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Electronic Commerce Terms
ACH-Automated Clearing House [See also NACHA].
ADMD- Administration Management Domain.
ANA-Article Numbering Association; introduced bar coding into the U.K. on
supermarket goods and later developed the TRADACOMS standards for use in TRADANET.
ANSI-American National Standards Institute. Parent organization of X12. The group
is the recognized coordinator and clearing-house for information on U.S. and in some cases
Canadian national standards. Also serves as the North American representative to the ISO
(International Standards Organization).
ANSI ASC X12-American National Standards Institute Accredited Standards Committee
X12 [Sec ASC X12].
ANSI number-A number assigned to a data element (defined in the ASC X12 Data
Dictionary)
ANSI standard-A published transaction set that has been approved by ANSI. Standards
are reviewed for updating every six months.
ASAP-Analytic Systems Automated Purchasing. Electronic order entry system for
hospitals.
ASC X12-Accredited Standards Commit-tee X12. Composed of industry members who help
create EDI standards for submission to ANSI for subsequent approval and dissemination (or
to the UN/ECE, for approval and submission of UN/EDIFACT standards).
ASN-Advance Shipment Notice.
Alphanumeric character set-A character set that contains both letters and digits
and may contain control characters and special characters [ISO 2382/4].
Application acknowledgment [997]-An X12 transaction that responds to a transaction
set that has been received and processed in an application program.
Application advice [824]-An X12 transaction set that accepts, rejects, or
identifies errors in the content of any transaction set beyond the normal syntax checks.
Application interface-The software component that transfers electronic transactions
between application systems.
Application link software-A software pro-gram that provides a link between an
application program and an industry data format or fixed-field format.
Application message type-A basic message type adapted to suit a certain application
area.
Application-to application-The direct interchange of data from one computer to
another, without rekeying. Applications software-Computer pro-grams that perform common
internal business or personal tasks; purchased from soft-ware vendors or stores. An
example is Order Processing.
Architecture-The design and structure of computer components.
Archiving-The storing of records or files for purposes of security, back-up, and
auditing.
Asynchronous-A communication technique by which each character is sent bit-serially
and is surrounded by start and stop bits used to indicate character borders.
Asynchronous modems-Modulators/ demodulators for communication via an asynchronous
technique. They generate and recognize start and stop bits.
Asynchronous transmission-Communications via one of the asynchronous protocols.
Audit trail-A computerized or manual record of transactions.
Authentication-A mechanism that allows the receiver of an electronic transmission
to verify the sender as well as the integrity of a transmission's content through the use
of an electronic "key" or algorithm shared by the trading partners. This is
sometimes referred to an electronic signature.
Authentication key-A short string of characters used to authenticate transactions
between trading partners.
Auto dial-The ability of a modem to access a network, automatically dial, and
connect to another modem.
BOL-Bill of Lading.
Bar code-An array of' rectangular marks and spaces in a predetermined pattern.
[Ref. AIAG-B-1 "Bar Code Symbology Standard 8-or-9"]. Usually used for automatic
product or shipment identification.
Batch control totals-Ensures that batch processing has been performed correctly by
comparing output to dollar or quantity totals, record or document counts, or hash totals.
Batch processing-The processing of computer information after it has accumulated in
one group or batch.
Baud-The rate at which the signal changes when data is transmitted. It is often the
same as the number of bits per second. Common rates are 1200, 2400 4800, 9600, 19.2
kilo-bytes, and 56 kilobytes.
Binary-A system of numerical notation in which only the values of 0 and 1 are used.
Bisynchronous-A communication protocol whereby messages are sent as blocks of
characters. The blocks of data are checked for completeness and accuracy by the receiving
computer.
Bisynchronous transmission-This is an IBM version of synchronous communication that
uses additional codes. Bisync is more a protocol than a type of transmission.
Bisync-Binary synchronous transmission. Broadcast-The ability to transmit one
message to several destinations.
Buffer-A reserved area of memory the operating system uses to temporarily store
data to compensate for differences in speed or in the timing of events between the CPU and
the input/output devices.
Byte-A string of seven or eight bits. The length of the string determines the
amount of data that can be represented. The eight-bit byte can represent numerous special
characters, 26 uppercase and lowercase alphabetic characters, and 10 numeric digits,
totaling 256 possible combinations.
CAD-Computer-Aided Design
CAD/CAM-Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing
CCC-Customs Cooperation Council [worldwide]
CCD-Cash Concentration and Disbursement. Developed by NACHA for the electronic
transfer of funds between companies and trading partners. Allows 60 characters of
information in addition to the dollar amount.
