EDIFACT Mastery: From Fundamentals to Global Integration
EDIFACT, which stands for Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce, and Transport, is a set of internationally recognized standards for the electronic exchange of structured data between independent computerized information systems. Developed under the United Nations, EDIFACT is designed to be used in international, multi-industry data interchange.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) should be invisible to the business operations it facilitates. But this is far from true if you’re tasked with building and implementing an EDI system, or enabling your EDI architecture to translate messages from another EDI standard.
Although only one of many EDI standards, EDIFACT stands out as a comprehensive EDI methodology used by organizations across the globe.
At Tune-Up Skills, we aim to provide practical guidance about the EDIFACT Transaction Sets (T-sets), syntax, and message construction to help you understand how to translate messages into EDIFACT and coordinate with supply chain partners.
EDIFACT Mastery: From Fundamentals to Global Integration is a comprehensive online course designed to equip professionals with the essential knowledge and practical skills to master Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce, and Transport (EDIFACT). The program blends instructional videos, real-world examples, and hands-on exercises, enabling participants to read, construct, and implement EDIFACT messages within their organizations.
- Unlock Global Trade Efficiency: Learn how to standardize and automate business document exchange using internationally recognized EDIFACT standards—streamlining processes in supply chain, logistics, and more.
- Flexible, Self-Paced Learning: Access the course anytime and progress at your own speed from anywhere, with lifetime access to all materials and updates.
- Practical, Instructor-Led Content: Benefit from expert-led guidance, clear instructional modules, and project-based learning designed to accelerate practical mastery of EDI workflows.
- Real-World Application: Apply your skills through industry-based projects and real message mapping, providing immediate value to employers and career advancement.
Ideal for Professionals and Teams: Suited for business analysts, IT specialists, logistics coordinators, and anyone driving digital transformation within their organization.
What is EDIFACT?
EDIFACT, or ‘Electronic Data Interchange For Administration, Commerce, and Transport’, is a robust set of standards developed by the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT).
In essence, EDIFACT works by standardizing the electronic data interchange between business partners. Created to serve any business transaction in any industry, it encompasses a wide range of document types (e.g. invoices, purchase orders, delivery notes, etc.), and has even spawned a number of industry-specific ‘subsets’ like EANCOM, which was created for the retail sector.
EDIFACT, like all EDI standards, was designed to facilitate the global and multi-industry exchange of electronic business documents in order to streamline the complexities inherent in global trade. However, this only works if you formulate your messages using the right codes, T-sets, and syntax.
How EDIFACT messages are constructed
The syntax rules of the EDIFACT standard are vital for constructing and interpreting EDIFACT messages by ensuring each message’s coherence and uniformity. We’ll deep-dive into those details during the class.
Usable Characters: The language
EDIFACT has a specific set of characters that can be used within messages. These include:
- Alphabetic characters: A to Z (uppercase only)
- Numeric characters: 0 to 9
- Special characters: A set of special characters, such as . , – ( ) / = + : ? ‘ and spaces
What you will learn:
- EDIFACT Basics: Learn the fundamentals of EDIFACT, understand what it is, and why it’s crucial in today’s digital commerce.
- Structure of EDIFACT Messages: Explore the anatomy of an EDIFACT message, including segments, elements, and syntax rules.
- Standards and Versions: Get acquainted with various EDIFACT standards and versions and learn how to navigate through them.
- Implementing EDIFACT: Understand the practical aspects of implementing EDIFACT in business processes, including integration with existing systems.
- EDI and Global Trade: Learn about the role of EDIFACT in global trade, exploring its impact on efficiency and automation in international transactions.
- Case Studies: Analyze real-world case studies demonstrating the use of EDIFACT in various industries such as logistics, manufacturing, and retail.
- Future of EDIFACT: Discuss the future prospects of EDIFACT and its evolving role in the era of emerging digital technologies.
Who should enroll:
- Professionals in international trade, logistics, and supply chain management.
- IT professionals dealing with EDI/EDIFACT implementation and management.
- Students and academicians interested in electronic data interchange and digital trade.
Course Format:
- Delivery Mode: Live virtual setting via Zoom platform, featuring interactive lectures, practical exercises, and live Q&A sessions.
- Instructors: Industry experts with extensive experience in EDI and global trade processes.
