An Introduction to OFTP2 (Odette File Transfer Protocol)

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) technology has soared in the supply chain industry and the global market is estimated to be worth around £4 billion by 2029.1 Choosing an EDI protocol is one of the most important decisions you will make for your business, as it’s determined by the sector and its mandated standards. To succeed in your sector, you have to adopt and implement the right protocol to seamlessly fit into supply chains. One of the many protocols you could opt for is OFTP2, the second iteration of the Odette File Transfer Protocol. 

This blog is going to outline everything there is to know about OFTP2 and how it can benefit your organisation. So, without much further ado, let’s dive in! 

Suggested reading: You can learn more about how the right EDI protocol can drive success for your organisation in our eBook, The Supply Chain Centred Business.

What is OFTP?

OFTP is a file transfer protocol that was developed as a standard communication platform for the European automotive industry. It was created in 1986 and was designed in the spirit of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model, utilising the Network Service provided by the CCITT X.25 network recommendation.

When using OFTP, data transfers are conducted from server to server without the need for human intervention. 

What is OFTP2?

Data Interchange were on the working group for — and helped design — the more advanced version of OFTP (OFTP2) to address network-based threats and make the most of the speed and affordability of the internet. This updated version of the OFTP file transfer protocol offers enhanced security and compression features over its predecessor. 

Big users of OFTP/OFTP2 

  • Ford
  • Volvo
  • BMW
  • Peugeot
  • Bosch

Suggested reading: The top automotives manufacturers in Europe rely on OFTP and OFTP2. You can learn more about the advantages of EDI for the automotive industry in this blog.

Why use OFTP2?

OFTP2 offers a host of benefits that make it an ideal choice for businesses looking to conduct efficient, secure file and data transfers with all their trading partners. We will discuss some of the key advantages of using the OFTP2 file transfer protocol below. 

Enhanced data integrity and security

Data transfers are supported by digitally signed electronic delivery receipts which require a digital signature. This ensures that the exchange of EDI data is secure and there is no confusion when sending and receiving invoices. This is especially important as the majority of businesses now process transactions globally. 

SSL data encryption

The OFTP2 connection also offers enhanced security thanks to SSL file encryption. This encrypts data in motion and protects it from network security threats such as Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks and Man-in-the-middle attacks (MITM).

Digital certificates and file encryption further protect sensitive data and strong authentication by ensuring you’re only interacting with the real trading partner.

Suggested reading: Check out our blog, EDI Made Simple for the Automotive Industry, to find out how standardised processes can revolutionise the sector.

Increased productivity and efficiency

Implementing the OFTP2 file transfer protocol can have a dramatic impact on business efficiency and productivity. Let’s look at three ways OFTP2 can save your business valuable time and effort…

  1. Faster data transmission: OFTP2 offers file compression and increased internet bandwidths which can result in shorter data transmission times.
  2. Large capacity: The OFTP2 connection is designed to support up to 9PB file sizes, meaning it can transport extremely large CAD, CAM, or CAE drawings.
  3. Uninterrupted transfers: Unlike other file transfer protocols, which have to resend the entire file in the event of a network disruption, OFTP2 can simply resume at the point of disconnection, saving precious time. This is especially crucial when sending files that take several hours to complete.

Lower CAPEX requirements

OFTP2 operates over TCP/IP (The Internet protocol suite) which allows EDI messaging and data to be transferred over the internet. Using an IP-based transfer protocol is a major advantage as most businesses and trading partners already have access to high-speed internet.

This means deploying an OFTP service doesn’t require much capital and data can be transferred rapidly at little extra cost. Its affordability would lead to faster adoption, as trading partners would be more willing to utilise the same file transfer protocol as you if it’s affordable and easy to implement.

High interoperability

The internet is the most efficient way to send data to trading partners but it does have some drawbacks. By relying on internet transmissions, you’re somewhat taking a gamble as you’re relying on connections remaining stable throughout the data transmission.

Unlike a lot of other competitors that require specific access points or servers, OFTP2 is incredibly easy to adopt and therefore is extremely accessible. This means that a supplier in France can easily transact with a trading partner in India, for example. 

