B2B sellers rewire operations as ecommerce and EDI converge
B2B manufacturers and distributors are integrating ecommerce and EDI into a single, connected transaction layer that spans ERP, warehouse, and supplier systems.
Partner Connect®
Electronic Data Integration
A History of EDI Innovation
Grey Wolf’s Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for Infor (SX/CSD/SyteLine/CSI) and Epicor (Prophet 21 and Prophet 21 Cloud) solutions has been evolving since 1997.
Partner Connect has improved over time from supporting spEDItran to BizTalk Server to a hosted solution. Partner Connect evolves as technology evolves.
Beyond ANSI X12
EDI has been around for decades. Over that time, the evolution of what EDI encompasses has evolved. While the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) tries to standardize EDI document sets, the human factor has intervened and prevented standards in EDI to become unique and specific to trading partner requirements.
From our perspective, EDI is not just ANSI X12. Partner Connect supports XML, CSV, Excel, PDF – any file format. In addition, it does not require a VAN. Partner Connect supports SMTP, FTP, sFTP, HTTP, AS2.
Infor and Epicor ERP Integration without EDI Modules and Importers
Partner Connect does not require an EDI module or importer at the ERP level. Instead, APIs and Web Services provide the integration with your Infor or Epicor ERP (Prophet 21, SX.enterprise, SyteLine, Prophet 21 Cloud, CloudSuite Distribution, or CloudSuite Industrial). This gives you more flexibility and control over your integration at a much lower cost.
Grey Wolf is integrating with your Infor and Epicor ERP systems through Grey Wolf Connector Lite (a prerequisite for Partner Connect).
Explore Partner Connect
Take a look at Grey Wolf’s history of successful EDI integrations.
Below is a listing of current trading partner/documents that Grey Wolf has completed already.
This not only shows how much experience we have; but if your requirements have been done already, it will make the setup process substantially easier.
See past EDI setups listed by:
Explore Partner Connect
A side-by-side look at Partner Connect vs. other EDI solutions.
|
Feature |
Grey Wolf Systems |
Unilink |
Comparatio |
Epicor EDI |
SPS Commerce |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Incorporated/Acquired |
1992 |
2002 |
2006 |
2019 |
2001 |
|
Ownership |
Grey Wolf Systems, Inc. |
Building Links, LLC |
Constellation Software |
Epicor Software Corp. |
Public |
|
Cloud-Based |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Additional Server Required |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Varies |
No |
|
PDF Support |
✓ |
✓ |
X |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Exception Handling |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Reporting |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Self-service Resubmittals |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Utilize API to SX/CSD |
✓ |
X |
X |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Utilize API to P21 |
✓ |
X |
X |
X |
✓ |
|
Pricing Shared on Website |
✓ |
X |
X |
X |
X |
|
Lowest price per document |
N/A |
$0.25 per document |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Minimum monthly fee |
$745 |
$150 for 150 documents |
$950 |
N/A |
N/A |
Explore Partner Connect
A closer look at Grey Wolf’s EDI solution.
Partner Connect Features
Check out key features of our EDI solution:
Document Manager: Update email addresses for EDI Reports
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to use Partner Connect’s EDI Document Manager to update or remove email addresses from the distribution list for EDI reports.
Follow along as we walk through the process of managing report recipients, ensuring the right users receive notifications, and keeping your EDI communications accurate and up to date.
Document Tracker: Marketplace Document Flow
In this demo, you’ll see how Partner Connect’s EDI Document Tracker provides visibility into the full life-cycle of marketplace EDI documents.
We’ll highlight how you can quickly identify document status, track movement through each stage, and gain transparency into your EDI document’s flow to better manage transactions.
Prophet 21 World Wide User Group (P21WWUG) Webinars
Grey Wolf Systems Webinars for Epicor Prophet 21 (P21) & Prophet 21 Cloud (P21 Cloud) ERP systems:
“Sharing Information with Customers and Vendors Your Way” Webinar on April 29, 2026
In this webinar, Rick Sundahl of Grey Wolf Systems explores how manufacturers and distributors can improve collaboration and efficiency in Epicor P21 and P21 Cloud ERP by sharing the right information with customers and vendors—your way.
