{"id":96237,"date":"2026-05-28T13:30:29","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T12:30:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/invoicefly.com\/?p=96237"},"modified":"2026-05-28T13:32:31","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T12:32:31","slug":"factura-edi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/invoicefly.com\/es\/academy\/edi-invoice\/","title":{"rendered":"Gu\u00eda de facturas EDI para contratistas y empresas de servicios"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n

An EDI invoice is a way for businesses to send invoice information directly from one computer system to another without relying on PDFs, emails, or paper bills. Instead of someone manually opening and entering the invoice, the data flows automatically into the buyer’s accounting or ERP system using a standardized format, most commonly EDI 810. That file includes information like invoice numbers, purchase orders, line items, totals, taxes, and payment terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, you’ll learn how EDI invoicing works, what information an EDI invoice includes, and how it compares to regular e-invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is EDI Invoicing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

EDI stands for Electronic Data Interchange. EDI invoicing is the process of exchanging invoice data between two businesses using a standardized, machine-readable format rather than a human-readable document like a PDF or a printed bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In plain terms, EDI replaces the usual email-and-manual-entry process. The invoice moves directly from the supplier’s system into the buyer’s system. The receiving system reads the data automatically, matches it against purchase orders, and posts it for payment without someone manually entering the information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EDI invoicing is common in large-scale B2B industries: retail, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and government contracting. If you work with major retailers, freight clients, or government agencies, chances are they require EDI compliance from their vendors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To understand where EDI invoicing fits within the broader invoicing landscape, our guide on what is an invoice<\/a> covers the foundational concepts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EDI Invoice Example<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Don’t worry if this looks technical. Most contractors never touch this directly because their EDI provider or invoicing software generates the file automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A basic EDI 810 invoice looks nothing like a formatted PDF. It’s a structured data string of segments and elements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

ST*810*0001<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BIG*20260513*INV-4421**PO-8872<\/p>\n\n\n\n

N1*SE*Acme Plumbing Co.*92*ACME01<\/p>\n\n\n\n

N1*BY*Metro Building Group*92*METRO77<\/p>\n\n\n\n

IT1*1*5*EA*120.00**VP*PIPE-3\/4IN<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TDS*60000<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DTM*011*20260527<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SE*8*0001<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Each segment (ST, BIG, N1, IT1) maps to a defined field in the invoice: transaction type, invoice date, seller ID, buyer ID, line items, total amount due, and payment terms. The receiving system reads these segments automatically using a data map configured by both trading partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Create and Send Invoices with Invoice Fly<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Whether you\u2019re billing clients weekly, monthly, or per project, Invoice Fly helps you create professional invoices, track payments, and stay organized from anywhere.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTry it for free ><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"invoice\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does EDI Invoicing Work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"it<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The EDI invoicing process follows a defined flow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. The seller completes the job or ships goods and generates an invoice in their system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. The seller’s system translates the invoice into the agreed EDI format, such as X12 810 or EDIFACT INVOIC.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. The invoice is transmitted to the buyer via a Value-Added Network (VAN), AS2 connection, or API.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. The buyer’s system receives the file and runs automated validation checks: does the invoice match the purchase order? Are the quantities and prices correct?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. If validated, the invoice is posted to the buyer’s accounts payable system and queued for payment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. If there’s a discrepancy, the invoice is flagged for manual review or an error acknowledgment is sent back to the supplier.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    The entire process can happen in minutes, compared to days or weeks with paper-based billing. Businesses moving toward EDI often also explore broader invoice automation<\/a> workflows to streamline the full billing cycle from estimate to payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Invoice EDI Format<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The two dominant EDI standards are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n