By DC Correspondent

Copyright deccanchronicle

When people talk about modernizing supply chains, the spotlight usually lands on newer tech like artificial intelligence, automation, or blockchain. These tools are definitely shaping the future. But in the middle of all this buzz, there’s one system that’s been quietly keeping things running for years—EDI, or Electronic Data Interchange. If you’ve worked in logistics, procurement, or IT, chances are you’ve come across EDI. It’s been around for a long time. It might not look exciting, but it’s dependable. For decades, it’s handled the core tasks: sending purchase orders, invoices, and shipping info from one business to another. But it was built for a time when systems weren’t connected, and when sending a file overnight was the norm. Today, we live in a different world. Decisions are made faster. Data is expected in real time. Platforms are global. And now, EDI is being asked to keep up with all of it. Taking a New Look at EDI: Many companies today rely on tools like SAP Ariba, Coupa, or Oracle to manage purchasing and payments. These systems run best when they get the right data, right away. Teams need to see what’s happening with their orders now, not hours later. A small delay can lead to a missed deadline or higher costs.But EDI hasn’t faded away. In fact, it’s still a big part of many companies’ day-to-day operations. Instead of scrapping it, organizations are figuring out how to bring it up to speed, modernizing it and blending it with newer technologies. Bringing EDI and AI Together: One of the most useful changes has been combining EDI with APIs. These tools that let systems exchange information quickly and smoothly. EDI brings consistency in how data is structured, and APIs help move that data without delay. Now, AI is helping too. By watching EDI traffic and learning from it, AI can flag missing info, visualize issues before they cause delays, or suggest fixes when something looks off. It’s not about replacing people or the system, but more like having a digital assistant that keeps an eye on the process and helps spot problems early. If you picture EDI as the delivery truck carrying important paperwork, APIs are the faster roads, and AI is the person in the passenger seat, helping with navigation and offering tips along the way. Making Buying Easier with Punchout: One area where this new approach really stands out is punchout catalogs. These let a buyer’s procurement system connect straight to a supplier’s website. Instead of uploading huge spreadsheets or outdated catalogs, buyers can just browse products live, see current prices, and place orders instantly.I’ve helped several large companies roll out punchout features, and the results are always positive. There are fewer mistakes, quicker approvals, and a smoother experience for both buyers and suppliers. Now, with AI helping check for price mismatches or product changes in real time, the process is even more reliable. Security Still Comes First: As more companies move their operations into the cloud, protecting data has become more important than ever. It’s not just about keeping hackers out but about meeting customer expectations and following the rules. For example, U.S. businesses that deal with healthcare products or services need to follow HIPAA regulations to protect sensitive information. Other industries face similar requirements. The point is, data privacy and control aren’t optional. Thankfully, EDI platforms have evolved. Encryption, access controls, and audit logs are now built in. And AI is helping again, keeping watch for unusual activity and alerting teams before something goes wrong. It’s one more layer of support in keeping systems secure and trustworthy. spreadsheets or outdated catalogs, buyers can just browse products live, see current prices, and place orders instantly.I’ve helped several large companies roll out punchout features, and the results are always positive. There are fewer mistakes, quicker approvals, and a smoother experience for both buyers and suppliers. Now, with AI helping check for price mismatches or product changes in real time, the process is even more reliable. Security Still Comes First: As more companies move their operations into the cloud, protecting data has become more important than ever. It’s not just about keeping hackers out but about meeting customer expectations and following the rules. For example, U.S. businesses that deal with healthcare products or services need to follow HIPAA regulations to protect sensitive information. Other industries face similar requirements. The point is, data privacy and control aren’t optional. Thankfully, EDI platforms have evolved. Encryption, access controls, and audit logs are now built in. And AI is helping again, keeping watch for unusual activity and alerting teams before something goes wrong. It’s one more layer of support in keeping systems secure and trustworthy.It’s Still About People: With all the focus on technology, it’s easy…