EDI Explained
EDI Message Standards and Formats
What are EDI Message Standards?
Electronic data interchange (EDI) has firmly replaced traditional paper-based communication methods with electronic messages that enable companies to transmit data swiftly, accurately, and securely.
It encourages automation, reduces errors, enhances efficiency, and ultimately saves resources for organisations all around the world.
At the heart of this system lie EDI message standards, which serve as common languages that allow different computer systems to process information between each other. By adhering to message standards, organisations can overcome compatibility issues and achieve seamless data integration across diverse platforms.
What are the Most Common EDI Message Standards?
The following table shows the most common EDI message standards, their main use case, and the main region that they’re used in.
| ANSI X.12 | Business documents | North America |
| EANCOM | Retail | Europe |
| ebXML | Open eBusiness standard that stems from OASIS and CEFACT | Global |
| EDIFICE | An implementation guideline for EDIFACT messages in the high-tech industry | Europe |
| GALIA | Automotive industry (similar to ODETTE) | France |
| GS1 Global | All industries and trades, used widely as a product identifier | Global |
| ODETTE | Automotive industry (similar to GALIA) | Europe |
| RosettaNet | Open eBusiness standard in electronics, telecommunications, logistics | Global |
| TRADACOMS | Retail | UK |
| UN/EDIFACT | Most common global standard for a variety of industries | Global |
| VDA | Automotive industry | Germany |
| XBRL | Electronic financial reports | Global |
For a deeper look into the three most common message standards, check our Most Common EDI Message Standards here.
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What are ‘T-Sets’ and How are they Used in EDI?
There are many EDI transaction codes that relate to different types of business documents, such as delivery schedules and purchase orders. Each document is called a transaction set (t-set) because the data components within them appear in a very specific order and format.
Data Interchange can translate and handle all types of data and formats, the following table shows the most common business transaction codes used by different messaging standards, but it is not extensive so please contacts us if you would like to discuss your data needs.
| Message Standard | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transaction Type | Delivery Schedule | DELFOR | DELINS | VDA 4905 | VDA 4984 | 830 | - | |
| Invoice Message | INVOIC | INVOIC | VDA 4906 | VDA 4938 | 810 | INVFIL | ||
| Remittance Advice | REMADV | REMADV | VDA 4907 | VDA 4988 | 820 | SRMHDR | ||
| Credit Entry | INVOIC | CREDIT | VDA 4908 | VDA 4938 | - | CREHDR | ||
| Dispatch Info | DESADV | AVIEXP | VDA 4913 | VDA 4987 | 856 | DELHDR | ||
| Inventory Reports | INVRPT | STOACT | VDA 4913-EDL VS35 and VS36 | VDA 4990 | 846 | SNPSTS | ||
| Receipt Advice | RECADV | STOACT | VDA 4913-EDL VS30 | VDA 4989 | 846 | - | ||
| Outgoing Sales | SLSRPT | STOACT | - | - | 852 | - | ||
| Purchase Order | ORDERS | ORDERR | - | - | 850 | ORDHDR | ||
| Purchase Order Change Request | ORDCHG | - | - | - | 860 | - | ||
| JIT Delivery | DELJIT | DELINS (CALL-OFF) | VDA 4915 | VDA 4985 | 862 | - | ||
| JIT | DELJIT | SYNCRO | VDA 4916 | VDA 4986 | 866 | - | ||
| JIT Direct Delivery Call | DELJIT | CALDEL | VDA 4916 | VDA 4986 | 866 | - | ||
| Transport Instructions | IFTMIN | TRINAD | VDA 4920 | - | 858 | - | ||
| Functional Acknowledgement | CONTRL | - | - | VDA 4937 | 997 | - | ||
How an EDI Specialist Can Help
Navigating and implementing the right EDI format can be challenging – especially for businesses that operate in multiple industries or locations.
That’s why many businesses choose to outsource this work to dedicated experts who can handle the complexity of EDI messaging standards for them.
Data Interchange has over 35 years experience with EDI and specialises in global supply chains of any size and industry:
- Visibility and communication: We provide a single-source-of-truth visibility that reduces errors and simplifies communication.
- Automation and flexibility: Automate document flows between trading partners regardless of EDI expertise or infrastructure and without having to re-key data.
- Analytics and reporting: Unlock your data’s full potential, optimise operations, and create closer supply chain relationships.
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