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What is EDI Testing and Why “Pre-Built” Maps Still Require Testing?

EDI testing is a process of checking EDI documents flow end-to-end between organizations and internal systems to ensure smooth data exchange before the actual EDI implementation

Important Things To Consider Before EDI Testing:

Who on your team can conduct testing and sign off?
What are your business processes?
Expect and prepare for hiccups during testing
Ask difficult questions from your EDI provider upfront
Build delays in your overall plan and timeline

Each trading partner may interpret EDI standards differently- unique qualifiers, required segments, date formats, etc.
Bottom line: Pre-builts give you a head start, but testing validates the nuances that can break production flows.

Ask upfront:
– Do you require ISA/GS values in a specific format?
– Are test files validated manually or via a portal?
– How many test cases do you need to approve a map?
Tip: Treat each partner like its own mini project with a tailored checklist.

Role of Your EDI Provider in Testing
They should provide:
– A clear test plan and timelines
– Prompt feedback and guided troubleshooting
– Visibility into where you are in the process
Red flag: If you're chasing updates or guessing what to do next, you're missing proactive support.

Most Common Testing Bottlenecks:
1. Manual Processes
Manually creating, sending, and reviewing test files
No automation for validations or acknowledgments (997s, 824s, etc.)
Slows down iteration and increases errors

2. Unclear or Incomplete Partner Specs
Specs missing key details like required qualifiers, code lists, or sample files
Inconsistencies between what’s documented and what the partner system actually accepts

3. Inconsistent or Unrealistic Test Data
Using outdated or idealized data that doesn’t reflect real scenarios
Missing edge cases: discounts, returns, multi-line orders, etc.
Leads to surprises in production even after "passing" test cases

4. Lack of Visibility Into Test Progress
No centralized dashboard or clear tracking of what’s been tested
Unclear who owns what step (internal team vs. provider vs. trading partner)
Makes coordination and accountability difficult

5. Limited Provider Support During Testing
Delayed responses, vague error explanations, or lack of testing guidance
No escalation path when things get stuck

6. Poor Version Control
Maps, specs, or rules change midstream without tracking
Teams accidentally retest against outdated logic
Causes confusion and wasted effort

7. Too Many Parties, Not Enough Alignment
ERP team, EDI provider, internal IT, and trading partner not on the same page
Different assumptions about who’s testing what and when
Leads to delays, blame games, and broken communication loops

Why It's Important to Get Visibility: Do You Know What’s Working (or Not)?
Red flag: If a test fails, and no one knows why—it’s a visibility problem.
What helps:
– Centralized test dashboards
– Error logs with human-readable messages
– Real-time alerts from your provider
Good provider support: Explains failures clearly, shows what's been tested, and guides next steps.

How to Think About EDI Testing Before You Get Started with an EDI Provider?
Start With the End in Mind: What Does “Success” Look Like?
Is it a smooth go-live with zero chargebacks?

Define what you want out of testing before it begins. This shapes your provider selection and planning.
Know Your Internal Landscape
What systems are involved (ERP, WMS, etc.)?
Who owns the mapping logic—your team or the provider?
Do you have dedicated resources for testing?

Clarify roles early. EDI testing isn’t just “the provider’s job”—it’s cross-functional. Your provider can’t test in a vacuum. You need to bring your partner requirements to the table.

Ask Your Provider About Their Testing Process
What does their testing phase look like—step by step?
Do they provide test plans, test data, logs, and dashboards?
What’s their turnaround time on failed test files?
If they can’t walk you through their testing approach, that’s a red flag.

Real-world testing = fewer surprises in production.

Clarify the Timeline—and Build a Buffer
When does testing officially begin?
What happens if your ERP integration gets delayed?

Don’t wedge testing into the last 2 weeks. Bake in buffer time, especially during ERP cutovers or large migrations.

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