Find your way around a bunch of terms and acronyms
Glossary
In this glossary, you will find the most interesting terms and abbreviations that can be found on our websites, arranged alphabetically.
Click on letter to see definition of terms or abbreviations that you are interested in.
3
8
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
M
O
P
R
S
T
V
W
X
Z
3
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3PL – 3PL stands for third party logistics and it is the outsourcing of your
logistics operations and is instrumental in maintaining a steady supply
chain for a company. EDI messaging can streamline communication between
3PL and your business and your customer.
8
-
810 –
Invoice: The 810 document is an invoice sent from the seller to the buyer, requesting payment for goods or services provided.
-
830 –
Planning Schedule:
The 830 document provides a forecast of the buyer's production and
delivery schedule to help suppliers align their planning with
anticipated demand.
-
855 –
Purchase Order Acknowledgment: The 855 document is a response from a seller to acknowledge and accept a purchase order issued by a buyer.
-
862 –
Shipping Schedule:
The 862 document informs suppliers about specific shipping
requirements, including dates, methods, and quantities, to ensure timely
delivery.
-
865 –
Purchase Order Change Acknowledgment/Request: The 865 document acknowledges or requests changes to a previously issued purchase order.
A
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A2A stands for “application-to-application” and denotes the integration and communication between different software applications or systems. A2A interactions are typically automated and involve the exchange of data or messages between applications without human intervention
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Accredited Standards Committee X12 – The group authorized by the
American National Standards Institute to develop and maintain the EDI Standards used primarily in the United States.
-
ANSI
– American National Standards Institute – The national standards body
for the United States. ANSI, through its accredited standards
committees, keeps the standards for all applications of technology and
mechanics for U.S. Industry.
-
API
stands for "Application Programming Interface." It is a set of rules,
protocols, and tools that allows different software applications to
communicate and interact with each other. APIs define the methods and
data formats through which applications can access and exchange
information or perform specific functions within a software system or
between different systems.
-
AS1 – AS1
protocol is based on email tech and uses SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer)
and S/MIME (Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) technologies.
It allows the sender the option of requesting MDNs (Message Disposition
Notifications), and sharing encrypted, and signed messages to secure the
EDI transfer process.
-
AS2 –
AS2 is an open standard and uses the HTTP/S (hypertext transport
protocol secure) for secure data transmission over the Internet. Just
like AS1, AS2 uses an S/MIME tech to secure EDI messages in an
'envelope'. The EDI message is secured using digital certifications and
encryption. The receiver of the document can send a signed message as a
notification containing a Message Integrity Check (MIC).
-
AS3
– Applicability Statement 3 is used to transfer XML and MFT documents
using FTP (File Transfer Protocol). AS3 makes FTP transfer secure with
the use of MDNs for message verification and encryption. Organizations
that have FTP scripting infrastructure or that have to transmit
sensitive information use AS3 for EDI messaging.
-
AS4
– AS4 uses SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) over HTTP to transmit
EDI messages. It is an open standard for the secure exchange of EDI
documents using web services. Just like the other AS protocols, AS4 uses
XML encryption and digital signatures for an added layer of security.
-
Authentication
– A mechanism that allows the receiver of an electronic transmission to
verify the sender and the integrity of the content of the transmission
through the use of an electronic "key" or algorithm shared by the
business partners. The algorithm is sometimes referred to as an
electronic or digital signature.
-
AWS is
an acronym for Amazon Web Services. It is a comprehensive cloud
computing platform provided by Amazon.com. AWS offers a wide range of
services, including computing power, storage, databases, networking,
analytics, and more, allowing organizations to build and deploy various
applications and services in a flexible and scalable manner without
having to buy and manage their own equipment.
B
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B2B
stands for "business-to-business" and refers to transactions,
interactions, and commerce conducted between two or more businesses. It
involves the exchange of goods, services, or information between
companies rather than between businesses and consumers.
-
B2B/EDI
Business-to-Business Electronic Data Interchange. It is a standardized
method for exchanging business documents electronically between trading
partners in a structured format. B2B EDI enables seamless communication
and transaction processing between different businesses, automating
various processes such as purchase orders, invoices, and shipping
notices.
-
B2G
stands for "business-to-government" and represents interactions and
transactions between businesses and government entities. It typically
involves businesses supplying products or services to government
agencies or participating in government procurement processes.
-
Business Partner Agreement
– contains the general contract terms and conditions, participant roles
(buyers, sellers), communication and security protocols, and business
processes (valid actions, sequencing rules, etc.). Extensible Markup
Language-based Business Partner Agreement documents capture the
essential information upon which business partners must agree in order
for their applications and business processes to communicate.
C
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Catena-X
is the first collaborative, open data ecosystem for the automotive
industry of the future, linking global players into end-to-end value
chains – as simply, securely and independently as never before. The
shared goal: a standardized global data exchange based on European
values. The claim is data sovereignty.
