May
28
2025
A closer look at the secure messaging standard powering global business communication.
In the digital economy, businesses exchange sensitive data every second — orders, invoices, shipping notices, and more. But how’re can companies ensure these transactions are secure, traceable, and compliant? One key answer: AS2.
What is AS2?
AS2 (Applicability Statement 2) is a widely adopted communication protocol used to securely transmit structured business data over the internet — typically EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) messages such as invoices or purchase orders.
Unlike email or FTP, AS2 encrypts the data and provides end-to-end security, including:
- Encryption for confidentiality
- Digital signatures for authentication
- MDN receipts (Message Disposition Notification) for non-repudiation — you know exactly if and when a message was received and successfully processed.
AS2 uses HTTP(S) as the transport layer, making it firewall-friendly and internet-ready.
Who Uses AS2?
AS2 is especially popular in supply chains and B2B integration, where compliance, speed, and reliability are critical. Key industries include:
- Retail: Walmart, Target, and other global retailers require suppliers to use AS2.
- Automotive: Suppliers exchange delivery forecasts, orders, and inventory updates.
- Logistics & Transportation: Carriers and shippers use AS2 to coordinate operations.
- Pharmaceutical & Healthcare: To comply with security and audit trail requirements.
- Food & Beverage: For real-time order and shipment updates between partners.
Whether you’re a small supplier or a multinational enterprise, AS2 ensures secure and reliable data exchange with your trading partners — while staying compliant with industry standards.
Why Do Companies Choose AS2?
- ✅ Security: Encryption, signatures, and receipts ensure data is protected.
- ✅ Cost-effective: No need for private networks — AS2 works over the internet.
- ✅ Compliance: AS2 is often required by large enterprises in regulated industries.
- ✅ Automation: Designed for high-volume, machine-to-machine integration.
Want to Get Started with AS2?
At Mendelson, we offer robust AS2 solutions for every need — from free open-source editions to scalable commercial packages for enterprise use. Our AS2 products are trusted by over 10,000 customers worldwide and meet the highest standards for reliability and security.