DESADV segments/elements question

[KarveR]

Hi All, I've been lurking for a while now and read all that looks releveant, but have a small problem.

I was recently asked to provide a test file and spec for a new customer, who wishes to use EDIFACT messaging with us.

(Water off a ducks back if its Tradacomms) , but no, the guy wants EDIFACT. He wants to use DESADV to send us new orders, not INSDES as our other customers do. He also wants yours truly to tell HIM what to send....

Fine. I can do this.... I think.

So Heres where I get to: I've created a file:

UNH 00000000000032
BGM 351 9  
DTM 137 20031106                            102
RFF CU  0081326002                         
NADADELIVER-TO NAME            
NADBADDRESS ONE                         ADDRESS TWO
NADCADDRESS THHREE                      ADDRESS FOUR
NADFXX99 9XX
CPS 1           
LIN 000001 1234567890123
PIA 5   PROD_CODE1                          SA  91 
IMD F       DU                        PRODUCT DESCRIPTION1
IMDAOTHER PRODUCT DESRIPTION
QTYA12  000000001234.000
LIN 000002 1234567890124
PIA 5   PROD_CODE2                          SA  91 
IMD F       DU                        PRODUCT DESCRIPTION2
IMDAOTHER PRODUCT DESRIPTION
QTYA12  000000003456.000
FTX DEL
FTXADELIVERY INSTRUCTION LINE 1
FTXBDELIVERY INSTRUCTION LINE 2                      
FTXCDELIVERY INSTRUCTION LINE 3                                    
FTXDDELIVERY INSTRUCTION LINE 4

My software likes it (Desktop EDI), and has no errors (wtf I'm a genius !!!??) BUT how do I explain to my customer what each piece of the message is (BGM,DTM,RFF CU etc etc) because I have no clue what they are either.
Actually, thats not strictly true, I have a general idea but only a general Idea, and at this point I need to know EXACTLY what they are.

Is there any super-secret hidden online resource for knowing this stuff? could anyone point me to somewhere where I can find more info , or mail me details, specs or possibly even volunteer their services etc..??? heeeelp !

Please thanks and cheers..

KarveR.

______________________________________________________________________
There's no present like the time, they say. - Henry's Cat.

 

[EDIhappy]

Hi,

If you have GE Desktop, and the file translates, then you have the edifact desadv EDF and HDF file within Desktop software, to explain the mapping from the flat file to the EDI file. (search for DESA*.??? for the exact names)

If you are sending the message then your trading partner should know what data they want, and tell you which fields to use. Ask then for an EDI file they already get from other trading partners for the same message, as that might help.

After that you need the full EDI DESADV spec. You should find at least one or two flaoting around on the web. Most versions are much the same so if you found a 00A version the descriptions would probably fit a D96a version.

How do you find GE Desktop. I use Atlas or GE INtercept for windows as you GE users might know it. This allows you to create your own mapping to suite your internal flat file structure.