CCD +-Cash Concentration and Disbursement Plus; the "Plus" refers to
"705 Addenda:'
CCDX-Cash Concentration and Disbursement with Addenda.
CCITT-Comite Consultatif International Telegraphique et Telephonique (Consultative
Committee for International Telegraph and Telephone). An international organization of
public telecommunication companies; it sets standards for the industry by working in
four-year periods of study CEBIS-EDIFACT Database of the European Commission.
CEN-European Committee for Standardization. The group responsible for setting the
standards for the European Economic Community.
CHAPS-Clearing House Automated Payments System [Great Britain].
CHIPS-Clearing House Interbank Payments System. Clears world trade transactions in
dollar denominations [U.S.].
CIDX-Chemical Industry Data Exchange. The U.S. chemical industry's association for
development of an industry guideline based on the X12 standards. The term CIDX is also
used to describe the industry guideline itself. COMPAT-An annual computer-aided trade
conference coordinated by the European Community.
CPA-1. Canadian Payments Association. Canada's national check and payment clearing
and settlement system; 2. Canadian Petroleum Association. CPA 005-Canadian Payment
Standard 005. Canadian standards for the exchange of check transactions using magnetic
tape.
CTP-Corporate Trade Payment. An electronic message system that allows one dollar
amount to cover several invoices.
CTX-1. An electronic funds transfer for-mat compatible with X12. It carries
information about a payment as well as transferring value; 2. Corporate Trade Exchange.
SDEC-EDIFACT standard for the European Customs Declaration format.
Character-Markings that represent data, including alphabetic (A-Z), numeric (0-9),
and special (such as punctuation marks).
Character set-A finite set of different characters that is considered complete for
a given purpose [ISO 2382/4].
Clearing house-A third party used for centralizing the sending and receiving of
electronic messages or documents between trading partners. Messages/documents are held by
the third party until the receiver is avail-able to receive them.
Commercial network-A third-party intermediary that receives EDI transmissions from
the source and reroutes them to the appropriate receiver.
Communication board-A computer device containing electronic circuits which
facilitates communication via a telephone line.
Communication capability-The identification of line speed and protocol, which
enables computers to transfer data between communication devices.
Communication port-The location where data enters the computer system via a
telephone line.
Communication protocol-The method by which two computers coordinate their
communications. BISYNC and MNP are two examples.
Communication session-The computer-to-computer transmission of data.
Communication standard-A standard of message transmittal, facilitating message
conveyance rather than formats and content. [See also Message Standard]
Communications controller-A telecommunications device that controls and prioritizes
network data transmission.
Compliance checking-Checking process used to ensure that a transmission complies
with ANSI X12 syntax rules.
Component data element-In EDIFACT, a simple data element that is a subordinate
portion of a composite data element and is identified by its position within the composite
data element.
Component data element separator-In EDIFACT, a character used to separate the
component data elements in a composite data element.
Composite data element-One or more component data elements delimited by component
data element separators. Currently used only in the EDIFACT standards.
Computer-to-computer-direct communication between two computers; eliminates
rekeying of data.
Conditional (C)-A data element requirement designator that 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 able to be
computer-processed.
Confirmation-A notification that the transmission has been received by the intended
receiver [See also Functional acknowledgment].
Connect time-The elapsed time a computer device is connected to a circuit.
Connection-An established link for transmission of data.
Connectivity-The ability to connect incompatible computer or network systems,
enabling them to communicate.
Control envelope-Used to validate the receipt of correct and complete data.
Control number-Also known as reference number. An identification number used to
distinguish a standard data element (data element identifier) or a standard segment
(segment identifier).
Control segment-A control segment that has the same structure as a data segment but
is used for transferring control information for grouping data segments.
Control structure-The beginning and end (header and trailer) segments for entities
in EDI.
Control validation-Confirmation that information within the control segments is
correct.
Convention-A subset of a broader standard used by an industry that does not require
the generality of an ANSI X12 standard.
Cross-industry standard-Data standards that apply to and are adopted by several
industries-ANSI X12, for example.
DES-Data Encryption Standard. The use of a binary number with a key of more than 72
quadrillion combination to scramble the transmission of a message.
DEX/UCS-Direct Exchange UCS. A standard form for UCS Electronic Data Inter-change
between computers via direct links [See also NEX/UCS].
DISA-Data Interchange Standards Association. The secretariat of the X12 Commit-tee
and North American EDIFACT Board.
DSD-Direct Store Delivery. The practice of delivering product directly to the
retail store and notifying the store of the delivery electronically rather than by paper.
DSS-Decision Support System. Software designed to assist in decision-making by
pro-viding analytical programs and data avail-able on mainframes by linking the
micro-computers to the mainframes.
