Discover how AS2 simplifies EDI for non-technical users by offering secure, cost-effective, and user-friendly solutions for modern digital transactions.
Rusiri Samarakoon
Published: 20 May 2025
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) has become part of modern business communication, streamlining how companies exchange critical documents like purchase orders, invoices, and shipping notices. Yet for many small business owners, logistics coordinators and procurement managers, EDI can feel overwhelming—packed with acronyms like VANs, EDIFACT, X12, and FTP. It’s easy to get lost in the technical jargon before even sending your first document.
Fortunately, there’s a way to make EDI more accessible, secure, and user-friendly—even for those without a tech background. It’s called AS2 (Applicability Statement 2), and it’s helping businesses of all sizes simplify EDI without compromising on security or compliance.
Electronic Data Interchange is the digital transfer of business documents—like invoices, purchase orders, and shipping notices—between trading partners. Instead of faxing or emailing PDFs, EDI transmits structured data directly into business systems. The benefit? Speed, accuracy, and automation.
Historically, EDI required:
AS2 is a communication protocol that allows businesses to send EDI documents securely over the internet using HTTPS. But here’s the magic: it does all the technical heavy lifting behind the scenes. Here’s how it simplifies EDI for non-technical users:
Unlike legacy EDI systems that needed special private networks, AS2 sends data over the public internet. That means no additional network infrastructure or third-party transmission fees.
AS2 automatically encrypts and digitally signs messages, ensuring sensitive data stays private and unaltered. It also includes something called a Message Disposition Notification (MDN)—basically a digital receipt. So users know their documents were delivered successfully, without needing to check logs or call IT.
Because AS2 enables direct communication between trading partners, it cuts out expensive EDI intermediaries. This gives businesses more control and lowers costs.
Many modern EDI platforms offer AS2 capabilities with easy-to-use dashboards. Users can upload documents, monitor deliveries, and manage trading partners without needing to touch code or understand the underlying tech.
AS2 is widely supported by major retailers, manufacturers, and logistics providers. In fact, companies like Walmart, Amazon, and Target require their suppliers to use AS2. That means getting on board is often a matter of staying competitive.
For a supply chain manager, AS2 means less time worrying about whether a shipment notice went through. For a small business owner, it means fewer manual errors and faster payments. For an accounts payable team, it means accurate invoices, straight into their ERP.
Best of all, because AS2-enabled EDI software handles the technical details, businesses can onboard new partners, exchange data and stay compliant-without hiring a full time IT staff.
EDI doesn’t have to be complicated. With AS2, the barrier to entry is lower than ever. It transforms EDI from a technical headache into a practical business tool that anyone can use. So whether you’re new to digital transactions or looking to simplify your current setup, AS2 is a smart, scalable and secure way to modernize your business.
If you are looking for AS2 and EDI solutions, feel free to reach out to us. We offer a range of products to suit your needs, including MFT Gateway (SaaS), AS2 Gatewayed (on-premises) and EDI Generator.
Join hundreds of organizations already taking full control of their B2B AS2 communications with our trusted solutions. Contact us today to tailor a solution that fits your specific AS2 EDI needs.
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