EDI Mapping

EDI mapping is the process by which EDI data is converted to other data formats. EDI mapping is usually performed between different ASCII flat file formats, EDI and XML, and also SQL. The process is essentially the same between these formats.

Put another way, EDI mapping is the process of identifying a standard data element’s relationship to business application data (or elements within that data). It is the process of translating one form of data into another.

A central facet in EDI mapping is to create a “map”, which is the file used to translate one form of data into another. Normally, there are applications that facilitate the transformation of EDI data with other information formats. EDI mapping makes it possible for businesses to leverage the significant investments that have been made in creating an EDI infrastructure and ensure that the EDI data is integrated into backend systems such as ERP or accounting. Another use of EDI mapping is to facilitate exchanging data with business partners that use other electronic formats while utilizing the existing EDI infrastructure.

EDI mapping tools are often very complex and difficult to use. Consequently, it requires significant time, expense and effort to do EDI mapping. However, EMANIO has developed a unique solution to this problem, utilizing our Unite! mapping tool. This is an EDI mapping product that utilizes a drag-and-drop user interface to make it easy to create maps.

EMANIO’s Unite! supports all EDI standards, regardless of industry or geography. In addition, EDI maps are now easily integrated or transformed to other data formats like XML or flat files, or be integrated into a SQL or other databases. Whether utilizing X12, EDIFACT, Tradacoms, or Odette, EDI mapping and EDI integration is easily accomplished using a visual and intuitive process due to the built-in support for these standards. Just define the source(s) and target(s) for the EDI mapping, drag and drop the fields and segment definitions to create the integration. Once this process is completed, Unite! will execute the EDI map job as you define, periodically, event driven or as a service.

Both the UN/EDIFACT and ANSI X12 integrations are supported using EMANIO’s Unite! mapping tool for EDI. All transaction sets are supported natively, including updates to all versions of X12 or EDIFACT. EDI mapping has changed from a complex and difficult task, requiring significant resources, to a relatively simple and easy process utilizing an intuitive GUI.

EDI mapping was originally done by using custom-built in-house systems to create links between EDI software and in-house ERP systems.  This process was cumbersome and costly and led to the development of the first “data integration” or EDI mapping software systems.  As with many EDI developments, EDI mapping was first adopted in large scale by enterprise companies.  Mapping EDI data to the company’s back-end system resulted in significant savings over entering EDI data manually. EMANIO has taken this concept of EDI mapping for enterprise companies and has made it available to the small and mid-sized market.  EDI mapping is now much easier to do and is significantly more affordable.

When considering the purchase of an EDI mapping solution, you should look at multiple factors. Some key questions to answer when selecting EDI mapping software are:

Does the EDI mapping software provide enough flexibility for the future while still being easy to use?  Often you will find that the EDI mapping software seems easy to use – at first – but is underpowered. 

What is the cost of the EDI mapping software relative to the cost of the whole project?  Have you established a budget for your EDI mapping project? When looking at the cost of EDI mapping software, it is important to consider that the software cost is usually only 20% to 30% of the total cost of the EDI mapping project.

Do you have the necessary information to make your EDI mapping project successful?  Many small businesses don’t realize that  EDI mapping projects must be coordinated with in-house processes to ensure that  EDI mapping is successful.

How much experience does the company you are considering have with EDI mapping?  Many companies claim to offer EDI mapping software and EDI mapping services – but have they done it successfully? EDI mapping software is only as good as the company that stands behind it. 

If you are thinking of purchasing EDI mapping software from a company that sells EDI mapping software for larger businesses, how much attention will this company give your EDI mapping project?  It is often hard for the small business to get the type of attention needed for their EDI mapping project from larger EDI mapping software vendors, who focus primarily on enterprise companies .