Intro to Simpl-EDI

To support simple, standard electronic commerce, e-centre (UK) developed Simpl-EDI, which was handed over to UN/CEFACT in order become a global standard for electronic business. Sadly this never matured. Simpl-EDI is a set of standard data definitions for all the data elements most commonly used in electronic commerce. It uses the same definitions for such data elements as dates, quantities, buyers, sellers, products, services etc whether used on Internet screens, electronic forms, or for enterprise to enterprise communications via Electronic Data Interchange, and for all industries, institutions and economies.

Simpl-EDI keeps all orders, invoices and other key transactions very simple by putting all the related data into master files and cross referring to these via standard numbers and codes. For example, there would be an EAN number for a buyer or customer on an order, but if you wanted to know about the buyer's name and address, etc you would use this number to cross refer to the buyer master file to access all relevant data about him or her.

Master files would be synchronized between companies in advance of trading to ensure that all data is aligned between value chain partners e.g. product prices. This can be done by EDI or via a shared electronic catalogue on the Internet or other network. Master data relates to:

  • value chain participants - buyers, sellers, agents (such as banks, insurance companies, transporters), authorities (such as Customs, inspection bodies), individuals (consumers, citizens, patients, employees);
  • products or services;
  • processes, treatments; and
  • assets used across the value chain.

Simpl-EDI also defines standard messages across all value chains. For example, an order to deliver is the same as on order to move a product and almost the same as an order to process a piece of steel, treat a patient or pay a bill. Plans are simply future orders and reports or performance data represent actual achievement against past orders. Hence the maximum use is made of the same data elements and the same shared master data. Master data files are kept up-to-date and synchronized among organizations to ensure that transactions can be both error free and very simple and standard.

The Simpl-EDI messages described in this section are significantly simpler in content and structure than any previously published International EDIFACT subset, by a factor of about ten to one. This simplification has been achieved by adherence to the fundamental principles outlined above; principles to which prospective users will need to subscribe if they are to take advantage of this approach.

Master Data Messages

Simple Party Information Message

The purpose of a Party Information message is to establish and to maintain basic information regarding locations and the related operational, administrative, commercial and financial data.

Simple Price Catalogue Message

The purpose of a Price Catalogue message is to establish and to maintain a list of products and their prices, initiated by one party and received by another. The normal exchange is from supplier or seller to buyer, but it may equally pass from buyer to seller to set acceptable prices.

Simple Product Data Message

The purpose of a Product Data message is to establish and to maintain a list of products and their characteristics, initiated by one party and received by another. The normal exchange is from supplier (or seller) to buyer.

Transactional Messages

Invoice

A message claiming payment for goods or services supplied under conditions agreed between the seller-supplier and customer-buyer. The simple invoice message may be applied to both national and international trade. It is based on universal commercial practices and is not dependent on the type of business or industry.

Purchase Order

A message specifying details for goods or services ordered under conditions agreed between the seller-supplier and customer-buyer. It may be an order to purchase, dispatch, move, produce or treat.

Purchase Order Response

A message from the seller-supplier to the customer-buyer, responding to a purchase order. The UN standard Purchase Order Response message may be applied for both national and international trade. It is based on universal commercial practice and is not dependent on the type of business or industry.

Dispatch Advice

A message specifying details for goods dispatched or ready for dispatch under agreed conditions. It is based on universal commercial practice and is not dependent on the type of business or industry.

Extended Payment

An extended payment order is sent by the ordering buyer-customer (or payer agent on behalf of the ordering customer) to the ordered bank, to instruct the ordered bank to debit an account it services for the ordering customer and to arrange for the payment of a specified amount to the beneficiary (or payee or agent in favor of the beneficiary).

See also

Standards Bodies