EDI's role as an enabler for electronic commerce and information integration

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a form of electronic communication designed to permit trading partners (customers and suppliers), in two or more organizations, to exchange business transaction data in electronic, structured formats. Unique to EDI, the electronic transmission of the transaction information can be processed directly by the applications within the receiving computer systems. The transmission of data in machine readable form eliminates the need for manual intervention in the data entry or data manipulation process. EDI is a tool for the electronic transmission and integration of information interorganizationally. A growing number of leading edge engineering and construction companies from around the world are implementing EDI applications to improve operational efficiency, enhance information quality, and achieve reductions in processing time of project critical information. EDI facilitates electronic commerce and is particularly useful in international construction endeavours. This paper provides an overview of EDI, discusses EDI applications in engineering and construction (E & C), outlines the status of international EDI standards development as it relates specifically to the E & C industry, and summarizes corporate benefits commonly attributable to EDI implementation.