EDI Standards and Protocols 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which EDI standard is commonly used in North America for business transactions?
- EDIFACT
- XML
- ANSI X12 (Correct answer)
- UN/EDIFACT
Correct answer: ANSI X12
ANSI X12 is the predominant EDI standard commonly used in North America for business transactions. Developed by the American National Standards Institute, it provides a comprehensive set of message types for various industries, including retail, healthcare, and manufacturing. Its widespread adoption makes it essential for companies conducting business within the US and Canada.
Question 2: Which protocol is often used for secure transmission of EDI documents over the internet?
- FTP
- AS2 (Correct answer)
- HTTP
- SMTP
Correct answer: AS2
AS2 (Applicability Statement 2) is a widely adopted protocol for the secure transmission of EDI documents over the internet. It leverages HTTP/S for transport and incorporates digital certificates for encryption and digital signatures. This ensures data confidentiality, integrity, and non-repudiation, making it a reliable choice for secure EDI communication.
Question 3: What does the term "EDI standard" refer to?
- A specific software solution for managing EDI
- A set of guidelines and formats for structuring EDI documents (Correct answer)
- The hardware used for EDI communications
- The data encryption methods used in EDI
Correct answer: A set of guidelines and formats for structuring EDI documents
The term "EDI standard" refers to a set of universally recognized guidelines and formats for structuring electronic business documents. These standards define the specific syntax, data elements, and message types (e.g., purchase order, invoice) that enable different computer systems to exchange and automatically process information consistently. This standardization is crucial for interoperability between trading partners.
Question 4: Which EDI standard is known for its use in global trade and logistics?
- EDIFACT (Correct answer)
- ANSI X12
- XML
- UCC 128
Correct answer: EDIFACT
EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange For Administration, Commerce and Transport) is the international EDI standard developed under the United Nations, specifically known for its extensive use in global trade and logistics. Its comprehensive message sets are designed to support a wide range of international business processes, making it the preferred standard for cross-border transactions worldwide.
Question 5: What is the primary function of EDI communication protocols?
- To define the structure of EDI documents
- To manage the secure transmission of EDI messages (Correct answer)
- To create and format business documents in EDI
- To store and archive EDI transactions
Correct answer: To manage the secure transmission of EDI messages
The primary function of EDI communication protocols is to manage the secure and reliable transmission of EDI messages between trading partners. These protocols define how documents are sent, received, and acknowledged, often incorporating features like encryption, authentication, and error handling. They ensure that sensitive business data travels safely and accurately across networks.
EDI Standards and Protocols 1
Which EDI standard is commonly used in North America for business transactions?