X12 vs. EDIFACT

In the world of EDI, there are two standards that facilitate the exchange of information between suppliers and trading partners: X12 and EDIFACT. Ultimately, these standards define EDI documents. The main difference is actually pretty simple: X12 is the preferred EDI standard in North America while EDIFACT is used throughout Europe and Asia. 

As your business expands globally, you’ll eventually hear about EDIFACT. And if you are already familiar with EDI for your company, your first question will probably be: how is EDIFACT different from X12, the EDI format used throughout North America?

What is EDI X12?

As mentioned, X12 is the EDI standard in North America. It uses three digit codes to identify EDI documents. X12 was created by the Accredited Standards Committee in 1979. For brands doing business with trading partners in North America, X12 will almost always be the EDI standard used. 

What is EDI EDIFACT?

Commonly applied throughout Europe and Asia, EDIFACT codes consist of six letters. The standard was developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe in 1986. For European and Asian based brands doing business with trading partners in those regions, EDIFACT will almost always be the EDI standard used. 

X12 vs. EDIFACT

Virtually every EDI document has an X12 code and an EDIFACT code. The chart below illustrates: 

 

X12

EDI Document

EDIFACT

832

Catalog/Pricing

PRICAT

845

Price Authorization Acknowledgement/Status

ATHSTS

840

Request for Quotation

REQOTE

841

Specifications/Technical Information Transactions

PRDSPE

850

Purchase Order

ORDERS

855

Purchase Order Acknowledgement

ORDRSP

860

Purchase Order Change

ORDCHG

865

Purchase Order Change/Request Acknowledgement

ORDRSP

830

Planning Schedule

DELFOR

862

Shipping Schedule

DELJIT

866

Production Sequence

856

Advanced Shipping Notice

DESADV

858

Shipment Information

IFTMCS

861

Receiving Advice/Acceptance Certificate

RECADV

842

Nonconformance Report Transaction Set 

NONCON

846

Inventory Update

INVRPT

867

Product Transfer and Resale Report

SLSRPT

810

Invoice

INVOIC

859

Freight Invoice

IFTMCS

820

Payment Remittance Advice

REMADV

 

What About Brands Expanding Globally?

North American based brands that develop relationships with European trading partners will likely find themselves having to use both X12 for the domestic market and EDIFACT for the international efforts. The same works in reverse: European brands expanding into North America will likely have to use X12 for those relationships. 

eZCom Handles Both X12 and EDIFACT

We built our award-winning EDI platform, Lingo, to comply with both X12 and EDIFACT. Whether you’re a North American based brand looking to expand into Europe or Asia or a European or Asian based brand expanding into North America, Lingo ensures that you’re compliant and able to employ the standards your trading partners require – wherever they are. 

Need more EDI standards guidance? We’re here to help. Reach out to sales@ezcomsoftware.com or call 201-731-1800.  

If you need to streamline and automate your data – reach out and we will be happy to listen and help build the perfect solution for your brand

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