Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) enables businesses to exchange structured documents automatically, and two of the most widely used standards are EDIFACT and EDI X12. Although both serve the same purpose—streamlining B2B communication—their structure, usage, and regional adoption differ significantly.
EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport) is the global standard developed by the United Nations. It is widely used across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and international logistics networks. EDIFACT messages follow a compact syntax with segments like UNB, UNH, LIN, QTY, and NAD. Its design emphasizes global harmonization and supports a broad range of industries.
EDI X12, created by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), is mainly used in North America. It follows a different message structure, using transaction sets such as 850 (Purchase Order), 856 (Advance Ship Notice), and 810 (Invoice). X12 formats are more verbose, with clear segment identifiers and control numbers that suit U.S. retail, healthcare, transportation, and government sectors.
The key difference lies in regional preference, message format, and implementation style. Companies working internationally usually adopt EDIFACT, while those operating in the U.S. rely heavily on X12. Understanding both ensures smoother integrations across global supply chains.