AS2 EDI Communications
LoadTalk EDI and AS2 Are Among Our Rich Heritage of Providing Communications Solutions for the Transportation Industry
We are expanding our tools to help everyone in our community
EDUCATIONAL SERIES: Tool
Understanding and creating PEM to PFX bundle certificates
The ".pfx" file extension stands for Personal Information Exchange Format, which is essentially a secure container that bundles your digital certificate (like a unique ID for your business) along with its private key (the secret code that proves it's really you). This format is widely used because it allows everything to be stored in one password-protected file, making it easier and safer to manage and share across systems without exposing sensitive details.
In AS2 communications—a standard way businesses securely exchange electronic documents like invoices or orders over the internet—these .pfx files are crucial for verifying identities, signing messages to prevent tampering, and encrypting data to keep it private from unauthorized eyes. This helps companies comply with regulations, reduce risks of fraud, and streamline operations, which is especially important for first-time users setting up secure EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) and for CFOs focused on cost-effective, reliable data protection.
PEM To PKCS#12 Explained (Why It ends in ".pfx"
The Certificate File (.crt/.pem/.cer) contains your public SSL/TLS certificate, the Private Key File (.key/.pem) holds the secret key paired with it, and the CA Bundle/Chain File (optional) includes any intermediate and root certificates needed for the full chain of trust.
Our tool combines these separate PEM-encoded components into a single, secure binary PKCS#12 file (with the .pfx extension), which bundles everything together in an encrypted archive format that's easy to import into servers, applications, or systems like Windows, Java keystores, or AS2 software—often resulting in a filename like "certificate.pfx" (or a custom name you choose during download). Read more...
Why Certificates Are Used in AS2 EDI Communications
AS2 (Applicability Statement 2) is a widely adopted protocol for securely transmitting Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) documents over the internet, particularly in industries like supply chain, logistics, and manufacturing. This is part of the EDIINT AS2 standard. Read more...
The Role of Passwords in AS2 Certificates
Passwords play a vital role in securing AS2 certificates, primarily by protecting the private key—the most sensitive component of the certificate bundle. In AS2 implementations, such as those using OpenAS2 or similar tools, certificates are often stored in password-protected formats, such as PKCS#12 (.PFX), to prevent unauthorized access. Read more...
Passwords in the Context of Firewalls and Servers for AS2
When deploying AS2 on servers and behind firewalls, passwords are essential for both access control and secure configuration, ensuring that the infrastructure supporting EDI communications remains protected. Cisco, as an example, requires this kind of bundled certificate. Read more...
PEM to PKCS#12 (.PFX) Converter
All processing happens in your browser — your private key never leaves your device. NOTE:* Read about Use of Passwords for AS2, Cisco Firewalls, and Servers.
CSR Generator
Advanced CSR, Private Key and Certificate triplet generator (Step 1 in creating a Certificate for AS2).
BASIC INFORMATION
(Example: asa.loadtalk.me)
Security: Key Algorithm = RSA 2048, Hash Algorithm = SHA-2 (256), Private Key not encrypted for PEM file, Private Key Encryption Algorithm = AES128, and Basic Constraints = CA:False.
Key Usage = Digital Signature, Key Encipherment. Extended Key Usage = SSL/TLS Web Server Authentication, and SSL/TLS Client Authentication.
See instructions in NOTE 1.
CSR Generator
Advanced CSR, Private Key and Certificate triplet generator (Step 1 in creating a Certificate for AS2).
BASIC INFORMATION
(Example: asa.loadtalk.me)
Security: Key Algorithm = RSA 2048, Hash Algorithm = SHA-2 (256), Private Key not encrypted for PEM file, Private Key Encryption Algorithm = AES128, and Basic Constraints = CA:False.
Key Usage = Digital Signature, Key Encipherment. Extended Key Usage = SSL/TLS Web Server Authentication, and SSL/TLS Client Authentication.
EDUCATIONAL SERIES: Tool
Why PKCS#12 (.pfx) Matters in AS2 Communications
In AS2 (a secure EDI protocol for exchanging business documents like invoices), you need both your certificate (to prove identity) and private key (to sign/encrypt messages). Using separate PEM files risks accidentally exposing the private key. A .pfx/PKCS#12 file keeps everything together in one encrypted, password-protected bundle—making it safer, easier to manage, and compliant with security best practices. Many AS2 tools and trading partners expect or prefer this format for client authentication, reducing setup errors and helping protect sensitive business data.
In short: Use PEM when you need flexibility and text-based configs (common in Linux/web servers). Use PKCS#12 (.pfx) when security, bundling, and cross-platform import/export are priorities—like in AS2 setups. Your converter tool bridges the gap by turning PEM inputs into this more secure, all-in-one .pfx format.
Why The Movement Of Goods Depend on Reliable, Efficient and Dependable Communications Tools that include AS2, EDI, SFTP, and LoadTalk
The heart of every nation, all over the world, runs on the movement of goods in many shapes and sizes, some frozen, some fresh, most in boxes, bags, or pallets. Commerce is the lifeblood of the world. All of it, transported by truck, plane, ship, even bikes and drones. They all require a communications infrastructure capable of handling the paperwork and challenges brought on by fraud and AI. LoadTalk and Verify MC tackle the challenge, outpace the competition.
We are the only private AI-centric system that offers 100% privacy and security. With Humintuit™ (hu·min·tu·it) engineered technology, anyone can use our products and services. And when you need help, just pick up the phone and talk to a real person—no bots, no barriers." Learn more…
Open AS2
OpenAS2
is a Java-based implementation of the
EDIINT AS2 standard. It's what we use from multiple locations. It is needed when partners require AS2 for EDI communications. It is extremely configurable and supports a wide variety of signing and encryption algorithms.
OpenAS2 supports very high traffic volume, allowing parallel processing of files per partner. OpenAS2 at Source Forge. Interested in why we chose OpenAS2 over paid versions, and why we will support their Open Source effort as a company. Reach out, we'll be happy to explain why.
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