Abstract
To harness the full potential of electronic data interchange (EDI), a considerable amount of attention needs to be paid to its implementation. This research examines factors that are critical for American companies in implementing EDI in the US and internationally. Data from 56 firms serves as a basis of the findings reported here. For EDI within the US, the selection of EDI standards, relationships with trading partners, support and commitment of top management, the availability of value-added networks (VANs), and security and audit controls are identified as key factors in achieving success. However for success in international EDI, availability of a mature and reliable telecommunications infrastructure, access to international VANs, "friendliness" of laws governing global trade, and security in electronic data transmission are found critical.