- A
cloud platform
refers to a virtualized computing environment that provides a range of
services, resources, and infrastructure over the internet. It allows
users to access and utilize computing resources, such as processing
power, storage, and software applications, without the need for
on-premises infrastructure. Cloud platforms typically offer scalability,
flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, enabling users to deploy and
manage their applications or services in a cloud-based environment.
-
Complex data handling
refers to the management and processing of data sets. It involves
techniques and methodologies to handle data that is large in volume, has
a high level of complexity, or requires sophisticated analysis. Complex
data handling often requires specialized tools, algorithms, or
approaches to effectively store, manipulate, analyze, and extract
insights from complex data structures. In the case of Omnizon B2B/EDI
Platform the 'definition' and 'management' functions of this complex
data handling process are dramatically simplified by the use of a highly
intuitive administration interface that offers significant flexibility
in the selection of process configuration options meaning that every
complex data and message handling process can be defined in a single,
multi-step process, making each task, quicker, easier and minimising
errors.
The complex data and message handling process includes all the key steps which are grouped within six core process types:
– Validation
– Transformation
– Digital signing
– Visualization
– Merging or splitting of complex structured or unstructured data
– Calls to external systems during handling procedures
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Customer-Portal:
Omnizon Customer Portal is a web-based interface of our platform that
enables customers to interact with a company or service provider, access
relevant information. It serves as a centralized hub for customers to
manage their accounts, create orders, view order history, track
shipments, submit support requests, or access other customer-related
services and resources.
D
-
DELFOR
(Delivery Schedule): The DELFOR message is used to provide a forecast
or schedule of expected deliveries from a buyer to a supplier. It
contains information about the requested delivery dates, quantities, and
locations. The DELFOR message assists the supplier in planning and
adjusting their production and logistics activities accordingly
-
DESADV
(Dispatch Advice): The
DESADV
message is used to provide advanced notification of goods dispatched or
shipped. It contains information about the contents of the shipment,
such as item details, packaging, quantities, and delivery instructions.
The DESADV message helps the receiving party to prepare for the arrival
of the goods and perform necessary logistics activities.
-
Digital signing,
also known as electronic signing or e-signing, is a process of applying
a digital signature to an electronic document or transaction. It
provides a secure and legally binding way to authenticate the identity
of the signer and ensure the integrity and non-repudiation of the signed
document. Digital signing typically involves cryptographic techniques
to create a unique digital signature that can be verified by the
recipient.
-
Digitalization
is the process of converting analog information, objects, or processes
into a digital format. It involves the use of digital technologies to
transform traditional methods, systems, and operations into digital
equivalents, allowing for improved efficiency, automation, and
integration in various domains such as business, communication, and
production.
-
Dropshipping
is a business model where an online retailer (the dropshipper) sells
products to customers without keeping the inventory in stock. Instead,
when a customer places an order, the retailer places an order for the
product with a third-party supplier or manufacturer who ships it
directly to the customer. The dropshipper (the online retailer) acts as
an intermediary, handling the sales and customer service aspects while
relying on the supplier to fulfill orders and handle the physical
product storage and shipment. This allows the dropshipper to operate
without the need for upfront inventory investment or fulfillment
logistics
E
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E-archiving,
also known as electronic archiving, is the process of digitally storing
and preserving electronic documents and records for long-term retention
according to legal and association requirements. It involves capturing,
indexing, and storing electronic files in a secure and organized
manner, ensuring their integrity, authenticity, and accessibility over
time. E-archiving helps organizations comply with legal, regulatory, and
business requirements related to document retention and retrieval.
-
E-invoicing,
or electronic invoicing, is the process of creating, sending,
receiving, and processing invoices in an electronic format instead of
traditional paper-based invoices. E-invoicing enables businesses to
automate invoice generation, delivery, and payment processes, improving
accuracy, efficiency, and cost savings. It typically involves the
exchange of structured invoice data in standard electronic formats,
facilitating seamless integration with accounting systems and reducing
manual data entry.
-
EANCOM
stands for European Article Number Communication and is what came after
EDIFACT. A widely used international standard that is based on the GS1
numbering system for product details.
-
EDI stands
for Electronic Data Interchange. It is a standardized method for
exchanging business documents electronically between different computer
systems in a structured format. EDI enables the automated exchange of
documents such as purchase orders, invoices, and shipping notices
between trading partners, helping to streamline and automate business
processes.
-
EDIFACT
Electronic Data Interchange For Administration, Commerce, and Transport
is an international standard for structuring electronic data
interchange messages. It provides a set of standardized message formats
that facilitate the exchange of business documents, such as purchase
orders, invoices, and shipping notifications, between different
organizations and computer systems.
