The steps and checks performed during EDI Syntax Validation
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) syntax validation refers to the process of verifying the structure and syntax of EDI documents to ensure they conform to the appropriate EDI standard. EDI standards, such as ANSI X12, EDIFACT, or XML-based standards like ebXML, define the rules and formatting guidelines for different types of business documents. During EDI syntax validation, the following checks are typically performed.
Structure validation
The EDI syntax validator ensures that the document structure follows the predefined rules of the selected EDI standard. It verifies that the document contains the correct segments, data elements, and their hierarchical relationships. The structure of each segment and its position within the document must comply with the specified standards.
Segment validation
Each segment in the EDI document must conform to the defined format and length. The validator checks if the segments contain the required data elements and adhere to the expected data types. It verifies that the segment codes and qualifiers are valid according to the selected EDI standard.
Data element validation
Data elements within each segment are validated to ensure they meet the requirements of the EDI standard. This includes checking the length, format, and data type of each data element. For example, numeric data elements should only contain numbers, dates should be in the correct format, and alphanumeric elements should not exceed the specified length.
Control structure validation
EDI documents often include control structures, such as headers, trailers, or control segments, that provide additional information or control the integrity of the document. The syntax validator checks if these control structures are correctly positioned and contain the necessary information. It verifies if the control numbers, such as transaction numbers or group control numbers, are correctly incremented and consistent throughout the document.
Delimiter validation
EDI documents use delimiters to separate segments, data elements, and subelements. The validator ensures that the specified delimiters are used consistently throughout the document and are in line with the chosen EDI standard. It checks if the delimiters are properly escaped or qualified when necessary to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation.
By performing syntax validation, organizations can ensure that the EDI documents they send or receive are correctly structured and formatted according to the chosen EDI standard. It helps prevent transmission errors, data misinterpretation, and system compatibility issues between trading partners.
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