The following data structures are involved in the makeup of an EDI
document for ASC/X12.
Data Element.
The smallest structure of the standard that defines the nature
of the data.
Composite Element.
A collection of Data Elements that together provide a semantic
meaning as a whole.
Data Segment.
The building blocks of an EDI document. Consists of a
collection of Data Elements and/or Composite Elements.
Transaction Set.
A pre-defined set of Data Segments that describes how the data
of a business transaction is laid out.
Functional Group.
A pair of Data Segments that envelope one or more Transaction
Sets. The Functional Group normally provides information
about inter-departmental flow of the EDI document.
Interchange.
A pair of Data Segments that envelope one or more Functional
Groups. The Interchange normally provides general
information about the inter-company transmission of the EDI
document.
Interconnect Mailbag.
An optional pair of Data Segments that envelope the EDI document
when it is transmitted between interconnecting entities.