DUNS number-Dun & Bradstreet identification number often used in EDI
transmissions.
Data-A representation of facts, concepts or instructions in a formalized manner
suitable for communication, interpretation, or processing by human beings or by automatic
means [ISO 2382/1].
Data communication-Transmission of digital data over a communication channel from
one device to another.
Data dictionary-The publication that defines all of the data elements for which
standards exist. The most widely used data dictionary for EDI is the JEDI dictionary.
Data element-The basic units of information in the EDI standards, containing a set
of values that represent a singular fact. They may be single character codes, literal
descriptions, or numeric values.
Data element directory-A listing of identified, named, and described data element
attributes, with specifications as to how the corresponding data element values shall be
represented.
Data element length-The range, minimum to maximum, of the number of character
positions available to represent the value of a data element. A data element may be of
variable length, with a range from minimum to maximum, or it may be of fixed-length, in
which the minimum is equal to the maximum.
Data element name-The name given to the basic unit of information.
Data element reference number-The reference number assigned to each data element as
a unique identifier.
Data element representation-Defines the data element type.
Data element requirement designator-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 (O), or conditional (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 six types: numeric, decimal,
identifier, string, date, or time.
Data element value-The specific entry of an identified data element represented as
specified in a data elements directory.
Data mapping-The relationship between the user's data and the X12 message syntax.
Data segment-A data segment is the inter-mediate unit of information in a message.
A segment consists of a pre-defined set of functionally related data elements which are
identified by their sequential positions within the set. A segment begins with a segment
identifier- a unique three-character alphabetic upper-case code (EDIFACT) or a two- or
three-character code composed of upper-case characters and digits (X12)-that uniquely
identifies each segment, and ends with a segment terminator. When data segments are
combined to form a message, their relationship to the message is specified by a Data
Segment Requirement Designator and a Data Segment Sequence. An EDI data segment is
analogous to a logical record.
Data segment directory-The publication that shows the format of all segments in the
standard. Data segment requirement designator-A data segment has one of the following
requirement designators in a specific message type: 1. Mandatory-segment must occur in the
message; 2. Conditional-segment will occur in the message depending on agreed conditions.
The relevant conditions must be given as part of the message definition; 3.
Optional-segment may or may not occur.
Deauthentication-The process of the receiver authenticating a transmission by the
use of an authentication key.
Decoder-A device that transcribes protocol signals onto a screen in the videotext
sys-tem.
Decryption-The translation of scrambled or secretly coded data at the receiving end
of an encrypted transmission [See also Encryption].
Dedicated line-A point-to-point line in a data communication system between two
computer devices that is always connected.
Default settings-Instructions to the computer, automatically establishing standard
configurations at the time of logon. They eliminate the need to reconfigure at each
sitting.
Delimiters-An integral part of the transferred data stream, they consist of two
levels of separators and a terminator. Delimiters are specified in the interchange header.
From highest- to lowest-level, the separators and terminator are segment terminator, data
element separator, and component element separator (used only in EDIFACT).
Direct transmission-The exchange of data from the computer of the sender directly
to the computer of the receiver. A third-party value-added service is not used in a direct
transmission. Synonym for point-to-point.
Document-A transaction set or message. Document standards-Approved standards of
form for EDI business transaction sets.
Document translation-The process of transforming documents into a standard
acceptable format. The document is input by the sender or created by the originating
application and the translator formulates the document into a standard format; then the
document can be received at the receiver end.
Documentation-The written description and instructions regarding the operation of a
system, program, or standard.
Downloading-An automatic file transfer from a mainframe computer to a personal
computer or terminal.
Draft standard for trial use-Represents a transaction set approved for publication
by the full X12 committee, following member-ship 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 and public review.
Dumb terminal-Composed of a keyboard and CRT; has no computing power of its own.
Duplex-Full or half. Full duplex means that the communications system is capable of
sending/receiving data in both directions at one time. Half duplex means that the sys-tem
can send/receive in only one direction at a time.
EAGLE-Hardware industry's standard data format.
EAN-International Article Numbering Association EC-1 . European
Community-Consisting of the 12 members of the European Economic Community; 2. Electronic
Commerce- Conducting business between computers through the use of digital exchange [U.S.
Department of Defense EC/ EDI/PLUS program].
EDI translation-The conversion of application data to and from a standard format.
EDI translator-Computer software used to perform the conversion of application data
to and from a standard. Usually licensed rather than developed in-house. May have
subsystems for mapping, auditing, and document management.
EDIA-Electronic Data Interchange Association. The EDIA in the U.S. was formerly
known as TDCC and administered the development of standards in transportation and other
industries. The EDIA of the U.K. is very active in the United Kingdom, as is the EDIA in
New Zealand. All are non-profit organizations dedicated to encouraging EDI growth.
