Operational environment

Operational equipment

Means of communications

EDI Message standards

Codes

Operational environment

The objective of this clause is to include in an agreement the basic requirements for operating Electronic Data Interchange. The list of operational and technical elements which are mentioned in the clause on OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE is not exhaustive. The details regarding these operational requirements will be developed in the user manual, in accordance with the clause on TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS.

Operational equipment

Although Electronic Data Interchange is independent from the hardware, the software and the telecommunication means, the ability to exchange Electronic Data Interchange messages requires information systems to be able to effectively receive, send and process Electronic Data Interchange messages. Basic requirements in that respect include the efficient working of the equipment used for the transfer of messages, including hardware, appropriate software and software translation.

Means of communications

Parties need to determine the method of transmission that they will use including, in particular, the telecommunications protocols and, where necessary, the choice of third party service providers (i.e. suppliers of Value Added Network Services), which might be used to provide a range of services. need to determine the method of transmission that they will use including, in particular, the telecommunications protocols and, where necessary, the choice of third party service providers ( i.e. suppliers of Value Added Network Services), which might be used to provide a range of services.

EDI Message standards

The appropriate specifications required to exchange Electronic Data Interchange messages need to be determined by the parties. Many standards are available. Parties should reach an agreement on these and determine also all appropriate details and specifications. The use of standards developed or accepted by the International Standardisation Organisation (ISO) should be encouraged.

Codes

Code lists which are used for Electronic Data Interchange are essential. Where possible the use of international standards or officially published code lists is recommended. These may not cover all the needs of the parties. In that case it is recommended, in order to promote efficiency, that preference should be given to the use of code lists which are published and maintained by known organizations and which ensure the correspondence with other coding systems (for example: statistical code lists).

>In order to undertake Electronic Data Interchange the Parties shall implement and maintain the operational environment which includes but is not limited to the following:
• Operational equipment. The Parties shall provide and maintain, the equipment, software and services necessary to transmit, receive, translate, record and store Electronic Data Interchange Messages.
• Means of Communication. The Parties shall determine the means of communication to be used, including the telecommunication protocols and if required, the choice of third Party service providers.
• Message definitions. The Parties shall use ISO definitions for Electronic Data Interchange Messages as defined in the User Manual.
• Standards. All Electronic Data Interchange Messages defined in the User Manual shall be transmitted in accordance with standards, recommendations and procedures as defined in the User Manual.
• Codes. Data element code lists referred to in Electronic Data Interchange Messages shall include the agreed standard maintained code lists as defined in the User Manual. Where such code lists are not available, preference shall be given to the use of published and maintained code lists.