AS2 vs VAN: What Suppliers Actually Need to Know

If you're getting set up for EDI, you'll quickly run into two terms: AS2 and VAN. Most guides make this sound technical and confusing. In reality, the decision is much simpler than it's made out to be.

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First — what are AS2 and VAN?

Both AS2 and VAN are just ways to send EDI documents between you and your retailer. They don't change your business logic, your documents, or your compliance requirements — just how the data moves.

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What is AS2?

AS2 (Applicability Statement 2) is a direct, point-to-point connection. Think of it like sending a secure, encrypted message directly to your retailer's system — no middle layer.

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What is a VAN?

A VAN (Value-Added Network) acts as a middleman. You send documents to the VAN, and the VAN forwards them to the retailer. It manages routing and storage.

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The real difference — what actually matters

Cost: AS2 has no per-document fees. VAN charges ongoing transaction/data fees. Over time, VAN can get expensive.

Complexity: AS2 requires more setup upfront. VAN is easier initially — but that "ease" often comes with long-term cost.

Scalability: AS2 is better for growing volume. VAN costs increase as you grow.

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What most suppliers actually need

The truth is: you don't need to choose between AS2 and VAN yourself. You need a setup that works reliably. A good EDI provider handles the transmission method, routing, monitoring, and error handling — without you having to think about any of it.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Choosing VAN without understanding the long-term cost implications
• Trying to set up AS2 yourself without technical experience
• Assuming the transmission method is the hardest part — it's not. Mapping and compliance are.

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Final thoughts

AS2 vs VAN sounds like a big technical decision. For most suppliers, it isn't. What matters more is getting compliant quickly, keeping costs predictable, and having reliable support when something breaks.