EDI GUIDELINE
GENERAL SECTION
8
GLOSSARY
8.1
STANDARDS GLOSSARY
GLOSSARY
ACH
Automated Clearing House - a central distribution and settlement point for electronic exchange of
monetary value and related information between financial institutions.
ANSI
American National Standards Institute
ANSI ASC X12 Standard
A document published by ANSI that has been approved through the consensus process of public
announcement and review. Each of these standards must have been developed by an ANSI
committee and must be revisited by that committee within five years for update. See Draft
Standard For Trial Use.
API
American Petroleum Institute
Application Acknowledgment
A transaction set whose purpose is to return a response to a transaction set which has been
received and processed in an application program. The Purchase Order Acknowledgment,
transaction set 855, is an example of an application acknowledgment used to respond to the
Purchase Order, transaction set 850, presenting such things as whether the receiver can fulfill the
order and shipment date.
Application Advice (824)
A transaction set that accepts, rejects, or identifies data content errors in a transaction set beyond
the normal syntax checks. The Application Advice should not be used in place of a transaction
set designed as a specific response (e.g., Purchase Order Acknowledgment sent in response to a
purchase order).
Area, Transaction Set
Identifies a predefined area within a transaction set (header, detail, summary) containing
segments and their various attributes.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange
ASC X12
Accredited Standards Committee ASC X12 is comprised of industry members for the purpose of
creating and maintaining EDI standards for submission to ANSI for subsequent approval and
dissemination; or for submission to the UN/ECE for approval and submission of UN/EDIFACT
standards.
Asynchronous (Async)
Method of transmitting data where the sending and receiving data transmission equipment are
synchronized before each character is sent.
Authentication
A mechanism, which allows the receiver of an electronic transmission to verify the sender and the
integrity of the content of the transmission through the use of an electronic "key" or algorithm
which is shared by the trading partners. This is sometimes referred to as an electronic signature.
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GLOSSARY
Availability Float
The time from the deposit of the check until the firm's account is credited with funds. This is a
component of collection float.
BAI Standard
A common format for transmitting data between banks, which was developed by the Bank
Administration Institute.
Binary Synchronous (Bi-sync)
Method of transmitting data where bit synchronization is established for a certain duration, usually
for the time it takes to transmit several thousand bits.
BSR
Bureau of Standards Review
CCD
Cash Concentration or Disbursement - An automated corporate payment application developed
by NACHA in 1983. Used primarily for intra- or inter-company concentration or disbursement of
funds. May also be used to make corporate trade payments requiring minimal descriptive
information. Refer to the NACHA rule book for further information.
CCD+
Cash Concentration or Disbursement Plus - Same as CCD with some special information
addendum. The addendum record of this format is used to contain data that conforms to the X12
syntax or a NACHA-approved standard. Only one addendum is permitted per payment record.
Refer to the NACHA rule book for further information.
CEC
Commission of the European Communities
CEN
European Committee for Standardization
CHIPS
Clearing House Interbank Payment System - A large-dollar, wire transfer system operated by the
New York Clearing House.
CIDX
Chemical Industry Data Exchange
Clearing Float
The delay between the time the payee deposits the check and the time it is presented to the
payor's bank for payment (a part of disbursement float). It has two components - availability float
and clearing slippage float.
Clearing Slippage Float
The difference between the time the payee receives funds and the time the payor's account is
debited (a part of clearing and disbursement float).
CMEA
Council for Mutual Economic Assistance
Collection Float
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The time between the deposit of a check and when the bank allows the customer use of the
proceeds.
Communication Protocol
The rules or specifications that govern computer to computer communication (e.g., 3780 bisync).
Compliance Checking
A checking process that is used to ensure that a transmission complies with ASC X12 syntax
rules.
Composite Data Element
One or more component data elements delimited by sub-element separators.
Control Segment
A control segment has the same structure as a data segment but is used for transferring control
information for grouping data segments. Control Segments are Loop Control Segments (LS/LE),
Transaction Set Control Segments (ST/SE), and Functional Group Control Segments (GS/GE), all
defined in X12.6, and Interchange Control Segments (ISA/IEA,TAl) defined in X12.5.
Control Validation
Confirmation that information within the control segments is correct.
Credit Transfer
A transfer that is created by a payee's initiating a funds withdrawal from a payor's account.
CTP
Corporate Trade Payment - An automated corporate payment application developed by NACHA in
1983. Used to electronically move funds and detailed accounting and remittance information in a
fixed field format from a corporate originator to a corporate receiver through an automated
clearing house. Refer to the NACHO rule book for further information.
