
Introduction to XML • 1
4. Now, the VAN takes over, and routes the purchase order to the mailbox of the appropriate vendor in
a secure fashion. The VAN is responsible for ensuring that the purchase order travels successfully
across to the vendor (supplier), without errors.
5. At the vendor’s end, the VAN retrieves this document, and automatically produces a sales order out
of it. Note that another data entry step is removed here, thus reducing the chances of errors further.
This might follow by an automatic credit checking procedure, which can be done either by the EDI
systems, or can be a part of the organisation’s computer application. ...