- Assessment: Weekly quizzes, projects, participation in discussions and activities, capstone project, and final exam.
Course Detail:
Start Date: The class starts on in January 2026. Access to the online platform and live virtual environment will be granted to students.
Days & Times: Mondays and Wednesdays, 6 pm to 8 pm EST (US and Canada).
Duration: This is a 12-week live virtual course.
- The first 8 weeks, comprise pre-recorded classes and instructor-led live virtual meetings with the instructor.
- The final 4 weeks includes the completion of 5 projects and a capstone project to add to your portfolio and career development pathway.
Live Virtual Meetings: This course is an instructor-led live virtual course held in Zoom. It provides you with an interactive online educational experience, where you engage in real-time with an expert instructor through the Zoom platform. The course curriculum combines the personal touch of classroom teaching with the convenience of online learning from any space of your choice.
The Tune-Up Skills live-virtual courses feature live lectures, interactive discussions, Q&A sessions, hands-on exercises using industry-grade software, and real-time feedback and may include breakout groups.
If you are seeking a structured, collaborative learning environment from any location and obtain relevant skills in today’s job market, this is your ideal program.
The Zoom conference starts in January 2026. Access to the Zoom conference meeting will be granted after you have registered.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Why Choose Tune-Up Skills or Our Partner Companies?
- Professional Growth: Benefit from a dynamic work environment that fosters continuous learning and professional development.
- Industry Collaboration: Join teams that collaborate with industry leaders and contribute to cutting-edge advancements in electronic data interchange.
- Global Reach: Explore opportunities with companies that have a global presence, providing exposure to diverse markets and business landscapes.
How to Get Started:
- Capstone Project Completion:
- Ensure the successful completion of your EDIFACT capstone project within the specified timeframe.
- Express Your Preferences:
- Let us know your career preferences, whether you are interested in exploring opportunities with Abidorch Consultancy Inc. or our partner companies.
- Career Services Support:
- Our dedicated career services team will assist in connecting you with potential employers based on your preferences.
Your Future Awaits: Tune-Up Skills and Beyond
This is your chance to transition from academia to industry, and we are here to support you in every step of your career journey. Whether you envision yourself contributing to innovative projects at Tune-Up Skills or exploring opportunities with our partner companies, the possibilities are vast.
Curriculum
- 9 Sections
- 27 Lessons
- 12 Weeks
- Introduction to EDIFACTEDIFACT, which stands for Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce, and Transport, is a set of internationally recognized standards for the electronic exchange of structured data between independent computerized information systems. Developed under the United Nations, EDIFACT is designed to be used in international, multi-industry data interchange. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) should be invisible to the business operations it facilitates. But this is far from true if you’re tasked with building and implementing an EDI system, or enabling your EDI architecture to translate messages from another EDI standard. Although only one of many EDI standards, EDIFACT stands out as a comprehensive EDI methodology used by organizations across the globe. At Tune-Up Skills, we aim to provide practical guidance about the EDIFACT Transaction Sets (T-sets), syntax, and message construction to help you understand how to translate messages into EDIFACT and coordinate with supply chain partners. What is EDIFACT? EDIFACT, or ‘Electronic Data Interchange For Administration, Commerce, and Transport’, is a robust set of standards developed by the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT). In essence, EDIFACT works by standardizing the electronic data interchange between business partners. Created to serve any business transaction in any industry, it encompasses a wide range of document types (e.g. invoices, purchase orders, delivery notes, etc.), and has even spawned a number of industry-specific ‘subsets’ like EANCOM, which was created for the retail sector. EDIFACT, like all EDI standards, was designed to facilitate the global and multi-industry exchange of electronic business documents in order to streamline the complexities inherent in global trade. However, this only works if you formulate your messages using the right codes, T-sets, and syntax.3
- EDIFACT Structure and Syntax3