EDICA-Electronic Data Interchange Council of Australia. Similar organizations exist
in Canada, Korea, New Zealand, and the U.S.
EDIFACT-EDI For Administration, Commerce and Trade. A set of internationally
agreed-upon standards and guidelines for the electronic interchange of structured data
among independent computerized information systems. EDIFACT is the most recently developed
set of standards and is still under development.
EDIFICE-Electronic Data Interchange Forum for Companies Interested in Computing and
Electronics. EDI for the electronics industry of the European Community.
EDIFRANCE-Organization responsible for the administration of EDI in France.
EDX-Electronic Data Interchange for the Electrical Industry. The term represents both the
standards organization and the published industry guidelines.
EFT-Electronic Funds Transfer. Information passed between banks that results in
debits and credits, i.e., value transfer.
EIDX-Electronics Industry Data Exchange. Industry group that makes recommendations
to X12.
E-mall-Electronic Mail Electronic Data Interchange-The inter-company
computer-to-computer transmission of business data in a standard format. For pure EDI,
"computer-to-computer" means "original-application-program to
processing-application-program" To the purist, EDI consists only of business data,
not verbiage or free-form messages. Purists also may contend that a "standard"
format is one that has been approved by a national or international standards
organization, as distinguished from formats developed by industry groups or individual
companies.
Electronic mailbox-Analogous to a post office box, a repository of information
usually provided by an EDI network, belonging to a single user. The mailbox makes it
unnecessary for the user to provide dedicated hard-ware for the purpose of awaiting
incoming calls. It also facilitates consolidation of EDI transactions allowing the user to
send to multiple receivers in a single session.
Element-The smallest item of information in the standard. Analogous to a
"field."
Element delimiter-Single character delimiter; follows the segment identifier and
each data element in a segment except the last.
Element reference number-The number that identifies each element from the segment
diagram with its corresponding definition in the data dictionary. Also known as a
"data element number."
Element separator-A special character used to separate elements in a segment. The
suggested character is a special control character called an RS or record separator.
Encryption-The encoding and scrambling of data. Data is encrypted at the sending
end and decrypted on the receiving end through the use of a predetermined algorithm and
unique key. Encryption is done for reasons of information privacy and security.
Evaluated Receipts Settlement-Method for initiating payment to a supplier that
replaces the invoice. Used primarily in the automobile industry. First the price is agreed
upon by a blanket or other purchase order. Next, a material release tells the supplier the
quantity to deliver. An advance ship notice con-firms the quantity actually being
delivered, and payment is triggered upon receipt.
Event-Driven EDI-Applications and translator exchanging message sets as soon as
they are created or received.
Fedwire-The Federal Reserve System's EFT network for transferring funds between the
banks' reserve accounts [U.S.]. File conversion-The process of translating a file to a
format that can be read by an incompatible computer system.
Flat file-1. The file produced by basic EDI translation software to serve as input
to the interface. Usually has the same fields as the standard but has each field expanded
to its maximum length. Does not have delimiters. 2. Any file having fixed-record length.
Front-end-A computer for EDI preprocessing. A computer used as a front-end usually
performs communication and translation of EDI documents and is connected with a host
computer for final processing. It can perform line control, message handling, code
conversion, and functions such as control of special purpose terminals.
Functional acknowledgment-The acknowledgment to indicate the results of the
syntactical analysis of electronically encoded transmission. Applies to a functional group
and can include detail.
GE1-UN/ECE WP4 Group of Experts 1 for data elements and automatic data transfer.
GE2-UN/ECE WP4 Group of Experts 2 for procedures and documentation.
GTDI-Guidelines for Trade Data Inter-change [UN/ECE].
Gateway-A connection between two net-works that allows messages on one to be routed
through to the other.
Generation-The outbound translation of data from a sender's format into a message
standard.
Generic standard-A standard that applies to more than one industry.
Guidelines for usage-Directions and regulations for an industry or between trading
partners that describe a subset of a standard by which EDI transmissions are to be
formulated. May also indicate conventions or assumptions made.
HIBCC-Health Industry Business Communications Council. Health industry group
developing an EDI industry guideline. Header-The segment that indicates the start of an
entity to be transmitted. Headers are control structures.
Header area-The Transaction Set Header Area contains preliminary information that
pertains to the entire transaction set, such as the date, company name, address, P.O.
number, terms, etc.
Hub-A large company very active in EDI. Such a company strongly encourages its
paper-based business partners to begin using EDI; these in turn are called
"spokes." Also called a "sponsor'.'
