100 Problems with PDF Digitalization (And how PEDIF Solves them)
Businesses have long relied on Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) to automate their document workflows. But while both offer automation, they often introduce complexity, cost, and limitations that slow you down. PEDIF was built to solve those exact pain points—with a fast, flexible, and training-free approach that just works.
Common Problems with IDP
IDP systems promise intelligence through AI and OCR—but often fall short due to their reliance on training, models, and templates. Here are just a few of the many issues businesses face:
Requires model training for each layout
Struggles with line-item extraction
Breaks when formats change
High false positive/negative rates
Limited compliance output (e.g., no ZUGFeRD/XRechnung)
Low transparency for error correction
Not built for complex document types
Common Problems with EDI
EDI promises end-to-end integration—but only works if every trading partner follows the format, and agrees on protocols. In reality, it often causes more overhead than it eliminates:
Expensive to implement and maintain
Difficult to onboard new partners
High dependency on IT teams
Not adaptable to hybrid supply chains
Breaks when trading partners change formats
Long implementation timelines
Licensing lock-in with specific providers
Limited document type flexibility
What PEDIF Does Differently
Template-free processing using layout fingerprinting
Works with native PDFs, no scans or OCR needed
Supports 21+ business document types out of the box
No training required
Real-time extraction with >99% accuracy
Built-in compliance for XRechnung, ZUGFeRD , PEPPOL
Instant onboarding of new suppliers or formats
Transparent field-by-field validation and correction
Lightweight deployment (via email or API)
Scales affordably with usage-based pricing
Comparison Table: IDP vs EDI vs PEDIF
| Feature | IDP | EDI | PEDIF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | Weeks | Months | Days |
| Templates Training Required | Yes | Yes | No |
| Handles PDFs | Yes | No | Yes |
| Supports 21+ Document Types | Limited | Most | Yes |
| PEPPOL / XRechnung / ZUGFeRD Output | External tools | Add-on | Built-in |
| Error Visibility | Limited | Limited | Full (PDF overlay) |
| IT Dependency | High | High | Low |
| Accuracy | ~90% | 100% | 100% |
| Scalability & Cost | Moderate to High | High | Low |
Final Thought
IDP and EDI had their moment, but neither was built for the real-world mess of supplier documents, varying formats, and complex compliance needs. PEDIF is the modern answer, no templates, no surprises, and no trade-offs between speed, accuracy, and compliance.
Ready to see the difference? [Book a demo] to test PEDIF live. (Insert the excel with the 100 problems faced by IDP and EDI in excel format to download )