An EDIFACT message is a comprehensive, organized data sequence representing a singular business transaction, such as an invoice or a shipping notification. Each message is formed with a UNH or message header segment and concludes with a UNT segment or message trailer. For example, an invoice message (INVOIC) captures all pertinent details about invoicing a shipment or service.
Within an EDIFACT message, data elements are meticulously arranged logically. These elements are made of three components: codes, segments, and T-sets, each playing a crucial role:
EDIFACT Codes
Business documents are adapted from unique internal formats, such as XML, to standardized EDI > EDI Formats, such as EDIFACT. This conversion ensures accurate interpretation and comprehension by the recipient’s systems. EDIFACT also aligns with stringent regulatory standards.
EDIFACT Segments
Each segment is distinguished by a unique three-letter code. This code indicates its content type.
EDIFACT T-sets (Transaction Sets)
These are standardized collections of related data segments representing specific types of business transactions. A unique EDIFACT code identifies each T-set.