Trading partner information

Communication information

The communication information you need depends on the communications method you have decided to use. If you are using the Dial Up communications method, before you can communicate, you need the telephone number for your trading partner's computer.

Login information

You must know your trading partner's computer login information (account number and password) to communicate using EDI. This login information enables you to access your trading partner's computer and transfer data.

Interchange IDs

Before you can exchange transactions with a trading partner using EDI, you and your trading partner must agree on the interchange IDs to be used.

Interchange IDs are unique identifiers used to represent a company. You and your trading partner can create your own interchange IDs, as long as the IDs are mutually agreed upon. There are only two restrictions on creating interchange IDs:

• Values in the ID must be alphanumeric

• No ID can be more than 15 characters long for ASC X12, or 35 for UN/EDIFACT.

Group IDs

In addition to your interchange IDs, you and your trading partner must agree on the group IDs to be used.

Group IDs are used to identify specific parts of an organization. For example, if you work for the Midwest Division of A1 Office Supplies, you would have an interchange and group ID. Your interchange ID would specify you work for A1 Office Supplies. Your group ID, however, would specify that you work for A1's Midwest Division.

You and your trading partner can create your own group IDs, as long as the IDs are mutually agreed upon. There are only two restrictions on creating group IDs:

• The IDs must be alphanumeric

• No ID can be more than 15 characters long for ASC X12