IDEA-International Data Exchange Association. Organization based in Brussels that
promotes global expansion of EDI.
IPT-International Project Team. The advisory and support team of the UN/EDIFACT
Rapporteur for North America.
IRC-International Record Carrier. Pro-vides network and messaging services.
ISO-International Standards Organization. Responsible for development of
international data communications standards.
ISO 7372-The U.N. Trade Data Element Directory adopted by the ISO. ISO 9735-The
UN/EDIFACT syntax standards adopted by the ISQ.
Identifier-A character or group of characters used to identify or name an item of
data and possibly to indicate certain properties of that data [ISO 2382/4].
Implementation-The complete process of developing a computer system from the idea's
inception to production and eventually high-volume use. In EDI, emphasizes the expansion
to many trading partners.
Industry guideline-A subset of a national or international standard for ease-of-use
within one industry. The guideline usually indicates only those segments, elements, and
code values needed by the industry. Also usually contains explanatory remarks. Integrated
services digital network (ISDN)- Allows integration of data, voice, and video over the
same digital links [From OSI, Fall 1990].
Interactive EDI-Two applications exchanging EDI directly within a preprogrammed
context.
Interchange-The exchange of information from one company to another. A group of
transaction sets sent from one sender to one receiver at one time. Delineated by
inter-change control segments. Interchange control header-The data segment that indicates
and identifies the beginning of an interchange.
Interchange control segments-ISA/IEA segments, which identify a unique interchange
sent from one sender to one receiver [See Electronic Envelope].
Interchange control structure-Interchange header and trailer segments envelope one
or more functional groups or interchange-related control segments and perform the
following functions: 1. identify the sender and receiver; 2. define the data element
separators and the data segment terminators; 3. provide control information for the
inter-change; 4. allow for authorization and security information [X12.5].
Interchange control trailer-The data segment that indicates the end of an
interchange.
Interchange envelope-Specific data transmission information in the header and
trailer segments, representing an exchange between a single sender/receiver combination,
ISA/IEA-approved.
Interconnect-A secure interconnection between third-party service providers via
telecommunications; allows for communication between the network used by the sender and
the network used by the receiver. Provides the sender ease of access to the receiver.
Interface-The connection between items of equipment and/or software.
JEDI-Joint Electronic Data Interchange. Group that sought coordination of X12,
TDCC, UCS, and WINS.
JIT-Just-In-Time. A business philosophy focused on reducing inventory levels and
thereby increasing efficiency. Delivery of supplies from the seller to the buyer takes
place more frequently, more quickly, and precisely when needed in the manufacturing
process.
Key management-The establishment and control of a unique key used during the
transmission of encrypted messages between trading partners [See also Encryption key].
Linespeed-The number of bits per second transmitted [See also Baud]. Logon ID-A
predetermined unique code that identifies the user and enables completion of the logon
procedure. Loop-A repetition of a segment or a group of segments.
Loop index-A specification for the maxi-mum number of occurrences of a loop.
MAC-Macro Authentication Code. A data string attached to a transmission that can be
verified by the receiver. If the string is altered, it indicates that the transmission is
not identical to that which was sent.
MDN-Managed Data Networks. MHD-Message Header segment.
MHS-Message Handling Service. Overall capability provided by X.400 structure and
message handling entities.
MODEM-Modulator-Demodulator. A device that converts the signal from a computer into
a series of tones for transmission over the telephone lines. The process is reversed at
the other end.
MS-Message Stores. MTA-[X.400] Message Transfer Agent. Entity that provides actual
message delivery service. Uses information from one Pl envelope.
Machine-readable data-The formatting of data fields in a manner that can be read by
a particular computer program.
Mandatory (M)-A data element/segment requirement designator that indicates that the
presence of a specified data element IS required.
Magnetic tape-A sequentially accessed storage device.
Mailbox-Analogous to a post office box, a repository of information, usually
pro-vided by an EDI network, belonging to a single user. The mailbox makes it unnecessary
for the user to provide dedicated hardware for the purpose of awaiting incoming calls. It
also facilitates consolidation of EDI transactions, allowing the user to send to multiple
receivers in a single session.
Mainframe-A common term used to describe a computer with greater capabilities and
speed than a microcomputer or mini-computer. Typically, the hardware device that controls
the operation of the computer.
Mapping-The process of identifying the standard data elements' relationship to
application data elements.
Max use-Specifies the maximum number of times a segment can be used at a location
in a transaction set.
Media exchange-The process of conducting business between trading partners through
the exchange of floppy disks, magnetic tapes, or other storage media.
