In realty, neither EDIFACT or X12 syntax is superior to the other. Both are compressed formats, tagged segments, delimited and positional data elements. In general, the development philosophy for EDIFACT-based messages is one of using generic data elements modified by codes to specify semantic meaning. On the other hand, the X12 standards development philosophy is more a mix of very specific semantically defined data elements **and** generic data elements modified by codes to specify semantic meaning.
Regardless of whether EDIFACT messages or X12 transaction sets, it's darn near impossible to implement the standard message or transaction set without a trading partner-specific implementation guide. So, fundamentally, it's an apples to apples comparison - just different types of apples. Rachel Foerster Senior CAQH/CORE Consultant Boundary Information Group Rachel Foerster & Associates Ltd. 39432 North Avenue Beach Park, IL 60099 Phone: 847-872-8070 www.rfa-edi.com -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of JOHN KAESS Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2008 1:30 PM To: Chill; [email protected] Subject: Re: [EDI-L] Which do you prefer, X12 or EDIFACT? In the beginning...Prior to EDI-L...When the EDIFACT standards development started this same discussion occurred. The original concept was that X12 was for domestic exchange and EDIFACT was for international exchange. It never developed this way as X12 was used for international as well as domestic, and EDIFACT was used for domestic and international. The reality is that if a trading partner requires either one the pressure is there for you to comply with their wishes. In the end you will possibly still be using both types of standards for exchange of data. John D. Kaess ------------------------------------ ... Please use the following Message Identifiers as your subject prefix: <SALES>, <JOBS>, <LIST>, <TECH>, <MISC>, <EVENT>, <OFF-TOPIC> Job postings are welcome, but for job postings or requests for work: <JOBS> IS REQUIRED in the subject line as a prefix.Yahoo! Groups Links ------------------------------------ ... Please use the following Message Identifiers as your subject prefix: <SALES>, <JOBS>, <LIST>, <TECH>, <MISC>, <EVENT>, <OFF-TOPIC> Job postings are welcome, but for job postings or requests for work: <JOBS> IS REQUIRED in the subject line as a prefix.Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EDI-L/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EDI-L/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
