Starting from #3. First learn UNIX (try Linux or Solaris 10 (their free). BTW, on UNIX batch programs are called shell scripts.
#2, contact their sales & support groups. If they can't supply you with the information you need now, what will you do when there is a real problem.
#1, I work for a company that automates EDI processing, can't see much of a reason to batch process it.
Cheap commercial message: See Ascential DataStage TX EE and Commerce Manager products. Run on Windows, UNIX, Linux and Z/OS USS.
BocaBurger
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The pen is mightier than the sword, but the sword hurts more!