CTX
Corporate Trade Exchange - An automated payment application developed by NACHA in l987.
Used to electronically move funds and detailed accounting and remittance information. The
remittance information is contained in addenda records formatted in accordance with X12.4
Payment Order/Remittance Advice Transfer Set (820) and X12.5 Interchange Control Structures.
Refer to the NACHA rule book for further information.
Data Element
A data element is the smallest named item in the standard. It can represent a qualifier, a value, or
text (such as a description). A data element has two primary attributes: length and type. Each
data element is identified by a number used for reference in the Data Element Dictionary.
Data Element Length
This is the range, minimum to maximum, or the number of character positions available to
represent the value of a data element. A data element may be of variable length with range from
minimum to maximum, or it may be of fixed length in which the minimum is equal to the
maximum.
Data Element Reference Number
The number that identifies each data element in the segment diagram with its corresponding
definition in the data dictionary. Also known as a data element number.
Data Element Condition Designator
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A code defining the need for a data element value to appear in the segment if the segment is
transmitted. The codes are mandatory (M), optional (0), or relational (C).
Data Element Separator
A unique character preceding each data element that is used to delimit data elements within a
segment.
Data Element Type
A data element may be one of eight types: numeric (N), decimal (R), identifier (ID), string (AN),
date (DT), time (TM), binary (B), or fixed length string (FS).
Delimiters
The delimiters consist of two levels of separators and a terminator. The delimiters are an integral
part of the transferred data stream. Delimiters are specified in the interchange header and may
not be used in a data element value elsewhere in the interchange. From highest to lowest level,
the separators and terminator are: segment terminator, data element separator, and sub-element
separator.
Deposit Float
The sum of items (checks) in the process of being collected that have been deposited in a bank
account.
DISA
Data Interchange Standards Association. A non-profit organization funded by X12 which serves
as the Secretariat for X12.
Disbursement Float I
The delay between the time a check is mailed and when it is posted to the paying company's bank
account. Its components are mail float, processing float, and clearing float.
Direct Transmission
The exchange of data from the computer of the sending party directly to the computer of the
receiving party. A third party value added service is not used in a direct transmission.
Draft Standard for Trial Use
Represents a document approved for publication by the full X12 committee following membership
consensus and subsequent resolution of negative votes. The Draft EDI Standard for Trial Use
document represents an ASC X12 approved standard for use prior to approval by ANSI. See
ANSI ASC X12 Standard.
EB
The EDIFACT Board
EBCDIC
Extended binary-coded-decimal interchange code.
EDICC
Electronic Data Interchange Council of Canada
EDIFACT
See UN/EDIFACT
EDIFACT Board
Advisory and support team for a number of the UN/EDIFACT Rapporteurs.
EDI Translation
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GLOSSARY
The conversion of application data to and from the ASC X12 standard format.
EDI Translator
Computer software used to perform the conversion of application data to and from the ASC X12
standard format.
EDX
Electronic Data Exchange
EFT
Electronic Funds Transfer - The electronic transfer of funds via one of a variety of mechanisms
(e.g., ACH, FedWire, CHIPS). An EFT can be initiated by the X12.4 Payment Order/Remittance
Advice Transaction Set (820).
EIDX
Electronics Industry Data Exchange
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
The computer-to-computer exchange of information in a public standard format.
Electronic Envelope
Electronic information which groups a set of documents being transmitted from one sender to one
or more receivers.
Electronic Lockbox
A bank that consolidates EDI transmissions and possibly, lockbox deposits into a selected
standard format.
Electronic Mailbox
A term used to refer to the place where an EDI transmission is stored for pickup or delivery within
a third party service provider's system. Trading partners can also maintain mailboxes within their
own domain.
Encryption
A process of transforming clear text (data in its original, unencrypted form) into ciphertext
(encrypted output of a cryptographic algorithm) for security or privacy. (Security Transaction Set
815)
FEDWIRE
Same-day transfer of value between financial institutions that is operated and regulated by the
Federal Reserve System.
Format
The constructs under which a data element, segment, transaction set, functional group and
interchange envelope are generated.
Functional Acknowledgment
A transaction set (997) transmitted by the receiver of an EDI transmission to the sender, indicating
receipt and syntactical acceptability of data transmitted according to the ASC X12 standards. The
functional acknowledgment allows the receiving party to report back to the sending party problems
encountered by the syntax analyzer as the data is interpreted. It is not intended to serve as an
acknowledgment of data content.
