What is ISO 9735-1:2021?

ISO 9735-1:2021 is a standard that outlines the structure and content of an electronic data interchange for administration, commerce, and transport (EDIFACT) message. EDIFACT messages are used to transmit business documents electronically between trading partners, such as purchase orders, invoices, and shipping notices.

The Purpose of ISO 9735-1:2021

The main purpose of ISO 9735-1:2021 is to ensure uniformity and consistency in the exchange of EDIFACT messages. The standard defines the syntax, rules, and guidelines for creating these messages, making it easier for different computer systems and applications to interpret and process them accurately.

ISO 9735-1:2021 also provides a set of message types and segments for specific business processes. This allows trading partners to communicate effectively and efficiently without needing to negotiate the message format each time they exchange information.

The Structure of ISO 9735-1:2021 Messages

An EDIFACT message based on ISO 9735-1:2021 consists of a series of segments. Each segment represents a logical unit of information and is identified by a unique code. These segments are grouped into segments groups, which can be further nested within higher-level segments groups.

The segments are composed of data elements, which contain the actual information being transmitted. Each data element has a predefined data type and length. The data elements are arranged in a specific order within the segment, and each one is separated by a delimiter character.

Benefits of ISO 9735-1:2021

ISO 9735-1:2021 offers several benefits to organizations involved in electronic data interchange. Firstly, it provides a universal format for EDIFACT messages, allowing seamless communication between different business partners and systems. This promotes interoperability and facilitates international trade.

The standard also improves data accuracy and reliability by enforcing strict syntax rules and validation checks. This reduces errors caused by manual data entry and ensures that the message is correctly interpreted by the receiving system. Additionally, ISO 9735-1:2021 supports data security and confidentiality through the use of encryption and authentication mechanisms.

Furthermore, ISO 9735-1:2021 simplifies the development and implementation of EDIFACT-based solutions. It provides clear guidelines and examples, allowing software developers to create applications that can generate and process EDIFACT messages efficiently. This saves time and effort in customizing solutions for specific trading requirements.

In conclusion, ISO 9735-1:2021 plays a crucial role in facilitating electronic data interchange by defining the structure and content of EDIFACT messages. Its widespread adoption promotes standardized business communication and streamlines trading processes globally.