- EDIFACT Transaction Sets (T-sets) and CodesEDIFACT Code List EDIFACT has a more comprehensive set of codes than most EDI standards, resulting in more possible segments and T-sets. Understanding these codes simplifies the usage of the system and aids in its successful application. The most common examples of EDIFACT codes include: EDIFACT Code and Usage Description DELFOR Delivery Forecast DELJIT Delivery Just-In-Time DESADV Dispatch Advice IFTMIN Instructions for Transport IFTMBF Transport Booking Request IFTMBC Transport Booking Confirmation INVOIC Invoice ORDERS Purchase Order PAYORD Payment Order PRICAT Price Catalogue PRODAT Product Data INVRPT Inventory Report RECADV Receipt Advice MSCONS Metered Services Consumption Report UTILMD Utilities Master Data ORDCHG Purchase Order Change Request CONTRL Functional Acknowledgement REMADV Remittance Advice SLSRPT Outgoing Sales Report ORDRSP Purchase Order Response Note: There are many more codes included within the EDIFACT format, each aimed at optimizing a specific sector of commerce, transport, or administration.3
- Data Elements and SegmentsData Elements: The building blocks Data Elements are the fundamental units in an EDIFACT message, encapsulating individual pieces of information analogous to words in a language. They can be either simple or composite and align within segments following a pre-defined sequence. Key points about Data Elements: Simple Data Elements contain a single piece of data. For example, a specific price or date. Composite Data Elements hold multiple related pieces of data, or sub-elements. For instance, a composite data element could encapsulate a complete address. Each Data Element has a unique number as defined in the UNTDED (United Nations Trade Data Element Directory). Segments: The framework of EDIFACT Segments function as containers for logically related data elements, akin to sentences in a language that convey a complete idea. They outline specific information, such as customer details or product information. Key points about Segments: Standard segments like the ‘NAD’ and ‘DTM’ have specific purposes, providing name and address details or specifying a date or time. The segments in a message follow a definite sequence as defined in the ‘message structure diagram’ — the framework for each EDIFACT message type. A segment begins with a Segment tag, which is a three-letter code indicating the type of data contained in the segment. Below is a table listing some common EDIFACT segments: Segment Code Segment Name Description UNH Message Header Starts a message and assigns it a unique reference number. BGM Beginning of Message Identifies the message type and function. DTM Date/Time/Period Provides date and time information. NAD Name & Address Specifies name and address details of parties involved. LIN Line Item Identifies line items within a transaction. UNT Message Trailer Marks the end of the message and counts the total number of segments. Each data element within the LIN segment holds a piece of information related to an item in an order, e.g. its identifier, the action required, item number, and any sub-line information. T-sets: Groups of segments EDIFACT segments group together to create T-sets, which represent a specific business transaction or unit of communication. For example, a T-set can represent a purchase order, invoice or logistics shipping instruction. Key points about EDIFACT T-sets: Each T-set adheres to a standardized structure, prescribed by the EDIFACT standard. This ensures that irrespective of the parties involved, the T-set is consistently interpreted and processed. Every T-set has a unique EDIFACT code, ensuring that it can be universally recognized. For example, the code ‘ORDERS’ represents a Purchase Order T-set, and ‘INVOIC’ signifies an Invoice T-set. A T-set consists of multiple segments, each carrying a distinct piece of information relevant to the transaction. Segments in a T-set are organized in a specific, predefined order.3
- EDIFACT Message ConstructionHow EDIFACT messages are constructed The syntax rules of the EDIFACT standard are vital for constructing and interpreting EDIFACT messages by ensuring each message’s coherence and uniformity. We'll deep-dive into those details during the class. Usable Characters: The language EDIFACT has a specific set of characters that can be used within messages. These include: Alphabetic characters: A to Z (uppercase only) Numeric characters: 0 to 9 Special characters: A set of special characters, such as . , – ( ) / = + : ? ‘ and spaces These provide a range of options to construct all types of commercial, administrative, and transport messages.Message: The complete EDIFACT transaction. A Message in the EDIFACT system is akin to a paragraph or a complete letter. It’s the assembled form of all related segments required to represent a business transaction. Key points about Messages: Each message starts with a ‘message header’ (UNH) segment and ends with a ‘message trailer’ (UNT) segment, forming a self-contained data exchange unit. The messages depict specific transactions like invoices, purchase orders, or transport instructions. Example of a Message: UNH — Message Header BGM — Beginning of Message (identifies the type and function of the message) DTM — Date/Time/Period (provides date and time information related to the transaction) NAD — Name and Address (provides name and address information related to parties involved in the transaction) LIN — Line Item (defines specific line items within the transaction) UNT — Message Trailer3
- Industry Application of EDIFACT3
- Mapping and Implementation3
- Advanced Topics and Future Trends3
- Practical Exercises and Capstone Project3