Functional Group
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A group of one or more transaction sets bounded by a functional group header segment and a
functional group trailer segment.
Functional Group Segments
The GS segment is the header (or beginning of the functional group. The GE segment is the
trailer (or ending) of the functional group.
Header
The segment that indicates the start of an entity that is to be transmuted. Header's are control
structures.
Header Area
See Transaction Set Header Area
Hexadecimal
Base 16 notation commonly used to represent binary values.
Hierarchy
An arrangement of segments in a graded or ranked structure within a transaction set. The
intellectual or conceptual structure of documents usually reflects a hierarchical organization (e.g.,
the body of a book, chapters within the body of the book, and sections within the chapters of the
book).
Industry Conventions
Define how the ASC X12 standards are used by the specific industry.
Industry Guideline
Defines the EDI environment for using conventions within an industry. It provides assistance on
how to implement the ASC X12 standard.
Interchange Control Segments
The ISA segment is the header (or beginning) of the interchange. The IEA segment is the trailer
(or ending) or the interchange.
Interchange Control Structure
The interchange header and trailer segments envelope one or more functional groups or
interchange related control segments and perform the following functions: 1) defines the data
element separators and the data segment terminators, 2) identifies the sender and receiver, 3)
provides control information for the interchange, and 4) allows for authorization and security
information. (X12.5)
Interchange Envelope
One or more functional groups transmitted together, enclosed by an envelope consisting of an
interchange header segment and an interchange trailer segment.
ISO
International Standards Organization. Responsible for the development of international data
communications standards.
JUPUG
Joint Utilities/Petroleum Users Group.
Loop
A group of semantically related segments. The N1 loop, which includes segments N1 to PER for
name and address information, is an example of a loop.
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Mailbox - EDI
Part of the EDI network service set aside for a specific participant to hold that participant's
messages.
Mail Float
The time that elapses between the mailing date and the date the check is received at the
processing site. This is a component of collection float.
Mandatory(M)
A data element/segment requirement designator which indicates that specific data
element/segment is required.
Mapping
The process of identifying the standards data elements relationship to applications' data elements.
Max Use
Specifies the maximum number of times a segment can be used at a location in a transaction set.
Message
Entire data stream including the outer envelope.
NACHA
National Automated Clearing House Association. The organization that oversees the U.S.
automated clearing house system.
Network Acknowledgment
A response from the network indicating the status of an interchange envelope. For example, the
response could indicate that the envelope was sent or delivered.
Optional(O)
A data element/segment requirement designator which indicates that the presence of a specified
data element/segment is at the option of the sending party. The use of this data element/segment
is based on the mutual agreement of the trading partners.
Partnership Agreement
See Trading Partner Agreement
PIDX
Petroleum Industry Data Exchange
PPD
Prearranged payment and deposit - payment format used for pre authorized consumer payments
and point-of-sale transactions through the ACH.
Prenotifications (Prenotes)
Zero-dollar entries that are sent through the ACH system prior to live entries on most consumer
and some corporate (debit) transactions to verify that the financial institution account information
is correct.
Processing Float
The day between the time the payee receives the check and the time the check is deposited (a
part of disbursement float).
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Proprietary Format
A data format specific to a company, industry, or other limited group. Proprietary formats do not
comply with the ASC X12 series of standards.
Qualifier
A data element which identifies or defines a related element, set of elements, or a segment. The
qualifier contains a code taken from a list of approved codes.
Rapporteur
An individual expert appointed by the United Nations for specific objectives.
Relational (C)
A data element condition designator which indicates that the presence of a specified data element
is dependent on the value or presence of other data elements in the segment. The condition must
be stated and must be computer processable.
Release
A numeric indicator which refers to a draft standard approved for trial use by the X12 committee.
A new release is approved each year.
Repeating Segment
A segment that may be used more than once at a given location in a transaction set. See Max
Use.
Security
System screening which denies access to unauthorized users and protects data from
unauthorized uses.
Segment
Segments consist of logically related data elements in a defined sequence. A data segment
consists of a segment identifier, one or more data elements each preceded by a data element
separator, and ending with a segment terminator. (X12.6)
Segment Diagram
A block diagram provided to aid in understanding the format of the segment. Specifies data
element sequence and attributes. Commonly referred to as a "caterpillar diagram".
