Web based EDI conducts EDI using an web browser via the Internet. Here the businesses are allowed to use any browser to transfer data to their business partners. Web based EDI is easy and convenient for small and medium organizations

(i)  EDIFACT
(ii) XML
(iii)  ANSI
(iv) ASC X12

(i) When smart hones or other such handheld devices are used to transfer EDI documents it is called as mobile EDI.
(ii) Use: Mobile EDI applications considerably increase the speed of EDI transactions

The versions of EDIFACT are also called as directories. These EDIFACT directories will be revised twice a year on 1 April and 1st October to include new or update existing EDIFACT messages.
Example: D.18BD for Directory: 18 is the year; A/B is month of release.

There are four major components of EDI. They are
(i) Standard document format
(ii) Translator and Mapper
(iii) Communication software
(iv) Communication network

(i) A segment is a three-character alphanumeric code.
(ii) These segments are listed in segment tables .
(iii) Segments may contain one, or several related user data elements.

(i) The top level of EDIFACT structure is Interchange.
(ii)  An interchange may contain multiple messages.
(iii) It starts with UNB and ends with UNZ.

(i) EDI A is a hierarchical structure where the top level is referred to as an interchange, and lower levels contain multiple messages.
(ii) The messages consist of segments, which in turn consist of composites.
(iii) The final iteration is a data element.

The basic standardization concept of EDIFACT is that there are uniform message types called United Nations Standard Message. The message types have exactly one nickname consisting of six uppercase English alphabets. The message begins with UNH and with UNT.

Electronic data interchange architecture specifies four different layers namely
(i) Semantic layer
(ii) Standards translation layer
(iii) Transport layer
(iv) Physical layer

EDI was developed to solve the problems inherent in paper-based transaction processing and in other forms ofelectronic communication. Implementing EDI system offers a company greater control over its supply chain and allow it to trade more effectively. It also increases productivity and promotes operational efficiency.
The following are the other advantages of EDI.
(i) Improving service to end-users
(ii) Increasing productivity
(iii) Minimizing errors
(iv) Slashing response times
(v) Automation of operations
(vi) Cutting costs
(vii) Integrating all business and trading partners.
(viii) Providing information on process status
(ix) Optimizing financial ratios.