Data transformation
How the data transformation process works
EDI data transformation uses an agreed set of rules to convert business transaction data into a standard messaging structure. When received by a trade partner, the data transformation process will decode the message structure sent and present the content of the original transaction in the format required by the receiving application.
The process identifies anomalies
The data transformation process takes into account not only the mandatory data required to make the transaction work but also any other data that may be required. For example, a purchase order number is a required piece of data in a purchase order transaction. If there is a contract reference within the purchase order, it will require a contract number and a start and end date for that contract. The data transformation process will verify the data being processed and alert the user to any anomalies. The data process can then be stopped or allowed to continue accordingly.
Off-the-shelf package
Data transformation packages and/or services are available from many software providers. They are compatible with most computer hardware platforms and provide transformation of all the major messaging standards.