MDX helps facilitate the trading process by combining hardware, software, and a communication mechanism to provide an end-to-end solution.

Two trading scenarios can be used:

In Scenario 1 below, buyer and supplier are trading documents in the MDX/EDI format. Conversion to the MDX data format is done internally by the business system, a conversion utility, or an in-house translator. Third party entities/systems might also be used to provide systems integration or translation services, which might include file transfer with MDX.

Once the document is converted to an EDI text file, a secure file transfer process is used to send or receive the document to or from the MDX server. MDX Client software can assist with this process, if needed, to schedule and perform the file transfer process automatically - in concert with the other systems involved.

This is the preferred trading method.

Note: Other EDI systems can also be used to connect to MDX and because the document format, EDI, is already understood, the trading process is straightforward.

Scenario 2 : Enlarged View

Alternatively, a secure web site MDX Web 2.0 is used to build, send and receive documents on either side of the MDX server for companies that aren’t ready to fully integrate with internal systems.

MDX Web 2.0 has several functions. It's a secure web site that features a mailbox for sending and receiving documents. Forms are used to construct or respond to documents with the desired or EDI appropriate data fields. MDX web converts documents into EDI format and communicates directly with the MDX server.

MDX Web is also used to configure trading preferences, generate reports, and can export documents in EDI format - for importing back into internal systems.

A key benefit of the MDX system is the ability for buyers and suppliers to trade with one another regardless of the method deployed on the other end - MDX Web or EDI.