Resolve Failed EDI Transactions: A Step-by-Step Guide

Failed EDI transactions can disrupt your supply chain, delay shipments, and frustrate trading partners. But with the right strategy and tools, you can quickly identify, fix, and prevent these errors before they impact your operations.

This post covers why EDI transactions fail, how to diagnose the problem, and steps to create a more reliable EDI process.

Why EDI Transactions Fail

Failures typically happen when there are issues with the data format, missing fields, or partner-specific requirements. Common causes include:

• Missing mandatory fields (like PO numbers or dates)

• Incorrect EDI segment structure or hierarchy

• Format mismatches (e.g. decimal placement, date formatting)

• Network delivery errors or timeouts

• Partner-specific mapping rules not being followed

How to Resolve Failed EDI Transactions

1. Review Error Messages

   • Most systems will return an error log. Use this to pinpoint the issue (e.g. "Segment UNH missing").

2. Compare with Partner Specs

   • Cross-check the failed transaction with the trading partner’s EDI implementation guide. This helps you identify mismatches or required custom logic.

3. Validate Source System Data

   • Ensure your ERP or WMS is supplying the right data in the expected format. Often the problem starts before the file is generated.

4. Adjust EDI Mapping Logic

   • Update your EDI translator or middleware rules to correct the issue. This might include remapping fields or applying conditional logic.

5. Resend & Monitor

   • Once corrected, resend the transaction. Monitor delivery and acknowledgment to confirm it went through successfully.

Tips to Prevent Future Failures

• Use an integration layer like Switchboard to handle EDI transformations and validations.

• Set up pre-send checks for required fields and formatting.

• Keep EDI specs up-to-date and review them when onboarding new partners.

• Log all transactions and use error dashboards for proactive resolution.

How Switchboard Helps

Switchboard sits between your systems and your partners to ensure clean, validated EDI data. It:

• Flags errors before transmission

• Applies partner-specific rules automatically

• Monitors all EDI activity in one place

• Gives full visibility into failed and successful transactions

With Switchboard, failed EDI transactions become a thing of the past.

Resolving failed EDI transactions is easier when you have a clear process and the right tools in place. By automating validation and monitoring, you can reduce errors, improve partner trust, and keep your supply chain moving.