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Many legacy EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) systems are rigid, expensive, and reliant on in-house expertise.
For decades, EDI has been the backbone of digital supply chains. But the same on-premise systems that once powered global commerce are now struggling to keep up. In today’s fast-moving market, the drawbacks of these systems translate directly into operational risk.
In this blog, we explore how businesses are being affected by legacy systems, including specific examples, and what they can do to future-proof their supply chain operations.
Lead the way with reliable supply chain operations
Transalis is doing EDI differently by putting businesses back in control of their system. Unlimited connections, self-managed setup and ongoing support - our cloud-based solutions provide flexibility and scalability within a set annual cost.
Word of warning: the SAP Hana migration
One of the clearest indicators of the strain on legacy EDI comes from the SAP ecosystem.
SAP is phasing out its earlier ERP platforms, including Business Suite 7, in favour of its cloud-first S/4HANA solution. Mainstream maintenance for these older systems will end in 2027, with extended support only available until 2030.*
For businesses still relying on on-premise ERP and EDI systems, this creates a major challenge. Existing integrations often become incompatible, requiring costly re-engineering to function with the new setup. Typical migration demands include:
Remapping trading partner connections
Rebuilding and testing document formats
Learning new EDI management processes
The complexity is significant. According to CIO, most S/4HANA migration projects suffer from timeline overruns of 30% or more, and nearly two-thirds of businesses report quality issues.** Without careful planning, the transition risks disruptions to BAU, failed EDI messages, supply chain delays, and ultimately, damaged brand reputation/trading relationships.
What this means
Using legacy EDI limits your ability to integrate with modern systems, slows partner onboarding, reduces flexibility, and increases reliance on scarce internal resources. Businesses that delay modernisation risk losing their competitive edge, brand reputation, and even commercial longevity.
The alternative to outdated EDI
Modern, cloud-based EDI offers a way forward. By replacing rigid systems with scalable solutions, businesses can integrate frictionlessly between applications and endpoints, reduce operating costs, and ensure long-term compatibility.
How Transalis is doing EDI differently
Transalis’ new cloud-based Web Connect and Enterprise Connect solutions give businesses full control over their EDI.
With no VAN charges, no caps on trading partner connections, and self-service trading network management, you can scale operations quickly and cost-effectively. Web Connect offers rapid onboarding via a cloud-based web application. While Enterprise Connect supports complex ERP and API integrations for businesses requiring robust supply chain automations.
Space NK’s switch to Transalis highlights the benefits of leaving inflexible providers behind. By replacing a costly VAN model, they cut £60,000 in annual fees, improved accuracy, and onboarded a new partner within a week.
With Transalis, you get modern EDI technology backed by proven client success. Delivering visibility, transparency, and efficiency for the long term. See our bundled product packages below:
eDI Software
eDI Instant
Ideal for businesses that have an EDI mandate from their trading partner and need to get connected as soon as possible
eDI Essential
Ideal for companies that are starting to build out their trading networks and enhance their EDI experience with up to 2 connections
eDI Freedom
Ideal for companies who are looking for a base of 3 trading partners with the flexibility to build their own uniquely configured trading network
Web Connect
Ideal for organisations with large trading networks that require a self-managed solution via web connectivity
Enterprise Connect
Ideal for organisations with large trading networks requiring integrated connectivity to internal business systems
Looking to switch your EDI system for something more reliable, cost-effective, and agile? Our team will happily walk you through the best set up for your business needs, without disrupting BAU. Schedule a meeting at a time that suits you, call us on 0845 123 3746 (UK callers) or +44 1978 369 343 (international callers), or email via sales@transalis.com.