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Why Your SAP Team Shouldn’t Be Managing EDI (And What to Do Instead)

2025-04-22
by Jodi Abrams

SAP is complex. EDI doesn’t have to be.

Traditional EDI setups in SAP environments demand a high level of technical knowledge — from ALE/IDoc configuration and custom mappings to partner-specific requirements and transport management. Maintaining that in-house means either hiring niche SAP resources or hoping someone on the team "knows enough to keep it running."

The problem? EDI is rarely static. New partners come on board. Retailer requirements change. Data issues creep in. And before you know it, your internal team is spending more time putting out fires than driving real innovation in your SAP landscape.

A better model: Let experts own the process, end to end

Imagine never needing to touch an EDI config screen again. That’s what a fully managed, SAP-native EDI service offers. It’s not just outsourced support — it’s a complete shift in how EDI is handled.

From onboarding new partners to building and maintaining maps, monitoring traffic, handling exceptions, and providing business-level support, it’s all managed by a team that understands both EDI and SAP inside and out.

No retraining. No backlogs. No finger-pointing between your SAP team and an external EDI vendor who “doesn’t do SAP.”

Why companies are moving away from in-house EDI support

There’s a growing realization across industries: EDI isn’t a differentiator — it’s plumbing. Critical, yes. But it shouldn’t be the thing slowing down your IT roadmap or pulling attention away from business transformation. When you let go of the need to maintain EDI knowledge internally, several things happen:
  1. Your SAP team gets time back to focus on innovation.
  2. You reduce risk from employee turnover or system changes.
  3. You gain access to specialized expertise without increasing headcount.
  4. Your partner onboarding timelines shrink.
  5. And most importantly — your data flows more reliably, with fewer errors and less firefighting.

It’s not about replacing tools. It’s about rethinking ownership.

Many companies try to solve their EDI pain by switching platforms or buying new middleware. But the issue isn’t just the technology — it’s the model. Even the best software still needs someone to build, monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot it.

That’s where the right managed EDI partner makes the difference. With deep SAP knowledge, proven processes, and proactive support, they take full ownership — so your team doesn’t have to.

EDI done right should be invisible.

And when it is, your business runs smoother, your partners are happier, and your SAP team can finally stop answering questions about missing ASNs.

If you're ready to step away from the day-to-day EDI grind, we're here to help you make that transition.

About the author: Jodi Abrams

Jodi is an expert in SAP and eCommerce integration, and is Vice President of Applications for CONTAX.