“Speak the language of global supply chains”
B2B Data Exchange Formats
A data exchange format is a standardized, machine-readable language used to share information between different software applications. In B2B commerce, it acts as the “digital handshake” that lets your warehouse system automatically understand a purchase order from a distributor's system, regardless of which software they use.
Why standardize your data exchange?
Manual entry is the bottleneck of modern logistics. By switching to our automated, industry-standard formats, your warehouse or distribution center can unlock measurable performance gains:
Cut order processing time by 60%
Replace email and PDF orders with instant, machine-to-machine data transfer. Reports show EDI implementation reduces order-to-cash cycles by up to 50%.
Achieve 100% data accuracy
Human error rates in manual entry range from 1% to 4%. Automated data exchange virtually eliminates re-keying mistakes, preventing costly returns and disputes.
Reduce operating costs
Processing a manual document costs more than its digital equivalent. Automated invoicing and ordering can save money every year in administrative labor.
Unlock new revenue streams
Enterprise clients (like 80% of Fortune 500 companies) simply will not onboard suppliers who rely solely on manual processes. Position your business as “enterprise-ready” and gain access to lucrative contracts with large retailers, manufacturers and global corporations.
Streamline your business operations by automating the exchange of essential documents
Supported data exchange formats
Vektor offers out-of-the-box support for the two most critical standards in general logistics and the energy sector.
EDI
(Electronic Data Interchange). The universal standard for retail, manufacturing and 3PL logistics.
EDI is the automated, computer-to-computer exchange of standard business documents (like purchase orders, invoices and shipping notices) between companies in a common electronic format. It replaces slow, paper-based processes, improving efficiency, accuracy and speed in the supply chain and in B2B transactions. EDI relies on agreed technical standards (like X12 and EDIFACT) for seamless system-to-system communication, eliminating manual data entry.
Key aspects
- Automation: Moves data directly from one company's system to another's without human intervention.
- Standardization: Uses defined formats (e.g. X12, EDIFACT) to ensure both systems understand the data, regardless of internal software.
- Business documents: Facilitates the exchange of common documents like purchase orders, invoices, shipping notices and payment information.
- Benefits: Reduces costs, minimizes errors, speeds up transactions and improves supply chain visibility.
- How it works: A document is created in an internal system, converted to an EDI standard format by translation software, sent to the partner, and then processed by their system.
Common use cases
- Supply chain: Manufacturers send orders to suppliers, and wholesalers send invoices to retailers.
- Logistics: Sharing bills of lading and delivery confirmations.
- Financial: Exchanging payment and remittance data.
Supported standards: ANSI X12 (North America) and UN/EDIFACT (global). Key warehouse transactions:
- EDI 850: Purchase order (receive orders instantly).
- EDI 810: Invoice (get paid faster with digital billing).
Faster, more reliable and cost-effective transactions
PIDX
(Petroleum Industry Data Exchange). The gold standard for distributors serving the oil and gas industry.
PIDX is the global standards organization for the oil and gas industry. It develops EDI and XML standards to facilitate seamless digital business, including procurement, invoicing and, more recently, cloud-based data repositories. It establishes standardized processes (e.g. invoice, order and field ticket) so trading partners can improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Key aspects
- Purpose: Founded in 1987, PIDX provides a forum for developing industry-wide, technology-agnostic standards for data exchange, covering the entire “well to filling station” supply chain.
- Standards and technology: PIDX defines formats for business processes using XML and supports Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and, in some systems, RosettaNet RNIF 2.0.
- Benefits: Using PIDX reduces or eliminates proprietary, costly and restrictive data solutions, enabling faster interoperability and a higher return on investment (ROI).
- Adoption: Over 120 oil and gas companies, including major operators, independents and 18 third-party solution providers, use these standards.
- Focus areas: Key focus areas include eBusiness standards for procurement (procure-to-pay), invoice processing, and downstream codes for terminal, company and product data.
Ready to stop typing and start scaling?
Integrations
We integrate into your existing workflow
Administrative and accounting
ERP, SAP, QuickBooks and almost any other administrative, management or accounting software.
CRM (customer relationship management)
Freshsales, HubSpot, Zoho and almost any other CRM software with API capabilities.
Online payments
Authorize.Net, Braintree, PayPal, Stripe and almost any other platform with API capabilities.
Productivity
Cloud and desktop spreadsheet software (e.g. Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel).
Marketing, analytics and chat
Google Analytics/Tag Manager, Facebook Pixel, Hotjar, Microsoft Clarity, Chatra, Tawk.to and more.
Automations and much more
n8n, Zapier, IFTTT, Make, Integrately and almost any automation platform.
All industries
An exceptional solution for all industries
Health and pharmacy
Transportation
Industrial and construction
Food and beverage
Commerce and services
Many more…
Launch into the digital era with our expertly crafted B2B solutions
Frequently asked questions
- Can anybody online see my prices?
- No, it is a secure, private, password-protected online store. You have complete control over who has access, and can revoke it at any time.
- Do I have to update my prices and stock one by one?
- No, we recommend setting up our fully automated catalog sync with your administrative system.
- Can I send quotes?
- Yes, you can create elegant quotes branded with your logo, built easily with products from your catalog.
- Does it handle inventory?
- Yes, inventory is updated automatically with every purchase, and then synced with your administrative system.
- I already have a WordPress website
- Most likely you have a corporate website for information, but it is missing the crucial transactional aspect. Your customers expect an up-to-date catalog and the ability to purchase online.
- I already have a digital catalog in PDF
- There is a huge operational cost to editing the PDF document, and it does not stay up to date for long. Most importantly, it is missing the transactional aspect. Your customers expect an up-to-date catalog and the ability to purchase online.
Pricing
Choose the right plan for the size of your business
- Unlimited products, orders and quotes
- 150 registered customers
- 5 registered sellers
- Catalog sync twice a day
- SSL certificate
- Help and support
- No commission on sales
- + Installation kit
- Everything in SMB
- 400 registered customers
- 15 registered sellers
- Catalog sync every hour
- Custom corporate domain
- No commission on sales
- + Installation kit
- Everything in Advanced
- Unlimited registered customers
- Unlimited registered sellers
- Catalog sync every 5 min
- No commission on sales
- + Installation kit
- Store setup and branding with your logo
- Initial data import (products, customers, sales team)
- Walkthrough for key stakeholders and users
- Training session for the sales team (max. 5)
How do we get started?
This is the outline. It is a very simple process and we will be there for every step:
- 1
Set up your online wholesale store
We set up your online wholesale store, fully customized with your brand (every page, order, quote, email, etc.).
- 2
Load it up with your catalog
We set up your digital catalog with SKU, name, description and photos. Ideally, fully automated sync with your administrative system.
- 3
Onboard your customers
We create access for your customers and greet them with a welcome message so they can start buying.