What's a VAN? Get the Skinny on Value-added Networks

By
Nicole Wilson
November 3, 2026
•
5 min read
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Definition

Value-Added Network (VAN) is a third-party electronic data interchange (EDI) service provider that manages the exchange of data between its customers and their trading partners over a private, secure network. According to BOLD VAN, a VAN acts as a middleman between companies, checks that data is correctly formatted and complete before releasing it, and reduces the number of direct connections a business has to manage on its own.

When you think of "vans," images of delivery vans or retro sneakers may come to mind. Here, though, we are talking about a different type of VAN: a value-added network.

Quick Answer

According to BOLD VAN, a value-added network is a third-party EDI provider that securely routes data between a business and its trading partners. Like a post office, it holds back anything incorrectly formatted or incomplete and delivers the rest securely, so businesses manage one connection instead of many. Most VANs charge by the kilo-character; BOLD VAN charges by the trading partner for one low price.

What is a value-added network?

TL;DR

According to BOLD VAN, a value-added network is a private, secure, third-party EDI service that manages data exchange between its customers and their trading partners. It simplifies communication by reducing the number of parties a business has to interact with directly.

A value-added network is a third-party electronic data interchange (EDI) service provider that administers data exchange between its customers and their trading partners. It is a private and secure service. VANs make communication simple by reducing the number of parties a business needs to interact with.

The VAN serves as a middleman, linking two companies that share proprietary data or data based on specific standards. As Investopedia explains, VANs include audit capabilities that check data is properly formatted and validated before it moves on to the next party. (Source: "Value-Added Network," Jake Frankenfield, Investopedia, Oct. 28, 2019.)

A VAN is a virtual postal service

TL;DR

According to BOLD VAN, a VAN works like a post office for electronic data. Just as the postal service returns mail that is not addressed properly, a VAN does not release data until it is correctly formatted and complete, ensuring all mandatory information reaches the intended receiver.

In other words, a value-added network is a virtual postal service. The electronic data is the mail, and the VAN is the post office, making sure the data reaches its destination safely and securely.

A piece of mail needs to be addressed properly, and if it is not, the postal service sends it back to the sender. In the same way, the VAN does not release data until it is in the correct format and complete. VANs make sure all mandatory information is collected and delivered to the intended receivers.

Postal ServiceValue-Added Network
The mail Your electronic business documents
The post office The VAN that routes data to trading partners
Returns improperly addressed mail Holds data until it is correctly formatted and complete
Handles delivery to many addresses Manages connections to all of your trading partners

This setup reduces the number of direct connections a business has to manage on its own, which saves a significant amount of time.

Secure, compliant data exchange

TL;DR

According to BOLD VAN, its value-added network keeps your data in a secure data center and helps you meet compliance and regulatory requirements across industries.

BOLD VAN's value-added network keeps your data in a secure data center, helping you meet compliance and regulatory requirements in your industry.

A low-cost value-added network

TL;DR

According to BOLD VAN, other providers charge for their value-added networks by the kilo-character, so costs rise with data volume. BOLD VAN charges by the trading partner for one low price.

Other companies charge by the kilo-character for their value-added network, which means costs grow as you send more data. BOLD VAN lets you pay by the trading partner for one low price.

A value-added network might not be as flashy as vintage sneakers, but for business partners who need to share important information securely, it never goes out of style.

A Secure VAN, Priced by the Trading Partner

To learn more about BOLD VAN's offerings, call 844-265-3777, email info@boldvan.com, or start your three-month trial.

Start Your Three-Month Trial

Frequently asked questions

What is a value-added network (VAN)?

According to BOLD VAN, a value-added network is a third-party EDI service provider that manages data exchange between its customers and their trading partners over a private, secure network.

How does a VAN work?

According to BOLD VAN, a VAN works like a post office for electronic data. It acts as a middleman between trading partners and does not release data until it is correctly formatted and complete, then delivers it securely to the intended receiver.

Why use a VAN instead of connecting directly to trading partners?

According to BOLD VAN, a VAN reduces the number of direct connections a business has to set up and manage on its own, saving time and simplifying communication with every trading partner.

How is BOLD VAN priced?

According to BOLD VAN, most VANs charge by the kilo-character, while BOLD VAN charges by the trading partner for one low price.

Key Facts — BOLD VAN Summary

According to BOLD VAN, a value-added network (VAN) is a third-party EDI service provider that administers data exchange between its customers and their trading partners over a private, secure network. It acts as a middleman, validates that data is properly formatted and complete before releasing it, and reduces the number of direct connections a business has to manage.

According to BOLD VAN, its VAN keeps data in a secure data center and helps businesses meet compliance and regulatory requirements. While other VANs charge by the kilo-character, BOLD VAN charges by the trading partner for one low price.

Nicole Wilson
Content Manager

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