business

Electronic Data Interchange

Overview

Electronic Data Interchange, (EDI) is the exchange of business data in a standardized format between business computer systems.

EDI represents a fundamental change in the way companies transact business. It replaces paper-intensive functions with efficient electronic transactions and eliminates the need for printing and mailing business information. By using standard formats and languages, the computerized data can be electronically transmitted between two companies and interpreted automatically.

Benefits

EDI is more efficient than manual billing. Benefits to your company will:

Eliminate late fees due to mail delivery
Unify data and bill processing formats
Improve reporting and auditing methods
Improve error detection
Access billing and energy use information more quickly and easily
Perform budget and trend analysis in a historical database with no data entry or paperwork required
Upload information directly into accounting systems
Reduce paper consumption, postage and associated costs

How EDI works

If you are EDI enabled, have access to a Value Added Network (VAN) and comply with Tampa Electric's EDI standards as specified in the Implementation Guide, you can receive your Tampa Electric billing information electronically. You can also pay your bill electronically, thereby eliminating one more paper process for your accounting department, in addition to reducing paperwork and increasing efficiency and productivity.

To ensure a smooth transition to EDI Billing, you will work closely with a Tampa Electric representative and test selected accounts. Once the testing has been completed to your satisfaction and all aspects of the EDI transactions have been completed you will have a choice of which accounts you want on EDI. These accounts will be added to EDI and the paper bill will cease. Because Tampa Electric transmits your bill via EDI on the same day that your bill would typically be prepared, you have the information immediately. After reviewing the EDI billing transmissions, your accounting department can make payment electronically through your bank.

Getting Started

EDI does require special hardware and software. If you are new to EDI and want to learn more about it, visit the following websites:

Enrollment

If you would like to enroll in EDI for your electric bill payment and processing, please contact your account manager.

Electronic Data Interchange Implementation Guidelines

Following are our Utility Industry Group compliant EDI 810 version 4010 guidelines for your use in implementing EDI.

You'll need Adobe® Acrobat Reader to view and print the Implementation Guidelines. To download the free software, which works with nearly every Web Browser, click the button below.

Once you're finished downloading Acrobat Reader, return to this page and download the Implementation Guidelines.

Download EDI Implementation Guide in the Acrobat (.pdf) format.