We’ll cover:
– Why sharing information matters
– Who you should share information with
– What information should be shared
– How to effectively share information using EDI, APIs/web services, and data management tools
“Consistent Sharing with Marketplaces” Webinar on July 30, 2025
In this webinar, you’ll see how distributors can streamline selling on leading marketplaces like Amazon, supplyFORCE, CommerceHub/Rithum, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.
We’ll highlight how consistent product information (PIM) and seamless transaction (EDI) updates back to Epicor Prophet 21 and Prophet 21 Cloud help you stay competitive, meet customer expectations, and succeed in today’s marketplace-driven era.
“Life after TPCx EDI come 2026” Webinar on April 2, 2025
Epicor has announced that TPCx has an end of life in 2026. Now what?
TPCx focuses on EDI and moving your current environment can be daunting. If you don’t have TPCx, you may be considering your options of connecting to Trading Partners.
Moving beyond old technologies enables you to consider new documents, formats and connectivity. This webinar will cover:
• What is involved in moving from TPCx?
• Is there a difference between transactional and static information you share?
• What formats and communication are available now?
The webinar will include presentation, demonstration and discussion.
With over 30 years of experience, Grey Wolf has addressed all those issues and this session will discuss how Partner Connect® and Keystone® solves all those issues.
“Beyond EDI The Automation of ALL Trading Partner Transactions” Webinar on July 9, 2024
“No need to do EDI today” – That thinking is flawed.
EDI has been around for decades, but EDI is much more than X12. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is by definition the lights out interchange of transactional data. It is not just ANSI X12, but includes spreadsheets, PDF and XML file formats.
The typical thought process is EDI is too difficult, expensive, complex, etc (fill in your adjective). With over 25 years of EDI experience, Grey Wolf has address all those issues with EDI and this session will discuss how Partner Connect® solves all those issues.us, a quick demo shows how that can be accomplished.
SyteLine User Network (SUN) Sessions
Grey Wolf Systems Breakout Sessions for Infor SyteLine & CloudSuite Industrial (CSI) ERP systems:
“Connecting With Your Trading Partners – Simplified” Session on March 3, 2026
In this session from the SyteLine User Network (SUN) Conference, Rick Sundahl of Grey Wolf Systems and Tony Filipovic of Jergens Inc. walk through practical approaches to connecting with trading partners inside a Infor SyteLine & CloudSuite Industrial environment.
You’ll see how manufacturers can simplify trading partner connectivity by structuring integrations correctly, separating transactional and static data exchanges, and using EDI to automate key business processes.
Topics covered include:
– Core EDI transaction sets (850, 855, 856, 810) and how they support order-to-cash and procure-to-pay
– The difference between transactional data and static information updates
– Integration considerations for SyteLine environments
– Why trading partner connectivity should automate the relationship and not add complexity
Explore Partner Connect
Your questions, answered.
General Questions
What are the prerequisites for Partner Connect EDI?
Partner Connect EDI integrates with your Epicor, Infor, and eCommerce ERP system through the Grey Wolf Connector. You will need the Lite version of the Connector to fully integrate.
What is the role of Grey Wolf Connector Lite?
It is a prerequisite for ERP integrations with our PIM. Grey Wolf Connector Lite enables Keystone to link with systems like Infor and Epicor.
What is a “Trading Partner Connection”?
A trading partner connection is a single business document with a single trading partner. See below.
John Deere PO Inbound
Lowes Invoice Outbound
3M PO Outbound
Delta Faucet PO Ack Inbound
Wayfair Functional Ack Inbound
Each is an example of one trading partner connection. Five total “Trading Partner Connections”.
What EDI file formats are supported by Partner Connect?
Partner Connect supports any EDI file format that contains data, including PDF, X12, XLSX, CSV, and others.
What EDI file transports are supported by Partner Connect?
EDI started with Value Added Networks (VANs) but now supports all transports, including FTP, SFTP, HTTP, HTTPS, AS2, and others.
Is Partner Connect hosted or on-premises?
Partner Connect has evolved over time to a hosted solution, moving from spEDItran and BizTalk Server to today’s more modern, cloud-based architecture.
Where do I download Grey Wolf’s AS2 certificate?
You can access Grey Wolf’s AS2 certificate HERE.
