EDI Services ยท Value Added Network

Value Added Network Services for Any EDI Environment

Paragon’s Value Added Network provides secure, reliable document transmission between your business and its trading partners. The VAN can be used as a standalone service, included with Foundational managed EDI, or connected to an EDI translator operated on premises or by another provider.

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VAN capabilities

Secure Connectivity and Visibility for EDI Transactions

The VAN transports documents, routes them to the correct destination, and provides the information needed to confirm and research delivery.

Secure Document TransmissionReliable transport of EDI documents between your organization, customers, suppliers, carriers, and other trading partners.
Protocol ConnectivityAS2, AS4, SFTP, FTP, HTTPS, OFTP, and VAN mailbox connectivity according to each trading partner’s requirements.
Protocol BridgingExchange documents with trading partners even when their required communication method differs from the protocol used by your EDI environment.
VAN InterconnectsConnectivity with major VANs and trading partner networks without requiring a separate connection for every destination.
Transaction VisibilityTransaction-level status, acknowledgment monitoring, and delivery confirmation for inbound and outbound documents.
Searchable ArchivingSeven-year transaction retention with search and retrieval for operational research, compliance needs, and dispute resolution.

Flexible service options

Use the VAN with Any EDI Operating Model

The network service is independent of the translator, mapping tools, operating platform, and organization responsible for day-to-day EDI support.

Standalone VAN Service

Your organization manages its translator, maps, integrations, and EDI operations while using Paragon for secure communications, routing, tracking, archiving, and trading partner connectivity.

VAN for On-Premises EDI

Connect an EDI translator operating in your environment to customers, suppliers, carriers, major VANs, and other trading partner networks.

VAN with Managed EDI

Include the VAN as the communications layer within Foundational managed EDI when Paragon is also providing mapping, integration, monitoring, and operational support.

A clear division of responsibility

The Translator Processes the Document. The VAN Delivers It.

An EDI translator converts business data into the format required by a trading partner and processes documents received in return. The VAN performs a different function. It securely transports those documents, routes them to the correct destination, and provides visibility into transmission and delivery.

Because the VAN is not tied to a specific translator or operating platform, it can work with EDI software running on premises, in a hosted environment, or as part of a managed service. A customer can purchase the network service without outsourcing its mapping or EDI operations.

If additional assistance is needed, Paragon can separately provide mapping, integration, onboarding, and EDI support. Those services are optional and do not change the VAN’s ability to operate as a standalone service.

Network Service at a Glance

99.9% Uptime TargetRedundant, monitored network infrastructure designed for reliable business document delivery
Seven-Year ArchiveSearchable historical transaction records available when documents need to be researched or retrieved
Major Network InterconnectsBroad trading partner reach through established connections with other VANs and networks
Platform IndependentCompatible with on-premises, hosted, and managed EDI environments across operating platforms

Changing VAN providers

Move Existing Connections or Add New Ones

Paragon can establish connectivity for a new EDI implementation or help move existing trading partner communications from another VAN. The work includes reviewing current connections, protocols, partner routing, mailbox requirements, acknowledgments, and cutover timing.

A coordinated migration helps avoid interrupted document flow and provides a clear way to confirm that transactions have reached the intended destination before the former connection is retired.

Common VAN Requirements

  • Connect an on-premises EDI translator to trading partners
  • Replace an existing VAN provider
  • Add AS2, SFTP, or another required protocol
  • Reach a partner connected through another VAN
  • Improve transaction tracking and acknowledgment visibility
  • Retain searchable transaction history

FAQ

Value Added Network Questions

Can we use Paragon’s VAN without purchasing managed EDI?

Yes. The VAN is available as a standalone service. Your team or another provider can manage the translator, maps, integrations, and daily EDI operations.

Can the VAN connect to an EDI translator in our facility?

Yes. The VAN can connect an on-premises EDI translator to trading partners, other VANs, and required communication protocols.

Does the VAN require IBM i?

No. The VAN is independent of the customer’s operating platform and EDI translator.

Does the VAN create or maintain our EDI maps?

Mapping is separate from VAN service. Paragon can provide mapping and other EDI services when requested, but they are not required to use the VAN.

Can you help us move from our current VAN?

Yes. We can coordinate the communication setup, partner routing, testing, and cutover needed to move existing connections.

Related services

All EDI Services Managed EDI Service EDI Consulting ERP EDI Integrations

Need Reliable EDI Connectivity?

Tell us how your EDI environment operates and which trading partners you need to reach. We will help determine the right VAN connection and migration approach.

Discuss VAN service Call 888-728-4030