-
ERP
means Enterprise Resource Planning. It refers to a suite of integrated
software applications that organizations use to manage and automate
their core business processes. ERP systems typically include modules for
finance, human resources, supply chain management, inventory control,
and other functions, providing a centralized database and facilitating
the flow of information across different departments.
-
Extended EDI
refers to an expanded version of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI),
which involves the electronic exchange of business documents between
trading partners. Extended EDI typically includes additional
functionalities and capabilities beyond the traditional EDI standards,
such as support for more data formats, enhanced data validation, and
integration with other systems or technologies. In case of Omnizon
B2B/EDI Platform that is a group of additional modules like Supplier
Portal, Customer Portal, e Invoicing, Speedox Delivery and eArchive
F
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Freemium
is a business model that offers both free and premium (paid) versions
of a product or service. The term is a combination of "free" and
"premium." The free version typically provides basic features or limited
functionality, while the premium version offers additional features,
enhanced capabilities, or an ad-free experience. FreemiumEDI is the free
and unlimited version B2B/EDI platform solution from OMNIZON NETWORKS.
G
-
Gaia-X
is a European initiative to develop a competitive and independent IT
infrastructure based on open source technologies with a stand-alone
solution. The aim is to achieve more transparency, controllability,
portability and interoperability of data and services. Gais-X is based
on the common regulations and rules of the EU member states!
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Gateway
– The interconnection between public or private networks, enabling the
transmission of documents in EDI format across multiple networks.
-
GPC
– Global Product Classification: a standard way of categorizing
products that provides a way to link different company classification
systems and offers a common language for collaborative business
processes.
-
GRN
– Goods Received Note. A document raised by a customer receiving goods
to confirm what has been received, so that invoices may be approved for
payment.
-
GS1 and EANCOM The
Uniform Code Council (UCC) and EAN International merged together to
form GS1 which stands for Global Standards One. Other than being
instrumental in the development of TRADACOMS, GS1 has developed several
other standards which are predominantly in use in supply chain
management. Some GS1 standards namely are – EANCOM, EPCIS, GS1 XML,
GDSN.
-
GS1 standards
use bar code and radio-frequency identification (RFID) data carriers on
a physical object that can be read by any device which can transfer the
data to business applications.
-
GTIN – Global Trade Item Number. A unique identifier for each product.
H
-
Header – The specific segment that, in simplest terms, tells the receiving computer where an individual EDI message starts.
-
HTTP
– HyperText Transfer Protocol. A protocol used to request and transmit
files, especially web pages and web page components, over the internet
or other computer network.
I
-
iDoc
stands for "Intermediate Document" and is a standard data format used
in SAP systems for exchanging business transactional data between
different applications or components within an SAP landscape. iDocs
serve as containers for structured data, allowing seamless integration
and communication between various SAP modules and external systems.
-
Indirect EDI integration
refers to a method of connecting and exchanging electronic data
interchange (EDI) documents between trading partners through a
third-party intermediary or service provider. Instead of establishing a
direct connection between the systems of two trading partners, the
intermediary acts as a translator or facilitator, receiving and
processing EDI documents on behalf of the trading partners and makes
them available to the respective partners in the correct format.
-
Interchange Format
– A specific data layout that defines a structured business document.
The interchange format specifies the sequence,representation, and
grouping of granular data elements, and may describe each element in
terms of data type, options, cardinality, size,
and valid values.
-
INVOIC
(Invoice): The INVOIC message is used to transmit billing information
from the seller to the buyer. It contains details about the goods or
services provided, pricing, taxes, payment terms, and any relevant
financial information. The INVOIC message enables accurate and efficient
processing of invoices between trading partners.
-
IoT stands
for "Internet of Things." It refers to a network of physical objects,
devices, sensors, and other items which are all embedded with
connectivity features that enable them to collect and exchange data over
the internet. IoT enables the seamles integration – between- or of
physical Objects in the digital world integration of the physical and
digital worlds, allowing for smart, interconnected systems and
applications across various domains, including industry, healthcare,
transportation, and home automation.
-
iPaaS
means Integration Platform as a Service. It is a cloud-based platform
that facilitates the integration of different applications, systems, and
data sources within an organization. iPaaS provides pre-built
connectors, data transformation tools, and workflow capabilities,
enabling businesses to create seamless data flows and integrate various
applications without the need for extensive coding or infrastructure
management.
J
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JIT
– Just In Time. A technique of managing inventory pioneered in Japan,
under which materials are delivered by suppliers to a manufacturer as
they are needed for production, rather than for storage or inventory.
M
-
Managed Services
refer to outsourced services provided by a third-party vendor or
service provider to handle and manage specific aspects of an
organization's operations or technology infrastructure. These services
are typically delivered under a service-level agreement (SLA) and can
include activities such as EDI services, IT support, network management,
data backup, security monitoring, and more.
