Saturday, 28 December 2024

Different Versions in EDIFACT Standard

EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce, and Transport) is a standardized message format developed by the United Nations. 

Like X12, EDIFACT evolves through versions called directories, each identified by the year and release (e.g., D96A).


Structure of EDIFACT Version Names

EDIFACT versions are named using a specific structure:

  • Letter: Represents the release within the year (A = 1st release, B = 2nd release).
  • Year: Indicates the year of release (e.g., 96 for 1996).

For example:

  • D96A: Directory from 1996, first release.
  • D21B: Directory from 2021, second release.

Commonly Used EDIFACT Versions

Version

Release Year

Description

D93A

1993

Early widely adopted version for trade and logistics.

D96A

1996

Most commonly used; supports extensive trade and commerce scenarios.

D99B

1999

Popular in automotive and manufacturing industries.

D03A

2003

Includes updates for transportation and customs.

D07A

2007

Introduced modernized elements for logistics and retail.

D16A

2016

Updated to support e-commerce and global trade regulations.

D21B

2021

Latest directory with enhanced support for digital transformations and APIs.


Key Features of EDIFACT Versions

  1. Backwards Compatibility:
    • Most versions are backward-compatible with previous directories, allowing gradual adoption.
  2. New Messages Added:
    • Later versions include messages for modern industries like e-commerce, healthcare, and financial services.
  3. Enhanced Segments and Codes:
    • Updates in code lists, qualifiers, and data elements to reflect regulatory and technological advancements.
  4. Support for Emerging Needs:
    • Newer versions cater to cloud integration, real-time data exchange, and global compliance.

Frequently Used Directories in Industries

  • Automotive: D96A, D99B.
  • Retail: D96A, D07A.
  • Logistics: D03A, D16A.
  • Healthcare: D21B.

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