EDI Standard - TRADACOMS

 TRADACOMS is an early EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) standard developed in the United Kingdom specifically for the retail sector. It was widely used before being largely superseded by the EDIFACT standard, although it is still in use in some regions and industries.

Overview of TRADACOMS

1. History and Development:

   • Established: TRADACOMS was developed in the early 1980s by the UK Article Numbering Association, now known as GS1 UK.
   • Focus: The standard was primarily designed for the retail sector, aiming to streamline transactions such as ordering, invoicing, and inventory management between retailers and suppliers.

2. Structure and Format:

   • Message Types: TRADACOMS messages are known as "files," and each file corresponds to a specific type of business transaction (e.g., INVOIC for Invoice, ORDERS for Purchase Order).
   • Segments: Each message is composed of segments, which group related pieces of information.
   • Data Elements: Segments are made up of data elements that contain specific details, such as prices, quantities, and product codes.
   • File Structure: Messages within TRADACOMS are organized into files, with each file starting with a header and ending with a trailer.

3. Commonly Used TRADACOMS Messages:

   • ORDERS: Purchase Order
   • INVOIC: Invoice
   • DELFOR: Delivery Forecast
   • DESADV: Despatch Advice
   • ORDCHG: Order Change
   • RECADV: Receiving Advice

4. Benefits of TRADACOMS:

   • Tailored for Retail: Specifically designed to meet the needs of the retail industry, facilitating efficient and standardized communication between retailers and suppliers.
   • Simplicity: The structure of TRADACOMS is relatively straightforward, making it easier to implement and understand, especially in its intended industry.
   • Established Use: TRADACOMS has a long history of use in the UK retail sector, meaning there is a significant amount of legacy infrastructure supporting it.

5. Implementation:

   • EDI Software: Organizations using TRADACOMS need EDI software to convert internal documents into TRADACOMS format and vice versa.
   • Mapping: Data from internal business systems must be mapped to the appropriate TRADACOMS segments and data elements.
   • Transmission: TRADACOMS messages are typically transmitted through Value-Added Networks (VANs) or direct connections between trading partners.
   • Acknowledgments: The receipt and processing of TRADACOMS messages are often confirmed through acknowledgment files.