Tutorials EDIMainly the difference between XML/EDI and other systems is that the information is able to be decoded from one operating system to another much more easily and with a greater style within the presentation of the product. However, the system can also be used at its most basic level when that is required. XML/EDI transactions are self describing through the use of XML tags and DTDs. This means that other applications processing XML/EDI documents are able to understand the content through access to just the content of the transaction.
There are various reasons why XML/EDI is important in the new direction of technology. It is founded on open standards, and provides for self-describing transactions. This gives greater access to a variety of systems wishing to access just the content of the document.
XML/EDI allows for those using the tool to expand upon existing products and create new and malleable systems of data exchange. The XML/EDI system interfaces with legacy systems well; it also uses a framework of evolving best practice by incorporating shared dictionaries, which allow for a greater access to templates and their best use. The XML/EDI framework allows for object-based documents – and creates a system whereby data and rules are in parallel.
It provides the way to follow a move down to a document-centric environment. Components within the model allow for a more flexible business model which is cheaper and easier to implement, thereby allowing greater access to more trading partners. However, most importantly, it creates interactivity between transactions enabled by the web rather than having one off transactions. XML/EDI is not simply two technologies thrown together; it is the use of complementing technologies in combination to create a new and advanced style and form of data exchange.
The combination of EDI and XML to create a new vision of XML/EDI allows for a more efficient and modern approach to data exchange within an environment of changing technologies. It presents a new wave of data exchange that can be utilized at various levels of complexity by simple businesses to large corporations. It works upon a framework of interconnected, but not intrinsic levels which can be manipulated for the specific use of each data exchange. At its simplest form, the content of the exchanged data piece can be read and analyzed; however when required, the data can be presented within the current possibilities of technology due to the abilities of the XML tool. As such, XML/EDI allows for a great range of applications within the range of data exchange.
The data can be transported using any electronic messaging device such as modem, floppy, LAN, WAN, Internet and so on. It is the combination of these tools which allows different types of data to be efficiently exchanged while also having an interaction between the data and the user and the system – through the use of Agents and Repository. Hence a document can be manipulated by initially implementing the EDI dictionaries and extending the vocabulary through on-line repositories to include business language, rules and objects.
Thus a brand new way of analyzing received messages is created, which is greater than the sum of the parts. These can be combined in various practices of business whether it be between smaller and large trading partners, or between sole traders, this combination of technologies improves data exchange, and brings it in line with current business language and presentation of ideas.
First Page: How EDI work with XML
