EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce, and Transport) is an international EDI standard developed by the United Nations. It facilitates the structured exchange of electronic documents like invoices, purchase orders, and shipping notices across industries and borders.

EDIFACT is used globally and is the standard for many industries outside North America, while ANSI X12 is primarily used in the United States. EDIFACT has a different syntax and focuses on international trade, offering broader multilingual and multi-industry capabilities.

An EDIFACT message typically includes:

• UNA: Service String Advice (optional).
   
• UNB/UNZ: Interchange Header and Trailer.
   
• UNH/UNT: Message Header and Trailer.
   
• Segments: Groups of related data (e.g., product details, pricing).
   
• Data Elements: Individual pieces of information (e.g., product ID, quantity).

EDIFACT is widely adopted in sectors like logistics, retail, manufacturing, and healthcare. It supports global supply chain operations, freight forwarding, and cross-border commerce.

1. Select an EDI solution that supports EDIFACT standards.
    
2. Map EDIFACT documents to your internal systems.
    
3. Work with trading partners to establish protocols and conduct testing.
    
4. Use secure communication channels like AS2, SFTP, or a VAN for message transmission.

Common EDIFACT message types include:
 

• ORDERS (EDI 850): Purchase Order
   
• INVOIC (EDI 810): Invoice
   
• DESADV (EDI 856): Dispatch Advice (similar to an Advanced Shipping Notice)
   
• IFTMIN (EDI 204): Instruction for Transport (freight details)
   
• RECADV (EDI 861): Receiving Advice (confirmation of goods receipt)
   
• PAYORD (EDI 820): Payment Order

These message types ensure compatibility and efficiency in logistics, retail, and manufacturing workflows.