Why AS2 instead of a VAN?
Many trading partners such as Walmart require that you transfer data via AS2 instead of using a traditional VAN. So what is AS2? AS2 (Applicability Statement 2) is a security protocols for sending data through https using certificates to secure data transfer. Basically, it’s a safe, secure way of sending your EDI over the internet. You may decide to use AS2 because your trading partner requires it. However, there are many benefits of sending EDI via AS2:

Traceable
When a document is sent across the VAN, each party can only see one half of the transaction – the sender can trace the document as far as the VAN and the recipient can pick it up once it has been received by the VAN. It’s similar to dropping a letter in a mailbox. You can’t trace the letter through every step involved in delivering it; All you know is that you dropped the letter in the mailbox and eventually it makes it to its destination. AS2 on the other hand allows you to request a return receipt called an MDN indicating that the document has been successfully delivered to the recipient. The MDN is received immediately upon receipt; the whole transaction is almost instantaneous.

Non-Repudiation
By signing a MDN receipt for the transactions, you have proof your documents were received, this fact cannot be disputed.

Confidentiality
AS2 encrypts your business documents and only the intended recipient of the document will be able to decrypt them. With AS2, the document itself is encrypted rather than just the transfer ensuring your important business documents are kept confidential.

AS2 is not restricted to EDI; many different types of documents can be via AS2. After a quick initial setup, every few years, new certificates need to be exchanged with your trading partners, it’s essentially hassle free. Furthermore, AS2 technology has been around for a while, so you know you’re investing in tried & tested technology. Overall, AS2 is a fast, safe and reliable way to transfer documents.

So, if you think AS2 is right for your business or have any questions, just give us a call at 1.800.755.6921

Cheers!
Nazma

EDI - Our Customers Trading Partner Series AS2 EDI, AS2 Software, EDI protocol, EDI with Walmart