EDI Standards Explained: ANSI, EDIFACT, and More

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) relies on standardised formats to ensure smooth data exchange between businesses. The most common standards, such as ANSI and EDIFACT, allow companies worldwide to exchange information accurately and efficiently. This guide explores key EDI standards, their applications, and benefits.

What Are EDI Standards?

EDI standards are predefined formats for structuring electronic documents. These standards ensure that businesses from different regions or industries can interpret and process each other’s data, regardless of location or language differences.

ANSI X12

The ANSI X12 standard, developed by the American National Standards Institute, is widely used in North America. It includes a broad range of document types, from purchase orders to invoices, and supports various industries, including retail, healthcare, and logistics.

 EDIFACT

The United Nations developed EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange For Administration, Commerce, and Transport) as an international EDI standard. Used mainly in Europe and other global markets, EDIFACT supports multi-country data exchange and is popular in industries like manufacturing and transportation.

Other Common EDI Standards

Standard	Region/Usage	Industry Focus
TRADACOMS	United Kingdom	Retail and grocery
HL7	Healthcare	Medical data and patient information
ODETTE	Europe	Automotive industry

Choosing the Right EDI Standard

The choice of EDI standard depends on your trading partners, industry, and geographic region. North American companies often use ANSI X12, while EDIFACT is more common for businesses with global trading partners. Healthcare providers typically use HL7 for exchanging medical information, while automotive companies in Europe prefer ODETTE.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ANSI and EDIFACT?

ANSI is primarily used in North America, while EDIFACT is an international standard used across Europe and other regions. Both are EDI standards, but they have different document structures and syntax rules.

Which EDI standard is best for global trade?

EDIFACT is the preferred standard for global trade, as it is internationally recognized and supports multi-country data exchange.

Related Articles

For more insights into EDI standards and implementations, consider these articles:

• What is EDI? A Beginner’s Guide to Electronic Data Interchange – Learn the basics of EDI, including its purpose and benefits.
• Types of EDI Documents and Their Uses in Business – Discover common EDI document types and how they facilitate business transactions.
• How EDI Supports Compliance with UK and EU Regulations – See how EDI standards support regulatory compliance and secure data exchange.