Batch Processing - The processing of computer information after it has accumulated in one group or batch.

Binary - A system of numerical notation in which only the values of 0 and 1 are used.

Bisynchronous - A communication protocol whereby messages are sent as blocks of characters. The blocks of data are checked for completeness and accuracy by the receiving computer.

To be in agreement with the requirements of the standard that you used to create the message. This means that the data entered in the message is in the correct format for the standard you are using

Connectivity - The ability to make and maintain a connection between two or more points in a telecommunications system. The typical mechanism for establishing connectivity in an EDI system is a Value Added Network (VAN).

Compliance Checking - Checking process used to ensure that a transmission complies with ANSI X12 syntax rules (US).

Data Segment - Intermediate unit of information in a message. A segment consists of a pre-defined set of functionally related data elements which are identified by sequential position within the set.

Delimiters - Integral part of the transferred data stream, they consist of two levels of separators and a terminator. Delimiters are specified in the interchange header. From highest to lowest level, the separators and terminator are:- segment terminator, data element separator, and component element separator (used only in EDIFACT).

DES Data Encryption Standard- One of a number of standards for securing data during transmission by encrypting it.

DISA Data Interchange Standards Association-  The trade organization that acts as secretariat for ANSI ASC X12 and the Pan-American EDIFACT Board in the United States.

Download - The process of receiving data from another computer at a remote site onto the computer under the control of the operator.

DSD - Direct Store Delivery. The practice of delivering product directly to store and notifying the store of the delivery electronically rather than by paper.

DSS Decision Support System- Software designed to assist in decision-making by providing analytical programs and data available on mainframes by linking computers to mainframes.

DSTU - Draft Standard for Trial Use. A standard approved by the ANSI ASC X12 committee prior to full approval by ANSI.

EDI Translation- The conversion of application data to and from a standard format.

Electronic Commerce - Conducting business between computer through the use of digital exchange.

Electronic Mail - The process of sending, receiving, storing, and/or forwarding messages in digital form via telecommunication.

Encryption- The process of transforming clear text (data in its original form) into cipher text (the output of a cryptographic algorithm) for security or privacy.

End-User- Anyone how uses a computer system or its output

Gateway- The interconnection between public or private networks, allowing the transmission of documents in EDI format across multiple networks.

GCI- Global Commerce Initiative. A global industry user group which identifies issues hindering supply chain performance and suggests potential global solutions for data, messages, processes and associated requirements which it can offer to standards bodies such as GS1 for adoption.

GDD- Global Data Dictionary: a GS1 standard which allows all the potential attributes of an item to be defined. These attributes may include size, brand information, logistical information, etc.

GDS - Global Data Synchronisation.

GDSN Global Data Synchronisation Network - Provides a framework that allows all datapools to interoperate and share data seamlessly.

GLN A Global Location Number (GLN)is a unique number that is assigned to locations to enable them to be identified uniquely worldwide. These global location numbers can be used to identify any legal, physical and functional locations. Global locations numbers are reference keys to computer files where information about the company or location can be found. The GLNs replace the names and addresses of locations and are particularly useful when automating processes; they allow computers to route information to the correct destination with no manual involvement. GLNs must be used when identifying locations and trading partners within Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) business messages and data pools, and they can also be used in bar codes to identify a physical location or to provide relevant information for delivery or invoicing purposes.

GLOBAL Registry - A central service which holds pointers to data held in local datapools, provides an index for companies looking for product data held in local datapools and ensures datapools are fully compliant with GS1 standards.

GPC Global Product Classification- a standard way of categorizing products that provides a way to link different company classification systems and offers a common language for collaborative business processes.

GS1 - A worldwide network of standards bodies and service providers which develops global supply chain standards and solutions used by over one million companies for bar coding, electronic business messaging, data synchronisation and through the EPCglobal Network, radio frequency identification.

GRN Goods Received Note- A document raised by a customer receiving goods to confirm what has been received, so that invoices may be approved for payment.

Network Management - Identifies fault, accounting, configuration, security, and performance management.

Network Service Provider - A company that maintains a network and offers its services and capabilities to others for a fee.

Notification of Shipment- A transaction set that advises of the delivery schedule and provides a description of the shipment.

OASIS Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards- A not-for-profit global consortium that drives the development, convergence and adoption of e-business standards.

OFTP - ODETTE File Transfer Protocol. The messaging protocol for the European automotive industry.

OSI - Open Systems Interconnect. Structure based on seven-layer model developed by ISO, which will allow different computer manufacturers' machines to communicate with one another.

PIP Partner Interface Processes- RosettaNet PIPs define business processes between trading partners via XML-based dialogs.

Protocol Communication - standards that determine message content and format, enabling uniformity of transmissions.

Protocol Conversion- The process of allowing two systems with different protocols to communicate.

Purchase Order - A document issued by a buyer to a seller that details the terms of sale under which the buyer will purchase the seller's goods.

Purchase Order Acknowledgment - A document issued by a seller to a buyer that confirms receipt of a purchase order.

Receiving Advice Transaction- A transaction set that includes the quantity, description and condition of the product received.

SAAS - Software as a Service

SFTP- Simple File Transfer Protocol. A network protocol that provides file transfer and manipulation functionality over any reliable data stream. It is typically used with the SSH-2 protocol to provide secure file transfer. (See also SSH).

Trading Partner Agreement - A document that describes the terms of sale, payment, usability, warranties, transaction data sets, processing times, and conflict resolution steps, (to name a few) between trading partners. You should establish a Trading Partner Agreement with each new partner before trading electronically.

Transaction- A transaction is the exchange of a business document that facilitates a business process, such as a purchase order, invoice or advance ship notice.

Transaction Set- A block of information in EDI, making up a business transaction, or part of a business transaction. This is sometimes known as an EDI document, but more widely as an EDI message.

Translation- The act of converting a business document to and from the EDI standard.

Translation Window- The days and times, agreed upon by all Trading Partners, during which EDI documents can be sent and received electronically. Outside of maintenance times, GXS TradeWeb subscribers can send and receive messages 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

UCS - A subset of the ANSI X12 EDI standard.

UPC- Universal Product Code (UPC) is the most common barcode format used in North America.

Validation - The process of determining that compliance standards have been met by a particular document in an EDI transmission.

VPN - Virtual Private Network

WINS - Warehouse Information Network Standards. A set of EDI standards for warehousing and distribution. WINS is a subset of the ANSI X12 national standard.

XML - The usual abbreviation for Extensible Markup Language - an open standard for describing data defined by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).