Learn how to verify EDI transaction accuracy using different methods and tools for checking EDI standards, formats, data elements, segments, acknowledgments, errors, compliance, testing, integration, and automation.

While tools such as EDI validators, testers, and auditors can assist in verifying compliance and testing EDI transactions, reliance solely on automated solutions may overlook nuanced issues or exceptions that require human intervention. Complex scenarios or unique business requirements may necessitate manual review and interpretation to ensure accurate data exchange and regulatory adherence.

Cross-reference and cross-validate EDI documents with related data sources, reference data tables, or master data repositories to ensure consistency and accuracy. Verify that data elements within EDI transactions align with corresponding records, codes, or identifiers maintained in internal databases, reference tables, or external registries. Implement cross-referencing checks, data reconciliation routines, or master data management (MDM) processes to synchronize EDI data with authoritative sources and prevent data discrepancies or inconsistencies.

How do you verify EDI transaction accuracy?

Electronic data interchange (EDI) is a method of exchanging business documents and transactions electronically between trading partners. EDI can improve efficiency, accuracy, and speed of business processes, but it also requires careful verification to ensure data quality and compliance. In this article, you will learn how to verify EDI transaction accuracy using different methods and tools.

1 Check EDI standards and formats

EDI transactions and documents follow different standards and formats depending on the industry, region, and partner requirements. For example, some common EDI standards are ANSI X12, EDIFACT, and TRADACOMS. Each standard has its own syntax, structure, and rules for creating and validating EDI messages. To verify EDI transaction accuracy, you need to check that your EDI documents conform to the appropriate standard and format for your trading partner. You can use various tools and software to validate your EDI files, such as EDI validators, EDI parsers, and EDI translators.

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jaya Krishna tummala ,MS, CSM

Award Winning Senior Functional Quality Assurance|BSA|SAP QA|Safe 6.0 Agilist|Sigma Xi Full Member|IEEE Senior Member|Fellow IETE|Author
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Cross-reference and cross-validate EDI documents with related data sources, reference data tables, or master data repositories to ensure consistency and accuracy. Verify that data elements within EDI transactions align with corresponding records, codes, or identifiers maintained in internal databases, reference tables, or external registries. Implement cross-referencing checks, data reconciliation routines, or master data management (MDM) processes to synchronize EDI data with authoritative sources and prevent data discrepancies or inconsistencies.

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2 Check EDI data elements and segments

EDI transactions and documents consist of data elements and segments that represent different information and functions. For example, an EDI invoice may contain segments for header, address, date, item, price, tax, and summary. Each segment has a specific code, name, and position in the EDI message. Each segment also contains data elements that have their own codes, names, values, and formats. To verify EDI transaction accuracy, you need to check that your EDI data elements and segments are correct, complete, and consistent with your business data and partner expectations. You can use various tools and software to analyze your EDI data elements and segments, such as EDI mappers, EDI viewers, and EDI editors.

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3 Check EDI acknowledgments and errors

EDI transactions and documents are usually sent and received through an EDI network or a value-added network (VAN). When an EDI message is sent or received, an EDI acknowledgment is generated to confirm the status of the transmission. For example, an EDI functional acknowledgment (FA) indicates whether the EDI message was accepted or rejected by the receiver. To verify EDI transaction accuracy, you need to check your EDI acknowledgments and errors regularly and resolve any issues promptly. You can use various tools and software to monitor your EDI acknowledgments and errors, such as EDI dashboards, EDI reports, and EDI alerts.

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4 Check EDI compliance and testing

EDI transactions and documents must comply with the rules and specifications of your trading partner and your industry. For example, some trading partners may have specific requirements for EDI formats, data elements, segments, codes, values, and formats. Some industries may also have specific regulations and standards for EDI transactions and documents. To verify EDI transaction accuracy, you need to check your EDI compliance and testing before and after you start exchanging EDI messages with your partner. You can use various tools and software to check your EDI compliance and testing, such as EDI validators, EDI testers, and EDI auditors.

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jaya Krishna tummala ,MS, CSM

Award Winning Senior Functional Quality Assurance|BSA|SAP QA|Safe 6.0 Agilist|Sigma Xi Full Member|IEEE Senior Member|Fellow IETE|Author
Report contribution
While tools such as EDI validators, testers, and auditors can assist in verifying compliance and testing EDI transactions, reliance solely on automated solutions may overlook nuanced issues or exceptions that require human intervention. Complex scenarios or unique business requirements may necessitate manual review and interpretation to ensure accurate data exchange and regulatory adherence.

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5 Check EDI integration and automation

EDI transactions and documents can be integrated and automated with your internal systems and applications, such as your enterprise resource planning (ERP), accounting, inventory, order management, and shipping systems. This can help you streamline your business processes, reduce manual errors, and increase data accuracy and efficiency. To verify EDI transaction accuracy, you need to check your EDI integration and automation regularly and ensure that your systems and applications are synchronized and updated with your EDI data. You can use various tools and software to check your EDI integration and automation, such as EDI connectors, EDI adapters, and EDI workflows.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you verify EDI transaction accuracy?

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1 Check EDI standards and formats

2 Check EDI data elements and segments

3 Check EDI acknowledgments and errors

4 Check EDI compliance and testing

5 Check EDI integration and automation

6 Here’s what else to consider

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

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