This section depicts the structure of X12 EDI ISA, GS, and ST envelope segments as tables, with the header row showing elements and delimiter characters (), and the first row the element's character width, or blank if unspecified.
Interchange control header/trailer (ISA/IEA)
The ISA segment is a positional or fixed length record. The ISA/IEA envelope is called the ISA envelope or interchange envelope. One per transmission is required. The Interchange Control Number element in the ISA and IEA segments (highlighted below) must be the same.
The GS/GE envelope is the group level, and groups documents by type and version. One is required per document type. There can be different groups in a single transmission. The Group Control Number element in the GS and GE segments (highlighted below) must be the same.
GS
Document Type
Sender ID
Receiver ID
Date (YYMMDD)
Time (HHMM)
Group Control Number
Standard
Version
2
1
2
1
1
1
6
1
4
1
1
1
GE
Number of STs (Documents)
Group Control Number
2
1
1
Transaction set header/trailer (ST/SE)
The ST/SE envelope is at the transaction set level. One is required for each document. The Transaction Control Number element in the ST and SE segments (highlighted below) must be the same.
ST
Document Number
Transaction Control Number
2
1
3
1
Minimum 4
SE
Number of Segments Including ST and SE
Transaction Control Number
2
1
1
Minimum 4
EDIFACT
The following is an example EDIFACT message. Lines 1 to 3 are described in more detail below.
ANAA: Message type. In this case, it typically refers to an "Acknowledgment" or similar transaction type.
1: Message format version. It helps ensure that both sender and receiver are using compatible formats.
5000167000003: Sender information. This is a unique identifier for the sender (usually a code assigned by the trading partner or a standard body).
ABCCORP UK LTD: Receiver identification. This represents the name of the organization receiving the message. It provides clarity on who the intended recipient is.
02-9050999992211: Contact information. This could be a phone number or another form of contact information related to the supplier or sender.
SUPPLIER NAME: Supplier identification. This could indicate the role or category of the sender, reinforcing that this entity is a supplier.