Key takeaways:

  • OFTP2 is the updated version of OFTP and offers enhanced security and compression features over the original.
  • OFTP2 offers several business benefits, including improved data security through SSL file encryption and signed electronic delivery receipts.
  • OFTP2 is IP-based and sends data via the internet, which is extremely cost-effective. 
  • OFTP2 can improve efficiency and productivity by ensuring fast data transmission and uninterrupted file transfers. 
  • The EDI OFTP2 file transfer protocol is easy to use and maintain no matter where you are in the world.

How do I adopt OFTP2?

Adopting OFTP2 is a fantastic investment for most small and medium-sized businesses. That said, implementing a new file transfer protocol requires a level of expertise and understanding that you may not have in-house.

Hiring experts is a long and expensive process which is why most businesses decide to outsource this responsibility to third-party specialists. EDI experts will help you get the most out of your investment and ensure that OFTP2 is deployed smoothly. 

Why you should partner with Data Interchange 

Data Interchange designed and built OFTP2, making us ideally placed to support businesses on the path to implementation. 

Our experienced team also offers fully managed EDI services, where the entire process – from implementation to execution – is handled by our experienced EDI professionals. We have decades of EDI experience across multiple industries, meaning we’re the best choice if you want to scale your business with the help of innovative EDI solutions.

Speak to our EDI experts

If you’d like to find out more about how OFTP2 and EDI software can support your business and improve efficiency, reach out to us. We’re always happy to answer any questions!

1  Electronic Data Interchange | Fortune Business Insights 

Transform your approach to supply chain management

Talk to an Expert








    Epicor values your privacy. Website terms and conditions.

    RELATED ARTICLES

    The ANSI X12 820 T-Set: Structure, Benefits & Use Cases

    Leveraging EDI for Enhanced Supply Chain Visibility

    The EDIFACT REMADV T-Set: Structure, Benefits & Use Cases

    EDI vs API: What’s the Best Method for B2B Integrations?

    EDI 214 T-Set: Structure, Benefits & Use Cases

    The ANSI X12 EDI 862 T-Set: Structure, Benefits & Use Cases

    The ANSI X12 856 T-Set: Structure, Benefits & Use Cases

    ANSI X12 EDI 846 T-Set: Structure, Benefits & Use Cases

    855 T-Set: Structure, Benefits & Use Cases

    Making the Move to Cloud-Based EDI Solutions

    EDI 940 T-Set: Structure, Benefits & Use Cases

    ANSI X12 EDI 865 T-Set: Structure, Benefits & Use Cases

    The VDA 4987 Message: Structure, Benefits & Use Cases

    Top EDI Solution Providers in 2024

    ANSI X12 EDI 850 T-Set: Structure, Benefits & Use Cases

    The VDA 4938 Message: Structure, Benefits & Use Cases

    The EDIFACT DELJIT T-Set: Structure, Benefits & Use Cases

    The EDIFACT DELFOR T-Set: Structure, Benefits & Use Cases

    The VDA 4915 Message Explained

    The VDA 4905 Message Explained

    T-Sets | ANSI X12 810

    How to optimise your EDI and ERP system integration

    T-Sets | ANSI X12 997

    T-Set | EDIFACT INVOIC

    T-Set | EDIFACT DESADV

    Exploring Cloud EDI Services in ERP: Architecture, Security, and Scalability

    VDA Explained: Message Standards and Transaction Sets

    ANSI X12 Explained: Message Standards and Transaction Sets

    EDIFACT Explained: Message Standards and Transaction Sets

    The Power of Web EDI for Global Supply Chains

    How to Get the Most Out of AS2

    How EDI Simplifies Transactions in the Manufacturing Sector

    Why Your Automotive Supply Chain Needs an OFTP2 Connection

    Digital Supply Chain Trends Impacting 2023 and Beyond

    How to Manage Global Supply Chain Complexities

    How to Overcome Supply Chain Risk

    What is the Future of Supply Chain Management in 2023?

    How to Improve your Supply Chain Strategy

    Why Scalable EDI is Integral to Rapid Business Growth

    How to Pick the Right EDI File Transfer Protocol

    What are the Costs of EDI Implementation?

    What is PEPPOL?

    A Guide to EDI Protocols

    EDI VAN Costs: Get the Right Solution for your Business

    How Much Does EDI Cost?

