DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EDI AND ALE!!!

[Former Member]

Hi All,

I want to know the basic difference between these two terms EDI and ALE.

Because from my knowledge both are used to exchange data from SAP system to another SAP and Non SAP systems.

If it is true then why there are two terms as EDI and ALE?

In case of non SAP system data exchange how is it achieved in SAP?

Please guide me.

[Former Member]

The basic difference with ALE and EDI is ALE used for internal communications and EDI is meant for external communications.

Since ALE uses an IDOC format to exchange data between systems, both participating systems should understand the IDOC format.

In other words ALE normally used to distribute the master data (Ex: Material Master, Vendor Master) with in a company when you are maintain the distributed environment.

For example data transfer between a SAP R/3 and SAP APO where the data transfer is implemented using ALE technology.

EDI is for exchanging transaction data (Purchase order, Delivery) between two different business partners.EDI is all about the standards (Ex: ANSI X12, EDIFACT) you have to follow when you are transferring business documents.

Technically speaking, ALE transfers the data using memory buffers whereas EDI uses file port to transfer the data.

With EDI technology you always need a translator to convert the IDOC to X12 (Outbound), X12 to IDOC (Inbound).But with ALE you don’t need a translator.

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[Former Member]

Hi,

Electronic Data Interchange is

Cross-company exchange of electronic data (for example business documents) between domestic and international business partners who use a variety of hardware, software, and communication services. The data involved is formatted according to predefined standards. In addition to this, SAP ALE technology is available for data exchange within a company.

Regards

SRK

[Former Member]

hi

check these threads..