Didn’t find your question?
Send an email to Grey Wolf with your question to info@greywolf.com
Technical Questions
What are the benefits of using APIs and Web Services instead of ERP-native EDI modules?
This approach provides: lower integration costs, more control and flexibility, simplified setup and maintenance. No need for flat files!
How does Partner Connect handle non-standard or partner-specific EDI requirements?
Not all trading partners follow strict ANSI X12 formats, Partner Connect is built to accommodate custom mappings and non-standard formats. This flexibility ensures smoother onboarding of partners with unique data or formatting requirements.
What happens if a trading partner changes their EDI specifications?
Changes in trading partner specs (such as new data fields, altered formats, or updated protocols) can be addressed quickly through updated mappings without requiring changes to your ERP system or significant downtime.
How does Partner Connect manage errors and exceptions in EDI transactions?
Partner Connect includes logging, error handling, and alerting mechanisms. Failed transactions, invalid data, or communication issues are flagged with detailed logs and can trigger alerts for quick resolution.
Can Partner Connect support real-time transactions?
Yes. With APIs and Web Services integration, Partner Connect can handle near real-time or synchronous data flows; ideal for scenarios like inventory availability checks, order acknowledgments, or shipment status updates.
How does Partner Connect compare to using traditional VAN services?
Traditional VANs can be expensive and inflexible. Partner Connect bypasses VANs by connecting directly via modern transport protocols. This results in lower costs, faster setup, and fewer intermediaries between you and your trading partners.
Didn’t find your question?
Send an email to Grey Wolf with your question to info@greywolf.com
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B2B EDI Software Market
The B2B EDI software market is accelerating as supply chain complexity, regulatory demands, and partner expectations rise. Manual processes and legacy tools can no longer keep up. Modern EDI has evolved from basic document exchange into a dynamic integration layer that connects partners, platforms, and workflows.
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Businesses Turn to EDI Systems as Supply Chain Pressures Mount
As global supply chain pressures intensify, businesses are turning to Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) to restore speed, accuracy, and control to their operations. What was once the domain of large enterprises has become essential infrastructure for organizations of every size navigating trade complexities, labor shortages, and rising costs.
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How EDI Creates Real Efficiencies in the Metals Industry
In an industry where speed, precision, and cost control are vital, metals companies must continually seek ways to optimize their operations. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), though not new, has emerged as a game-changing technology for modernizing supply chains and eliminating inefficiencies
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Why use EDI? Relevance, benefits, and future
EDI Is Evolving, Not Obsolete Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) remains a critical tool in industries like logistics, manufacturing, and retail, enabling secure, standardized exchange of documents such as invoices and orders. Its reliability reduces errors, boosts compliance, and increases efficiency by automating manual tasks and integrating with key business systems….
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EDI & API: B2B’s New Power Couple
As Businesses Blend Strategies, EDI and APIs Collaborate Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are no longer seen as competing technologies but as complementary tools that power efficient B2B data exchange. EDI remains essential for automating large volumes of structured transactions like orders and invoices, while APIs…
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How to integrate bank transactions with an ERP system: The power of APIs
API integration is transforming how treasury teams connect bank transactions with ERP systems. It’s enabling real-time data access, automation, and improved cash flow visibility. By acting as seamless connectors, APIs reduce manual tasks, enhance accuracy, and streamline financial operations across banking and ERP platforms.
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5 Ways EDI is Streamlining Supply Chain Operations
EDI is streamlining supply chain operations by automating data entry, reducing errors, and accelerating key processes like order fulfillment and invoicing. Its use of standardized formats ensures accuracy and consistency across systems, minimizing delays and strengthening trust between trading partners.
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EDI: Connecting Today’s Global Supply Chain Partners
The Shift from In-House EDI to Outsourced Solutions Suppliers are moving away from outdated, in-house electronic data interchange (EDI) systems that were expensive, complex, and poorly suited for global operations. Legacy tools like Sterling GenTran and WebMethods couldn’t scale or connect with low-tech factories and overseas partners, leading to communication…
entry level
$745 per month
Up to 15 Trading Partner Connections
pro level
$1,145 per month
Up to 100 Trading Partner Connections
enterprise level
$1,945 per month
Unlimited Trading Partner Connections