Message-The EDIFACT term for "transaction set." A message is the
collection of data, organized in segments, exchanged to convey meaning between partners
engaged in EDI. It represents a common business transaction. Each message starts with a
message header segment [such as UNH] and ends with a message trailer segment [UNT]. The
message type identifying the type of business transaction is given in the message header
segment.
Message code-A unique identifier of a message type in EDIFACT.
Message directory-A listing of identified, named, described, and specified message
types.
Message-handling system-Based on the CCITT X.400 suite of protocols, it provides
electronic messaging between multi-vendor systems. The 1984 X.400 guidelines provide
capabilities for handling, transferring, and forwarding messages and is best suited for
large hosts and public data networks. The 1988 X.400 guidelines define a new OSI-style
architecture using X.500 Directory Services. It supports new message-content types and
fits into PC environments [From OSI, Fall 1990].
Message header-The service segment starting and uniquely identifying a message.
Message standard-A standard that addresses the content, format, and meaning of the
message.
Message structured diagram-The graphic display of the layout of a message. Message
switching-The routing of a direct transfer message between computers through the services
of a third-party service provider.
Message trailer-The service segment ending a message.
Message type-An identified and structured set of data elements covering the
requirements for a specified type of transaction, e.g., an invoice.
Microcomputer-A small desktop computer system, sometimes called simply a micro.
Minicomputer-A single integrated circuit that controls the operation of a computer.
NACHA-National Automated Clearing House Association. The national organization of
banking clearinghouses responsible for setting industry standards and rules [U.S.].
NAK-A form of negative acknowledgment of an error detection in the transmission.
NAWCA-North American Wholesale Grocers Association, the organization that led the
successful introduction of microcomputers into EDI and facilitated integration of small
users into the EDI community.
NEX/UCS-Network Exchange UCS. A standard form of UCS Electronic Data Inter-change
between computers via a communication network [See also DEX/UCS].
NIST-National Institute for Standards of Technology. Formerly the National Bureau
of Standards [U.S.].
Nested segment-A segment that directly relates to another segment in an identified
and structured group of segments covering the requirements for a specific message type.
Network-A group of terminals, computers, and other equipment that uses
communication channels to share data.
Network management-Identifies fault, accounting, configuration, security, and
performance management. Because a full net-work- management standard will take several
years to complete, an interim standard will bc specified [From OSI, Fall 1990].
Notification of shipment-A transaction set that advises of the delivery schedule
and pro-vides a description of the shipment.
ODETTE-Organization for Data Exchange Through Tele-transmission in Europe.
OSI-Open Systems Interconnect. Structure based on seven-layer model developed by
ISO, which will allow different computer manufacturers' machines to communicate with one
another.
Open network-A network with which out-side parties can communicate.
Optical character reader-A device that translates printed material into electronic
language that a computer understands.
Optional (O)-A data element/segment requirement designator that indicates that the
presence of a specified data element/segment is at the option of the sending party.
Optional data element/segment-A data segment or element which need not be included
in order to validate a standard transaction set.
P2-Protocol that defines the header information in the X.400 message handling
standard.
P7-Protocol for accessing stored messages in the X.400 message handling standard.
Pedi-The committee developing EDI specifications for the X.400 standards family.
Also known as X.435.
PIDX-Petroleum Industry Data Exchange. Petroleum industry group to define industry
guidelines within the X12 Standard and promote EDI. Secretariat is the American Petroleum
Institute.
POS-[from retail industry] Point of Sale
PTT-Post Telegraph Telephone Administration Packet-A format defined by CCITT for
data structure sequence. Packet switching-Allows for the efficient transmission of
messages, via radio or phone circuits using various paths, by dividing the transmission
into packets of up to 256 characters.
Payment remittance transaction-An electronic authorization to make a payment.
Postbox-The receiver of all transmissions in a VADS network. Synonym for mailbox.
Private formats-A unique format developed between trading partners when they choose
not to adopt standard industry formats.
Proprietary standard-An industry/company- specific data format developed by a
company for transmission of data to and from its trading partners. Proprietary for-mats do
not comply with the ASC X12 series of standards.
Proprietary ordering system-An industry/ company-specific system that allows a
supplier to provide order entry capabilities to its customers.
Protocol-Communication standards that determine message content and format,
enabling uniformity of transmissions.
Protocol conversion-The process of allowing two systems with different protocols to
communicate.
QR-[from the apparel industry] Quick-Response. An inventory philosophy in which a
business can respond quickly to customer orders. Analogous to Just-in-Time in
manufacturing. Understood to rely on EDI.
RINET-The European EDI re-insurance and insurance network. Rapporteur
[UN/EDIFACT]-A person nominated by their government and appointed by UN/ECE WP.4 to
initiate and coordinate UN/EDIFACT development work in their geographical area of
jurisdiction.
