Understanding About EDI Mapping

EDI mapping is the process of converting data from one format or structure to another to facilitate the exchange of information between different systems, often involving the transformation of data into an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) standard format or from an EDI format to another system's format. It ensures that the data being exchanged between trading partners is correctly formatted, structured, and complies with the necessary standards for seamless integration and communication.

Key Components of EDI Mapping:

1. Source Data: The original format of the data that needs to be converted, which could be from various sources such as ERP systems, databases, or XML/CSV files.
2. Target Data: The desired EDI format or another system-specific format that the data needs to be transformed into.
3. Mapping Rules: Specific rules and transformations defined to convert the source data to the target format. These rules account for the structure, sequence, and data type requirements of the EDI standard.
4. EDI Standards: The standard format to which the data is being mapped, such as ANSI ASC X12, EDIFACT, TRADACOMS, or others. Each standard has its own syntax and structure that the data must comply with.
5. Mapping Software/Tools: Specialized EDI mapping software or tools are used to create, test, and deploy mapping rules. These tools provide an interface to define how data fields in the source map to fields in the target format.

Steps Involved in EDI Mapping:

1. Define the Source and Target Formats: Identify the structure and elements of the source data (e.g., a CSV file) and the target EDI standard (e.g., X12 850 for a Purchase Order).
2. Create Mapping Rules: Develop rules to transform the data fields from the source to the target format. This includes defining how each element in the source maps to the corresponding element in the target, including any necessary data transformations, such as date formatting or unit conversions.
3. Data Transformation: Apply the mapping rules to convert the data from the source format into the target EDI format. This may involve data manipulation such as concatenation, splitting, or value translations (e.g., converting product codes).
4. Validation and Testing: Validate the mapped data against the EDI standard to ensure compliance and accuracy. Testing is crucial to ensure the data is correctly formatted and ready for transmission.
5. Integration: Integrate the mapped EDI data into the destination system, such as sending it to a trading partner or importing it into an internal system.
6. Deployment and Monitoring: Once validated, the mapping is deployed into a live environment. Ongoing monitoring ensures that the mapping continues to work correctly as data is exchanged.

Example of EDI Mapping:

Source Data (CSV):

OrderID, CustomerName, ProductCode, Quantity, Price
12345, ABC Corp, XYZ123, 10, 50.00

Target EDI (ANSI ASC X12 850 - Purchase Order):

ISA*00*          *00*          *ZZ*SENDERID       *ZZ*RECEIVERID     *210901*0800*^*00501*000000001*0*P*:~
GS*PO*SENDERID*RECEIVERID*20210901*0800*1*X*005010~
ST*850*0001~
BEG*00*NE*12345**20210901~
N1*BT*ABC Corp~
PO1*1*10*EA*50.00*PE*XYZ123~
SE*7*0001~
GE*1*1~
IEA*1*000000001~

In this example:

• The OrderID from the CSV maps to the BEG segment's purchase order number.
• CustomerName maps to the N1 segment.
• ProductCode, Quantity, and Price map to the PO1 segment.

Benefits of EDI Mapping:

• Data Consistency: Ensures that data exchanged between partners is consistent and complies with agreed-upon standards.
• Efficiency: Automates data transformation, reducing manual data entry and the likelihood of errors.
• Interoperability: Facilitates communication between different systems by transforming data into a mutually understandable format.
• Compliance: Ensures that exchanged data complies with industry standards and regulations, such as HIPAA for healthcare.