Orlando Florida Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Agreement Lawyers
Electronic Data Interchange is a standardized exchange of data that allows companies to better track shipments, more readily complete invoices, and more easily ship goods and services. Essentially, EDI is a standardized format that allows businesses to interact electronically and to engage in e-commerce, eliminating intermediary processing steps. Traditionally, if you wanted to ship your goods from one place to another, there would be many steps because you’d have to manually handle the packages, shipping labels, and invoices. Today, much of this work can be automated by computers.
For example, in the past, buyers would have to place an order and mail the order to the person selling an item. Then, the seller would have to manually enter the order into their computer system. Next, they would notify the buyer that their order has been received. With EDI, the purchase order is submitted online to the supplier, the system automatically enters the order, and the system sends an acknowledgement to the buyer once this data has been entered. EDI can eliminate the need for emails to be sent to the seller, informing them an order has been placed. Everything is entered automatically into the seller’s system. This eliminates the need for people to process emails or letters and lets customers receive ordered goods more quickly.
Essentially, any form of exchange of data that was once completed in hard copies that is now performed electronically is electronic data interchange. EDI is used in a range of industries, from shipping and receiving, to the medical industries, to engineering and construction. Whether you are a company that used traditional shipping methods to deliver goods to customers and are looking to see whether EDI is right for your business, or if you are starting a new company and want to see whether electronic data interchange is right for you, it can be helpful to have an EDI agreement in place regarding your data and shipping services. If you already use EDI and don’t have an agreement in place, it may be wise to consider drafting an electronic data interchange agreement. After all, what happens if an order is lost? What happens if data gets corrupted? Who is responsible? An EDI agreement can protect you. Contact Legal Counsel, P.A. and speak to our electronic data interchange agreement lawyers in Orlando, Florida who may be able to help you take your business to the next level while protecting your interests. Have questions? We have answers. Contact Legal Counsel, P.A. today at 407-982-4321.
What Should Be Included in an EDI Agreement?
Electronic data interchange, EDI, must be standardized in order for it to work. However, because people are not involved in the exchange of data, companies often enter into EDI agreements to govern what happens when disputes arise. Let’s say a customer puts in an order, and, because of an error on either party’s end, the order doesn’t go through. It can be challenging to track down what went wrong and who is responsible when orders get lost, don’t get sent, or when invoices fall through the cracks. Essentially, EDI agreements can clearly outline what standard protocol will be used to transmit data, and what will happen if there is an error in transmission. An electronic data interchange agreement can also protect the validity of orders made online or through electronic means. This means that one company cannot claim that an order was invalid because it was sent electronically instead of through paper. An electronic data interchange agreement should also include information about how each party will secure the transmission of data. When data isn’t secure, clients’ personal information can be subject to hackers or attack. It is incredibly important that any electronic data interchange agreement include information about liabilities should customer’s personal information be compromised, as well as outlining steps for the protection of privacy. Finally, an EDI agreement can protect you when dealing with international commerce. EDI is relatively new, so contractual agreements can be incredibly important in establishing expectations and standards. Contact Legal Counsel, P.A. and consult with our electronic data interchange agreement lawyers in Orlando, Florida who may be able to assist you with your agreement. Have questions? We have answers. Contact Legal Counsel, P.A. today at 407-982-4321.
Contact an EDI Lawyer Today
If you are growing your business and need assistance with an EDI agreement, reach out to Legal Counsel, P.A. today in Orlando, Florida. Our electronic data interchange agreement attorneys in Orlando can help you understand standards and what items should be included in your agreement to protect your rights and interests. We can help. Have questions? We have answers. Contact Legal Counsel, P.A. today at 407-982-4321.
