What is EDI Mapping?
EDI mapping is a tool for managing multiple EDI standards within a single EDI system, and for translating EDI-specific standards into formats that other business tools can read and understand. Fundamentally, EDI mapping is a conversion process in which translation of data structures from a proprietary file (in csv format, txt, SAP IDoc, ERP-specific etc.) to an EDI mapping standard format (EDIFACT, ANSI X12 etc.) and vice versa.
How EDI Mapping Works
Mapping EDI to ERP data structures are translated from an EDI standard format (EDIFACT, ANSI X12, etc.) to a proprietary file that can be easily ingested into a back end system (CSV format, txt, SAP IDoc, Flat File, or any ERP specific format).
- As shown in the diagram, trading partner 1 uses Oracle ERP which uses a JSON internal format and trading partner 2 uses the SAP ERP system with IDoc internal format. To communicate a message to a trading partner 2, that JSON file needs to be converted into an EDI transaction and sent to a trading partner 2 using a standardized EDI Format like ANSI X12 or EDIFACT.
- Now since trading partner 2 ERP uses iDoc for its internal format, the EDI file is converted into a iDoc file before being ingested into SAP ERP.
- Mapping for EDI systems is bilateral so EDI providers like Commport, map the dataflow in both directions.
Benefits of EDI Mapping
EDI mapping is a crucial component to meeting trading partner demands, eliminating manual entry, while streamlining the movement of data from front-end to back-end systems.
Automation –Automatically send external data to critical internal systems which creates a repeatable process not touched by human input.
Accuracy – Eliminate the manual processing which eliminates the risk for user error, and in turn ensures EDI data is accurately imported into back-end systems.
Connection – Allows for the creation of formats like XML or flat file which can easily be used to communicate EDI data to business trading partners.
Commport Communications offers fully managed EDI services, that allow you to free up internal resources and focus on your business. Let our Commport team of EDI experts handle the hard part. We work with all trading partners. Trusted by over 6000+ brands.
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What does EDI Stand For?
EDI stands for Electronic Data Interchange which is the exchange of large amounts of information computer-to-computer in a specified format between business partners.
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What is EDI ANSI ASC X12 Standards?
ANSI stands for American National Standard Institute founded by the Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) in 1979 to develop uniform standards for the inter-industry electronic exchange of business transactions, namely electronic data interchange (EDI).
