4 minute read

How to do EDI with ASDA

A giant of UK retail, ASDA represents a promising trading partner for any food, homeware and clothing suppliers. However, for businesses who don’t have internal experience in electronic data interchange (EDI), identifying how to go about setting up an EDI connection with ASDA can be confusing. In this guide we simplify the process and explain what you need to do to begin EDI with ASDA.

ASDA at a glance

Founded in 1949, ASDA is currently the UK’s second largest supermarket chain, with over 600 locations and 160,000 staff. In 2018 a proposed merger with Sainsbury’s (which would have given the company control of almost a third of the market) was blocked by UK regulators. Today, however ASDA alone holds over a 15% share in the supermarket sector and thus represents an exciting connection for suppliers.

Starting EDI with ASDA as a supplier

In order to set up an EDI connection with ASDA, it is first necessary to consider the following three things: ASDA’s onboarding process, their preferred document formats and what exchange protocols they use.

White Paper - On-Premise vs Cloud Decision Guide
Our decision guide compares on-premise v cloud managed EDI services in detail

ASDA’s supplier setup process

  1. ASDA’s EDI representatives will send over a supplier form which should be completed and returned.
  2. Once a mailbox has been set up, ASDA’s implementation team will grant you access to their web self-testing portal ‘Retail Link’. On this portal you will be able to upload relevant documents to test transmission accuracy. If you are handling this without any external help, it is very important to test all possible EDI interactions between ASDA and your business (e.g. invoices with surcharges, allowances, and including and excluding tax etc.).
  3. Following the testing phase, the connection will go live and your business will be prepared for EDI with ASDA.

ASDA’S preferred EDI standards and document types

ASDA supports the TRADACOMS standard and requires suppliers to be able to exchange orders, invoices/credit notes and remittance advices over the AS2 communication protocol, as illustrated below.

ASDA EDI Document Types
Click to enlarge

Setting up an EDI connection to ASDA

In order to be able to do EDI with ASDA, an exchange channel using an EDI protocol must first be set up. 

As ASDA was acquired by Walmart in 1999, they use Walmart’s EDI supplier platform Retail Link. Via Retail Link suppliers can apply for an AS2 connection. To trade with ASDA suppliers are expected to maintain a consistent AS2 connection and provide notifications regarding document transmission status.

As ecosio’s Integration Hub is compatible with Retail Link, all exchange protocol requirements can be fulfilled via a connection between ecosio and your ERP system.

EDI connection timeline

It is difficult to say exactly how long connection will take, as this is dependent on your business’s specific situation and how much mapping and routing is required. However, ASDA does require testing to take less than six weeks (and predict testing should take around two weeks for most companies with sufficient in-house EDI capability). If this stage takes longer than six weeks “the supplier may be removed from EDI testing for non-compliance”.

To ensure a smooth and efficient connection it is advisable to use an experienced B2B integration partner. Ideally, they should be able to provide a dedicated person to oversee the connection process from start to finish. They may also be able to handle monitoring after go-live too.

Below is a summary of the steps involved.

ASDA EDI Connection Timeline

How ecosio can help

Setting up an EDI connection with ASDA is simple with ecosio. 

ecosio’s cloud-based EDI service supports all EDI formats and protocols. We handle all routing and mapping so you can focus on what your business does best! Via one connection to our Integration Hub information will be automatically exchanged with ASDA via the correct exchange protocol and in the desired format.

Unlike other providers, ecosio offers a uniquely deep ERP connection. Following our API being embedded directly into their ERP system, users benefit from improved visibility, as EDI processes are seamlessly integrated into your system’s user interface. 

Benefits at a glance

  • All your EDI needs met via a single connection to our Integration Hub
  • No internal EDI experience required
  • Supports all common EDI formats and protocols
  • Hassle-free partner onboarding
  • Increased visibility thanks to deep API-ERP integration

ASDA EDI Partner Connection Bridge

Get in touch!

Still have questions concerning setting up an EDI connection with ASDA? Feel free to contact us, we’d love to help!

most read

Keep on reading

6 minute read

How to Achieve B2B Process Automation Success

B2B process automation projects can be daunting. In this article we explore what you can do to ensure your project is a success.

8 minute read

What Makes a Good EDI Dashboard?

A good EDI dashboard is central to successful B2B interactions. In this article we explore the key qualities of an effective solution.

10 minute read

EDI vs API: A Battle of Brothers

In recent years many have suggested that API may eliminate the need for EDI. But is this really true? And are they really rivals?

6 minute read

Expert Perspective — Christoph Ebm: EDI Post-Covid

In this insightful interview, ecosio CEO Christoph Ebm shares his thoughts on supply chain resilience and what the future holds for EDI.

7 minute read

Choosing an EDI Platform - A Breakdown

Looking for advice and information on EDI platforms and what what to look for when deciding between the various options? Look no further!

7 minute read

A Guide to Efficient EDI Systems

In this article we break down what an EDI system is, what different types of system offer, and things to remember when selecting a solution.

9 minute read

EDI Integration: What is It and How Can It Help Your Business?

Efficient EDI integration can have a transformative effect on your business. Read our article to find out how it can benefit you.

2 minute read

ecosio Becomes a Partner of GS1 UK

ecosio is proud to be a partner of GS1 UK and helping to help shape the future of GS1 standards and support industry-wide development.

4 minute read

The Most Common ANSI ASC X12 Party Identifiers and How to Use Them

ANSI X12 party identifiers are a common source of errors. In this article we explore how to avoid issues and what the most common X12 party identifiers are.

9 minute read

Using EDIFACT Parties Correctly - A Breakdown

Errors involving EDIFACT party codes (or EDIFACT parties) are a key cause of master data issues. Find out why.

8 minute read

What is Master Data Synchronisation and Why is it Needed?

Find out how conducting a master data synchronisation can make everyday EDI exchanges and partner onboarding easier and more efficient.

10 minute read

A Brief Introduction to Modern EDI Systems

Are you aware of what modern EDI systems can offer? In this article we explore the recent trend towards fully managed solutions.

We use cookies to provide an optimal website experience. You decide which one you want to allow. Depending on the setting, however, not all functionalities may be available to you. Data protection & imprint.

WHITE PAPER

EDI in the Retail Industry

Discover the secrets to B2B integration success with our comprehensive white paper