    How Do On-Premise EDI Solutions Work?

    Our Plan at Data Interchange to Change EDI and Supply Chain Management

    Integrating EDI with your ERP

    In-house vs Managed Service EDI

    What is an API Integration? And how does it affect EDI?

    Epicor Acquires EDI Provider Data Interchange

    6 Benefits of EDI in the Logistics Industry

    4 Challenges Facing the Logistics Industry and How to Overcome Them

    Solving Supply Chain Problems in the Logistics Industry

    B2B EDI Integration Best Practices in 2023

    How to Choose The Right EDI Provider in 2022

    Supply Chain Analytics Trends in 2022

    Future-proof your business: Take Advantage of Market Growth

    Announcement: Andrew Filby becomes CEO of Data Interchange

    7 Advantages of EDI in The Automotive Industry

    Consumer Expectations cause Demand for Integrated Data

    How to Optimise Your Automotive Supply Chain Processes

    Post-Pandemic Supply Chain Challenges Increase the Pressure

    EDI Made Simple for the Automotive Industry

    Overcoming Supply Chain Visibility Issues in the Automotive Industry

    Complex Supply Chain Problems and Simple Solutions

    Supply Chain Flexibility: Why your customers need it

    5 Automotive Supply Chain Challenges Facing the Industry

    Supplier Performance Management Reimagined in 2023

    How to Unite Emerging Supply Chain Management Technology Trends

    Meet the Team: Marketing

    Supplier Management Best Practices after COVID-19

    The Future of EDI: Looking Beyond 2025

    The top three supply chain data exchange requirements

    The Advantages of EDI in E-Commerce: How to Gain a Competitive Advantage Online in 2021

    A Crash Course on EDI Industry Standards: ANSI x12 vs EDIFACT vs OFTP and more

    What is EDI Mapping?

    What is EDI: The History and Future of Electronic Data Interchange

    The Future of the Automotive Supply Chain

    Supplier Relationship Management: How to reduce risk and improve performance

    How EDI-as-a-Service Changes Supply Chain Best Practices in 2021

    Agile Supplier Onboarding: Supply Chain Security in Uncertain Times

    The impact of failed EDI on Supply Chain

    Cloud-Based EDI Solutions vs On-Premise

    Different Types of EDI Compared

    5 Most Common EDI Implementation Issues and How to Solve Them

    Are your EDI documents ready for the new EU/UK customs border?

    B2B Integration Challenges

    EDI vs API: Bridge the B2B connectivity gap

    Ten things to look for in an EDI Managed Service Provider

    World Mental Health Day 2020

    Logicalis & Data Interchange – partnering for success

    EDI – A data integration service critical to business success

    Joining forces with SnapLogic: bringing together market leading iPaaS and EDI solutions

    Joining Data Interchange: My lockdown experience

    Data Interchange announces strategic partnership with SmarterPay

    Access new trading partners quickly for COVID-19 support

    Keeping supply chains moving

    Our Web EDI solution gets a makeover

    Coronavirus: Our Business Continuity Plan

    With love from Data Interchange ♥

    A new decade, renewed ambition and the next generation

    Brexit and EDI

    Data Interchange transform their Support service for an improved customer experience

    Interview: An update on Data Interchange’s new CEO, Robert Steiner

    Data Interchange appoints Robert Steiner as new CEO

    MQ messages over ENX – Renault

    Five key questions for your EDI provider

    Data Interchange at the Odette Conference 2018

    How to select the right EDI provider

    Future proof your EDI and unleash growth

    EDI: the Supply chain performance enhancer

    Taking cost out of the chain

    Non-EDI users held up in the mail

    Over 41% of companies at risk without EDI

    ​Consolidating VAN providers

    Increase visibility and productivity of supply chain logistics with Data Interchange’s B2B integration solutions

    Data Interchange wins large business of the year award

    Data Interchange launch new Support Portal

    Data Interchange will be showcasing our EDI solution offerings and promoting the benefits of MMOG/LE

    Metaldyne receive special recognition from Ford for 11th consecutive year

    Top 5 reasons to switch to EDI Managed Services

    Data Interchange to power QAD Managed EDI On Demand