Delft University of Technology
Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering Transport Technology / Logistic Engineering
A.G. Hofman Electronic Data Interchange en de toepasbaarheid hiervan in de logistiek. Literature survey, Report 93.3.LT.4088, Transport Technology, Logistic Engineering.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the electronic exchange of data between computer systems of different organizations. EDI implies the superfluity of a lot of forms and of the input of the same data in different systems. Introduction of EDI therefore can save costs and improve service.
To use EDI, one needs a network and protocols. One can use public data networks or charged networks. To enable communication over these networks one needs protocols. Communication is possible in two ways: With (connection oriented) or without (connectionless) a fixed connection between both computer systems. The development of EDI protocols is based on the Open Systems Interconnection Reference Model.
One can also use the public telephone lines or especially for this purpose developed hired lines. In that case communication is always connection oriented and one uses the X.21 protocol.
For the use of EDI open systems are necessary. Therefore all organizations should use the same standards for the exchange of data. For that purpose national (like Ediforum and SITPRONETH) and international (e.g. the Edifact board) organizations are founded, which are engaged in bringing about a general norm: the Edifact norm. These organizations are also engaged in for instance the legal aspects of EDI.
Reports on Logistic Engineering (in Dutch)
