In the context of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), a code is a way to identify a particular type of document and help standardize the data exchanged between trading partners. The specific codes used in EDI can vary depending on the industry and the EDI standards adopted by trading partners. For example, ANSI X12 and UN/EDIFACT are common EDI standards used in North America and Europe, respectively, and they each have their own sets of codes and identifiers. Industries like healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and logistics may also have unique code requirements within their EDI implementations. Take a look at some of the ANSI X12 EDI codes to understand them in detail.
What comprises an EDI document/transaction or a code?
Each EDI document comprises of an EDI Envelope, Segments, Data elements. Below is what each one means-
1) Segment Identifier (e.g., ISA, GS, ST): In EDI, documents are divided into segments, and each segment begins with an identifier, such as ISA (Interchange Control Header), GS (Functional Group Header), or ST (Transaction Set Header). These identifiers indicate the type of segment and help define the structure of the document.
2) Element Identifier (e.g., 01, 02, 03): Within each EDI segment, some elements contain data. Element identifiers (numeric or alphanumeric) indicate the position of a specific data element within the segment. For example, element 01 might represent a sender's identification number.
3) Qualifiers (e.g., ZZ, 9, 37): Qualifiers are used to specify the type or meaning of a data element. They provide context for interpreting the data. For instance, ZZ might be used as a qualifier for a custom code, while 9 could indicate a numeric code.
4) Code Lists (e.g., UN/EDIFACT, ASC X12, Industry-Specific): EDI codes often involve standardized code lists or value sets. These lists define valid code values for specific data elements. For example, industry-standard code lists like UN/EDIFACT and ASC X12 provide codes for countries, currencies, product classifications, and more.
5) Custom Codes: Some EDI implementations include custom codes that are specific to the business or industry involved. These codes are often defined and agreed upon by the trading partners to represent unique information.
6) Control Codes (e.g., Delimiters): Control codes in EDI define characters or sequences used to separate segments, elements, and sub-elements within EDI documents. Common control codes include the segment terminator (e.g., "~" or "'" in ASC X12) and element separator (e.g., "*" or ":" in ASC X12).
7) Functional Acknowledgment Codes (e.g., 997, CONTRL): In EDI, trading partners use functional acknowledgments to confirm the receipt and acceptance of documents. These acknowledgments are assigned specific codes, such as the ANSI X12 997 Functional Acknowledgment or UN/EDIFACT CONTRL message.
8) Error Codes: Error codes are used to indicate issues or discrepancies in EDI documents. They help identify the nature of the problem and guide the resolution process.
9) Party Identification Codes: These codes represent various parties involved in EDI transactions, such as buyers, sellers, carriers, and financial institutions. They often include unique identifiers, like a DUNS number for a business entity.
Learn in detail about the EDI document composition and different EDI standards on EDI Support LLC.
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