What is Data Element Reference Number (DER) in EDI Documents?
A Data Element Reference Number (also known as a DER or Data Element Reference) is a unique identifier assigned to a specific data element within an EDI message or document. Data elements are the individual pieces of information that make up an EDI message, such as product codes, quantities, prices, addresses, and other relevant details. The Data Element Reference Number serves as a key reference or tag for each data element, making it easier to identify, define, and locate specific pieces of data within the EDI message.
Each data element within an EDI document is assigned a distinct Data Element Reference Number to ensure that it can be uniquely identified. Data Element Reference Numbers are typically part of an established EDI standard, such as ANSI X12 or EDIFACT. These standards provide a predefined set of data elements and their associated reference numbers to promote consistency and compatibility among trading partners. DER Numbers are often accompanied by human-readable descriptions or labels to help users understand the purpose and content of each data element.
These reference numbers are crucial when mapping data between different EDI formats or when translating data from an EDI message into the internal systems of an organization. Therefore, using Data Element Reference Numbers simplifies the exchange of structured data between businesses by providing a common, standardized way to represent and reference specific pieces of information.
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