Receiving advice transaction-A transaction set that includes the quantity,
description and condition of the product received.
Regional Clearing House Association-The geographical banking organization of member
depositing institutions. The regional clearing house is the geographical processing point
in the banking system where transactions are received from its member depositing
institutions.
Reject-A computer program not accepting a transaction set because it did not meet
the validation-authentication tests.
Release-1. Material Release; 2. A revision [level] of an EDI standard. The newest
release supersedes the one previously issued.
Required data elements-Those elements that must be included in a transmitted
transaction set according to the standards.
Requirement designator-The specification of a mandatory, optional, or conditional
element or segment.
SCC JTC/EDI-Standards Council of Canada Joint Technical Committee on Electronic
Data Interchange.
SITPRO-Simplification of International Trading Procedures (Board). A government
agency responding to the DTI. Developed INTERBRIDGE software and takes a leading role in
standards and development in Great Britain.
SNA-System Network Architecture. IBM structure for information exchange between
computers.
SNI-SNA Network Interconnect.
SWIFT-Society for Worldwide International Financial Telecommunications. An EFT
linking system containing over 2,000 banks.
Section control segment-A separator in the detail and summary sections of the
header segment to clarify obscure or indistinct elements [EDIFACT].
Segment-A grouping of data. It is com-posed of data elements and is analogous to a
record.
Segment code-A code that uniquely identifies each segment as specified in a segment
directory.
Segment delimiter character-Marks the end of a variable-length segment.
Segment diagram-The schematic that depicts the format and composition of a segment.
Segment directory [X12.22]-Provides the purposes and formats of the segments used
in the construction of transaction sets. The directory lists each segment by name,
purpose, identifier, the contained data elements in the specified order, and the
requirement designator for each data element.
Segment hierarchy-The order of occurrence of segments within a transaction set.
Segment identifier-A predefined code that identifies the segment.
Segment name-A name that identifies the segment. Segment qualifier-A data element
that gives the segment a specific meaning.
Segment specifications-Distinct attributes of a segment, including structure and
content.
Segment tag-A composite data element, in which the first component data element
contains a code that uniquely identifies a segment as specified in the relevant segment
directory. Additional component data elements can be conditionally used to indicate the
hierarchical level and nesting relation-ship in a message and the incidence of a segment's
repetition [EDIFACT].
Segment terminator-A special character that indicates the end of a segment.
Separator character-A character used for syntactical separation of data.
Sequence table-A portion of a standard that indicates the possible segments, their
sequence, and their attributes for each area of a transaction set. Simple data elements-A
data element containing a single value.
Standards levels-A particular release of a standard; effective until another
release [level] is issued.
Store and forward-The type of messaging service that allows an EDI transmission to
be forwarded when convenient to the sender and transmitted immediately to the recipient.
Store and retrieve-Usually used in con-junction with a mail box system; provides
for the storage of a message transmission until the intended receiver accesses the sys-tem
and retrieves the message.
Sub-element separator-A unique character used to delimit the component data
elements within a composite data element (used only in EDIFACT).
Syntax-The rules for the construction of standards.
TC154-ISO Technical Committee 154 for documents and data elements in
administration, commerce and industry.
TCIF-Telecommunication Industry Forum. Industry group for development of
telecommunications industry guidelines within the X12 standard.
TDCC-Transportation Data Coordinating Committee; former name of the EDIA, or
Electronic Data Interchange Association.
TDI-Trading Data Interchange. Abbreviation for EDI common in Europe.
TEDIS-Trade Electronic Data Interchange Systems. Set up to promote awareness of EDI
in Europe. Extends the concept of the standardized approach of EDI to all users in
business, industry, and government.
Tabledriven-Data maintained in table (matrix) form and used to drive the
programming process.
Tag-The unique identifier used with segment and data elements [EDIFACT].
Third-party service provider-A communications intermediary between trading partners
that acts as a service bureau or center by providing a link that eliminates the necessity
for compatible systems.
Trading partner-In the broad sense, any company doing business. A company that
sends a purchase order and the company that receives it are each others' trading partners.
The term is often used in a more specific sense to refer to companies sending and
receiving EDI transmissions.
Trading partner agreement-The agreement between trading partners that sets forth
electronic conditions and terms for conducting trade.
Trailer-The ending segment of a set of segments. The trailer is a control
structure.
Transaction level acknowledgment- Acknowledgment of receipt and totality of data in
a transmission of a functional group or individual transaction set.
Transaction set-Complete business document such as an invoice, a purchase order, or
a remittance advice (X12).
Transaction set ID-An identifier that uniquely identifies the transaction set. This
identifier is the first data element of the transaction set header segment.