Segment Directory (X12.22)
See ANSI, ASC X12 Standards
Segment Identifier
A unique identifier for a segment, composed of a combination of two or three uppercase letters
and digits. The segment identifier occupies the first character positions of the segment. The
segment identifier is not a data element.
Segment Terminator
A unique character appearing at the end of a segment to indicate the
termination of the segment.
Settlement Date
Date of ACH transaction that determines the availability of funds to the receiver.
Standards
The industry-supplied, national, or international formats to which information is converted.
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Sub Element Separator
A unique character used to delimit the component data elements within a composite data
element.
S.W.I.F.T.
Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications. A major International interbank
telecommunications network that transmits international payment instructions as well as other
financial messages.
Syntax
The grammar or rules which define the structure of the EDI standards (e.g., the use of loops,
qualifier, etc.). Syntax rules are published in ASC X12.6.
Trading partner
The sending and/or receiving Party involved in the exchange of EDI transmissions.
Trading Partner Agreement
A formal or informal business relationship governing the content of EDI business transactions and
how they are exchanged. The TPA may include operational, legal and contractual components of
EDI.
Transaction Set
The transaction set unambiguously defines, in the standard syntax, information of business or
strategic significance and consists of a transaction set header segment, one or more data
segments in a specified order, and a transaction set trailer segment. The transaction set is
equivalent to a document in a paperwork system, such as a purchase order, an invoice or a
freight bill.
Transaction Set Detail Area
The detail area contains information about the actual item(s) being bought, sold, transferred, etc.,
such as quantities, descriptions, and prices.
Transaction Set Header Area
The header area contains information about the entire document, such as the company name,
address, and purchase order number.
Transaction Set ID
A unique identifier for a transaction set. This identifier is the first data element of the transaction
set header segment.
Transaction Set Summary Area
The summary area contains control information and other data that relates to the entire
transaction set, such as the total line items and total amount due.
Translation
The act or process of translating business application formats into EDI data standards or the
translating of the EDI data standards into the business application formats. This process is
normally performed by an EDI Translator.
UCC
Uniform Code Council
UCS
Uniform Communication Standard
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UIG
Utilities Industry Group
UN/ECE
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
UN/EDIFACT
Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport
VAN
Value Added Network. Third party service organizations. These organizations facilitate the
transmission of electronic data among multiple trading partners. They also can provide additional
services (e.g., translation, consulting, etc.).
Vendor Express
The U.S. Department of Treasury program to payment vendors electronically through the ACH.
Version
A numeric indicator which refers to the ANSI fully-approved set of EDI transaction sets. A new
version is approved every 3 to 5 years.
Version/Release
Identifies the publication of the standard being used for the generation or the interpretation of data
in the ASC X12 standard format. May be found in the Functional Group Header Segment (GS)
and in the Interchange Control Header Segment (ISA). See Control Segment.
VICS Committee
Voluntary Inter-industry Communications Standards for Electronic Data Interchange.
Warehousing
The ability of the ACH system to hold a transaction until its posting
on the settlement date.
WINS
Warehouse Industry National Standards guidelines
X12
The ANSI committee responsible for the development and maintenance of standards for EDI.
X12.5
Interchange Control Structure. This standard provides the interchange envelope of a header and
trailer for the electronic interchange through a data transmission, and it provides a structure to
acknowledge the receipt and processing of this envelope.
X12.6
Application Control Structure. This standard describes the control segments used to envelope
loops of data segments, to envelope transaction sets, and to envelope groups of related
transaction sets.
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GLOSSARY
Industry Glossary
ATIS
Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions
Data Segment Sequence Chart
A listing that indicates, for each type of transaction set area, the possible segments, their order,
and their attributes.
Electronic Commerce
The application and utilization of advanced technology to improve the speed, quality and
effectiveness of the business processes used in commerce.
Frame ID
A Frame ID is a code describing the frame and floor where hardwired equipment is located in the
central office.
Hardwire
Hardwire refers to hardwired equipment, which is central off ice equipment that is wired into place
and seldom, if ever, moved.
Issue
A numeric indicator related to a published OBF Guideline. An issue is based on a particular ASC
X12 version/release.
OBF
Ordering and Billing Forum
Plug-in
A plug-in is a portable unit of central office equipment that is easily removed and moved.
Pulling Eye
Device attached to the end or ends of a length of cable for the purpose of pulling that length into
place during installation.
Subline Item
An item which is a component or add-on to another item.
TELCO
Telephone Company
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