Worldwide Standards


Up to now the focus has been on the pieces that make up the ANSI X12 standard.

Different standards are in use worldwide. Although the differences tend to be very minor, it's important that you understand the differences, at least form a high level.

The biggest difference between X12 standards and EDIFACT standards is that the domestic X12 standards are driven by commercial interests, while EDIFACT standards are largely driven by various governments that are on the UN/EDIFACT board. They are aimed at accommodating government reporting and transactions. In EDIFACT, transactions are referred to as messages. There is a great deal of overlap and similarity between ANSI X12 and EDIFACT.