Transaction set diagram-A graphic presentation in a valid transaction that
specifies the sequence of segment order.
Transaction set header area-Contains segment information pertinent to the total
transaction set.
Transaction set header segment-Signifies the beginning of a transaction set.
Transaction set level-The processing of a transaction set, including sending and
receiving.
Transaction set line item area-Encompasses the actual business transaction set and
includes information, such as quantities, descriptions and prices.
Transaction set summary area-Contains control information and other data that
relate to the total transaction.
Transaction set trailer segment-Signifies the end of a transaction set.
Translation-The act of accepting documents in other than standard format and
translating them to the standard and vice versa.
Translation software-Transforms data into a format that can be read by an otherwise
incompatible system or network at either end of a transmission.
Transmission acknowledgment-The acknowledgment that a total transmission was
received with no error detected.
Transmission group-In the UCS and TDCC message standards, a collection of one or
more functional groups. A transmission group begins with a BG Transmission Control Header
Segment and ends with an EG Transmission Control Trailer Segment. Also known as an
interchange.
UA-[from X.400] User Agent.
UCC-Uniform Code Council. Association hosting groups for continuing maintenance and
development of the UCS standard. Also assigns UCS Identification Numbers and UPC codes.
UCS-Uniform Communication Standard. EDI standard used in the grocery industry.
UCS/DSD Task Force-Developed UCS transaction standards for the direct store
delivery segment of the grocery industry.
UNIEDIFACT-United Nations Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce,
and Transport. UN/ECE-United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
UNIX-[Bell Laboratories] An operating system that provides multi-programming and
text developing utilities.
UNJEDI-United Nations Joint Electronic Data Interchange Committee; established by
the Working Party 4 to develop syntax, messages, and related procedures on EDI.
UNSMs-UNECE Standard Electronic Messages.
UNTDED-United Nations Trade Data Elements Directory. Contains standards for data
fields.
UPC-Uniform Product Code. A standard bar code system used by the retail industry.
Uniform Communication Standard [UCS]- Defines both a message format standard and a
telecommunication standard for EDI.
VAN-Value-Added Network
VANGUARD-DTI-sponsored initiative for "demonstrator" projects to increase
use of EDI/linking of networks [U.K.].
VICS-Voluntary Interindustry Communication Standards. Formed by retail, textile,
and apparel industries to establish standards for product-related information exchange.
Validation-The process of determining that compliance standards have been met by a
particular document in an EDI transmission.
Variable-length file-A file with segments containing data elements that can vary
between minimum and maximum requirements, but which have no set fixed length. A data
element delimiter is required to mark the end of the element and a segment delimiter
character is needed to mark the end of the segment.
Vendor Express-An EDI-compatible electronic message system for EFT in NACHA format,
developed by the U.S. Treasury Department. Enables banks using CCD to pay the U.S.
government's suppliers electronically.
Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)- A system of inventory replenishment in which the
vendor accepts responsibility for maintaining a customer's inventory levels of the
vendor's products by monitoring POS and inventory information sent by the customer. This
is usually automated through EDI to achieve as smooth a flow of replenishment as possible.
Version/Release-Identifies the publication of the standard being used for the
generation or the interpretation of data in the X12 standard format. May be found in the
functional group header segment [GS] and in the interchange control header segment (ISA).
WINS-Warehouse Information Network Standards. EDI standards for the ware-housing
industry (U.S.).
WP4-Working Party 4 on the facilitation of International Trade Procedures of the
Economic Commission for Europe, a commission of the United Nations. Working Party 4 has
two groups of experts: 1. on Data Elements and Interchange; 2. on Trade Procedures.
X12-[from ANSI] ANSI standard for inter-industry electronic interchange of business
transactions.
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. Separate segments and data elements not in X12.22 or X12.3.
X12.6-Application Control Structure. This standard describes the control segments
used to envelop loops of data segments, to envelop transaction sets, and to envelop groups
of related transaction sets.
X.25-International standard for packet switching.
X.400-International standard for message transmission. Historically used for
E-mail, X.400 began to be used for EDI internet-working (transmissions between networks).
It offers such benefits as notification to the sender if the second network had a problem
receiving the transmission.
X.435-International standard within the X.400 family for EDI messaging. Addresses
messaging concerns such as sender ID, not the content of the business data. One benefit is
improved ability for EDI and E-mail to travel together: for example, a purchase order and
an E-mail plea for meeting the schedule in the purchase order. The purchase order and the
E-mail plea, in this particular example, would be called "body parts".
X.500-Directory services standard of the CCITT. It allows network services from
different vendors, such as E-mail, file and print services, to be listed in a single name
service.
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