Question

Write about structure of EDIFACT.

Answer 1

1. EDIFACT is a hierarchical structure where the top level is referred to as an interchange, and lower levels contain multiple messages.
2. The messages consist of segments, which in turn consist of composites.
3. The final iteration is a data element.

• Segment Tables-

1. The segment table lists the message tags.
2. It contains the tags, tag names, requirements designator, and repetition field.
3. The requirement designator may be mandatory (M) or conditional (C).
4. The (M) denotes that the segment must appear at least once. The (C) denotes that the segment may be used if needed.
5. Example: CIO indicates repetitions of a segment or group between 0 and 10.

• EDI Interchange-

1. Interchange is also called an envelope.
2. The top-level of the EDIFACT structure is Interchange.
3. An interchange may contain multiple messages. It starts with UNB and ends with UNZ.

• EDIFACT message-

1. The basic standardization concept of EDIFACT is that there are uniform message types called United Nations Standard Message (UNSM).
2. In so-called subsets, the message types can be specified deeper in their characteristics depending on the sector.
3. The message types, all of which always have exactly one nickname consisting of six uppercase English alphabets.
4. The message begins with UNH and ends with UNT.

• Service messages-

1. To confirm/reject a message, CONTRL and APERAK messages are sent.
2. CONTRL- Syntax Check and Confirmation of Arrival of Message
3. APERAK - Technical error messages and acknowledgment.

• Data exchange-

1. CREMUL – multiple credit advice
2. DELFOR- Delivery forecast
3. IFTMBC – Booking confirmation

• EDIFACT Segment-

1. It is the subset of messages.
2. A segment is a three-character alphanumeric code.
3. These segments are listed in segment tables.
4. Segments may contain one, or several related user data elements.

• EDIFACT Elements-

1. The elements are the piece of actual data.
2. These data elements may be either simple or composite.

• EDI Separators-
  EDIFACT has the following punctuation marks that are used as standard separators.