EDI Standard — EDIFACT

EDIFACT, which stands for “Electronic Data Interchange For Administration, Commerce, and Transport,” is another widely used international standard for electronic data interchange (EDI).

Like EDI X12, EDIFACT is designed to facilitate the exchange of business documents and information between different organizations and countries. However, EDIFACT is more prevalent in Europe and other parts of the world, while EDI X12 is more commonly used in North America.

Here are some key points about EDIFACT:

International Standard: EDIFACT is maintained by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and is used globally, especially in Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world outside of North America.

Structure and Syntax: EDIFACT messages are structured using segments, data elements, and data components, similar to EDI X12. Each segment is identified by a three-letter code, and it contains various data elements.

Transaction Sets: Just like in EDI X12, EDIFACT uses transaction sets to represent specific types of business documents, such as orders, invoices, shipping notices, and more.

Characteristics: EDIFACT messages are typically more compact and use a simpler syntax compared to EDI X12. This makes EDIFACT messages more suitable for international exchanges where bandwidth might be limited.

Segments and Data Elements: EDIFACT defines a wide range of segments and data elements to accommodate different business requirements and industries.

UNB/UNZ Envelope: EDIFACT messages are often enveloped using the UNB (Interchange Header) and UNZ (Interchange Trailer) segments to provide information about the sender, recipient, and control information for the entire interchange.

EDI Software: Organizations that use EDIFACT often employ specialized EDI software to generate, send, receive, and process EDIFACT messages.

Versions and Revisions: Similar to EDI X12, EDIFACT has gone through various versions and revisions to adapt to changing business needs and technological advancements.

Industry Usage: EDIFACT is commonly used in various industries, including logistics, transportation, trade, and customs. It is especially prevalent in the European Union for regulatory compliance and international trade.

Both EDI X12 and EDIFACT serve the same purpose of facilitating electronic data interchange between businesses.

The choice between them often depends on geographical location, industry practices, and trading partner preferences. It’s important for organizations to choose the appropriate EDI standard based on their specific needs and the requirements of their trading partners.

First Published on EDI-FACTS