What Is An EDI Mapping?

EDI mapping defines the translation rules between the data format used by one computer system and the data format used by another system in an EDI transaction. A mapping can translate proprietary files such as CSV, TXT, SAP IDoc, or ERP-specific formats into EDI standards such as EDIFACT or ANSI X12, and it can also translate standard EDI messages back into internal formats. Because trading partners often use different systems, file structures, and standards, EDI mapping helps ensure that structured business data is exchanged accurately and can be processed by the receiving system.

EDI mapping typically follows five steps. 

• Data analysis: analyze the structure and content of incoming and outgoing data files. 
• Mapping specification: define how each source data element corresponds to the target data element, including data types, lengths, formats, transformations, and validations. 
• Mapping implementation: configure mapping software or write code to execute the mapping rules and transform the data. 
• Testing: verify that data is translated accurately between formats. 
• Deployment: move the mapping solution into the production environment for ongoing use. 

Once mappings are implemented and tested, trading partners can exchange business documents electronically, reducing manual entry and paper-based processing.

An EDI converter tool, also called an EDI translator, converts messages from internal systems into the EDI mapping standard agreed by trading partners. Standards may be defined by organizations such as the UN, ANSI, VDA, or DIN and may include global, regional, or industry-specific message standards.

Most retailers and automotive vendors are “EDI hubs” and publish their own EDI guidelines for their EDI communication and EDI data structures. In these guidelines, they explain which segments, elements and codes they use and which are mandatory or optional. This has the advantage of narrowing down the general EDIFACT and ANSI X12 message structures. The disadvantage is that the EDI process becomes more complex when suppliers deal with many customers that use their own EDI guidelines for their own EDI mapping documents. As a result, suppliers need a specific EDI mapping for each of their customers, and then they typically need a direct mapping for each of their EDI customers — and each mapping must be written, tested and maintained.

SEEBURGER uses SEEXML — a canonical format developed by SEEBURGER. SEEXML trading partner mappings are available for more than 10,000 trading partner relations. For each ERP-system and business process, there is one unique process map. On the partner side, there is one ready-to-use partner map that is specific to a trading partner and comes from the SEEBURGER mapping repository.

EDI training empowers individuals within organizations reliant on EDI document exchanges to become proficient in managing EDI processes efficiently, fostering seamless communication with trading partners. As businesses increasingly turn to EDI for streamlined communication and transactions, understanding EDI basics, including EDI mappings, becomes imperative for seamless and efficient operations. EDI training courses typically cover a range of topics, starting from the EDI basics to more advanced concepts. Learning EDI basics within an organization involves comprehending the structure of EDI documents, such as purchase orders, invoices and shipping notices, and understanding how data is formatted and transmitted between trading partners electronically. Participants in EDI classes also become familiar with EDI communication protocols such as AS2 (Applicability Statement 2) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol), along with secure transmission methods like encryption and digital signatures. Practical exercises and case studies are integral components of EDI training, allowing participants to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. By simulating EDI scenarios and troubleshooting potential errors, learners develop hands-on experience, which is invaluable in their day-to-day roles within an organization.

The SEEBURGER Academy offers EDI mapping training for the SEEBURGER BIS Platform in the BIS Mapping Designers Basics and BIS Mapping Designer Advanced courses.