® and our custom EDI solutions means we can handle virtually any type of business data. Common examples include:
Sales orders and purchase orders Automatically created in your accounting or manufacturing system from customer orders placed online, via email, or through a trading partner’s portal.
Invoices and credit notes
Generated and transmitted electronically, reducing delays and ensuring accurate billing.
Despatch and shipping notifications
Advanced Shipping Notices (ASNs) sent automatically to customers and partners when goods are dispatched.
Stock and inventory data
Real time synchronisation of stock levels across your internal systems, website and partner platforms.
Customer and supplier records
Account information, pricing, contact details and credit terms kept consistent across all systems.
Forecasts and scheduling data
Demand forecasts and production schedules shared between systems to support planning and resource allocation.
Bill of Materials (BOM) data
Transferring BOM structures between design tools like Solidworks or Omnify and manufacturing systems like 123insight, ensuring production data is accurate and up to date.
How it works
The Data Bridge® is installed on your local server and connects to each endpoint using the most appropriate method for the task, whether that is a direct database connection, an API call, file monitoring, or a scheduled query. All configuration is managed through our secure cloud based platform and our support team proactively monitors all active transfers.
For EDI connections with trading partners, we work with established middleware platforms such as Lobster, to handle message translation and transmission. This means your systems can exchange data in standard EDI formats (including DELFOR, DELJIT, and ASN messages) while your internal applications continue to work in their native format. The translation layer handles the conversion seamlessly.
Where additional control is required, we can build integrations with manual approval steps, allowing your team to review pending transactions before they are processed. This is particularly useful for high value orders or scenarios where human oversight adds value.
What systems can The Data Bridge® connect to?
The Data Bridge® can connect to virtually any system that uses a SQL or ODBC compatible database, an API, or produces and consumes data files. We have integrated with accounting systems, ERP platforms, CRM tools, e-commerce websites, design software and many bespoke applications. If your system stores data in a structured format, it is very likely we can connect to it.
Do our trading partners need to use the same software?
No. That is one of the main advantages of EDI and The Data Bridge®. Each side of the integration works in its own native format and the translation layer handles the conversion. Your systems do not need to change to accommodate your partners and vice versa.
How quickly can an EDI solution be implemented?
It depends on the complexity of the integration. Straightforward connections using The Data Bridge®’s existing task library can be configured and tested in a matter of weeks. More complex custom EDI solutions involving multiple systems, bespoke file formats, or trading partner coordination may take longer, but we provide a clear timeline during the proposal stage.
What happens if something goes wrong with a data transfer?
The Data Bridge® includes comprehensive logging and our support team receives automatic alerts for any errors or connectivity issues. In many cases, we identify and resolve problems before you are even aware of them. All transfer activity is logged and accessible through the web based dashboard, giving you full traceability.
Can we add more connections later?
Absolutely. The Data Bridge® is designed to be scalable. Additional trading partners, data sources and automated tasks can be added at any time without rebuilding the core system. Many of our clients start with one or two connections and expand over time as they see the benefits.
Is our data secure?
Security is built into the architecture. The Data Bridge® runs on your local server, connections to our configuration platform are restricted by IP address and all data transfers are logged and monitored. We take data security seriously and can work within your existing IT security policies.
Proven in practice
Our EDI and data transfer solutions are not theoretical, they are in active use across a wide range of businesses. We have built automated order processing systems for manufacturers, connected BOM management tools with MRP platforms, automated despatch notifications for logistics operations and created file manipulation systems for print and mailing companies.
Electronic Data Interchange
Discover the transformative power of our bespoke EDI solutions, designed specifically for Advanced Plastics to revolutionise their order and despatch processes.
File Manipulation System
Priority contacted Solweb to develop a new application that would combine and improve upon the functionality of both of their applications.
BOM Transfer
An EDI which transfers data from their Billing of Material software directly into the MRP/ERP software, ensuring data is consistent and correctly revised.
Automated Order Creation
An Automated Order application for use with 123insight which automatically generates both works orders and purchase orders based on sales order demand.
EDI & data transfer solutions from Dorset
Based at our offices in Ferndown, Dorset, Solweb has been delivering EDI and data transfer solutions for over two decades. We work with businesses across Bournemouth, Poole, the South Coast, and throughout the UK, as well as supporting clients internationally. Whether you are a local manufacturer looking to automate order processing or a national distributor needing to connect with multiple trading partners, we have the experience to deliver.
Stop re-keying. Start automating.
If your team is spending time manually moving data between systems, there is a better way. Get in touch to discuss how The Data Bridge® and our EDI solutions can save you time, reduce errors and free your team to focus on what matters.