-
Message Standards – The system of syntax, data elements, segments and messages (transaction sets) with which EDI will be conducted.
O
-
ODETTE
(Organization for Data Exchange by Tele-Transmission) is an industry
organization that promotes and develops standards for electronic data
interchange (EDI) in the automotive industry. ODETTE has defined several
document types that are commonly used within the automotive supply
chain. Here are some typical document types for ODETTE and their
purposes:
-
Odoo
is an open-source enterprise resource planning (ERP) software suite. It
offers a wide range of integrated business applications, including
modules for accounting, project management, sales, CRM, inventory
management, and more. Odoo is designed to streamline business processes
and improve efficiency by providing a centralized platform for managing
various aspects of an organization.
-
ORDERS
(Purchase Order): The ORDERS message is used to convey a request for
goods or services from a buyer to a seller. It includes information
about the items requested, quantities, pricing, delivery details, and
any other relevant terms and conditions. The ORDERS message serves as an
official document for initiating the purchase process.
-
ORDRSP
(Order Response): The ORDRSP message is used by the seller to respond
to a received purchase order (ORDERS). It communicates the acceptance or
rejection of the order and may include information about changes to
quantities, delivery dates, or pricing. The ORDRSP message helps to
ensure alignment between the buyer's requirements and the seller's
ability to fulfill the order.
P
-
PEPPOL,
which stands for Pan-European Public Procurement On-Line, is an EDI
(electronic data interchange) protocol, designed to simplify the
purchase-to-pay process between government bodies and suppliers. Peppol
is established to standardize e-procurement in the European Union (EU).
Its purpose is to simplify the procure-to-pay process by ensuring all
government organizations and suppliers adhere to the same methodologies,
technical specifications, and standards. The EU requires the use of
Peppol to eliminate the inefficiencies caused by differing requirements
between trading partners.
R
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Receiver – The party to whom the EDI message or transaction set is transmitted.
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REMADV
(Remittance Advice): The REMADV message is used to provide payment
details from the buyer to the seller. It includes information about the
invoices being paid, such as invoice numbers, amounts, and payment
references. The REMADV message helps to streamline the reconciliation of
payments and invoices between trading partners.
S
-
SaaS
means Software as a Service. It is a software distribution model where
applications are hosted and provided to customers over the internet.
Instead of installing and maintaining software on individual computers
or servers, users can access and use the software through a web browser.
SaaS eliminates the need for local installations and allows for easy
scalability and remote access.
-
SFTP
– SFTP, or Secure File Transfer Protocol, is a secure file transfer
protocol that uses secure shell encryption to provide a high level of
security for sending and receiving file transfers. SFTP is similar to
FTPS in that it uses AES and other algorithms to secure data as it
travels between different systems.
-
Shipment Notification –
An EDI transaction sent by the shipper of material to the receiver
advising that the shipment has been sent, and providing details such as
manifest, PO number, estimated time of arrival, carrier, etc.
-
SLSRPT
(Sales Report): SLSRPT is used to report sales-related information,
such as quantities sold, pricing, and sales performance. It provides
valuable insights for demand planning, inventory management, and
performance analysis.
-
SMB:
Small and Medium-sized Business. It refers to businesses that are
characterized by their smaller scale of operations and employee count
compared to large corporations. SMBs play a significant role in the
economy and can encompass a wide range of industries and sectors.
-
SOAP
Simple Object Access Protocol is a protocol used in conjunction with
application layer protocols or transport protocols such as HTTP and
SMTP. It uses the XML information set for message transmission which
means you will need to convert the EDI message to XML using an EDI
translator and will also need EDI to XML mapping.
- Omnizon
Supplier Portal
is a web-based interface of our platform that facilitates
communication, collaboration, and transactional activities between a
company and its suppliers. It allows suppliers to access relevant
information, receive purchase orders, submit invoices, update inventory
levels, manage product catalogs, and communicate with the company's
procurement or supply chain team. Supplier portals streamline and
automate the procurement process, enhancing transparency and efficiency
in supplier management.
- A
supply chain
refers to the entire process involved in the production, distribution,
and delivery of goods or services from the supplier to the end consumer.
It encompasses all the stages, activities, organizations, resources,
and technologies involved in the movement and transformation of raw
materials into finished products or services. The supply chain typically
includes suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and
logistics providers.
T
-
TENANT:
In the context of software and cloud computing, a tenant refers to a
customer or user who has access to and utilizes a specific instance of a
software application or service. Each tenant operates within a separate
and isolated environment, with their own data, configurations, and
access controls, while sharing the underlying infrastructure.
-
Time stamping
is the process of associating a specific time and date with an event,
action, or piece of data. It provides a reference point to track the
sequence and order of events, establish the validity or chronological
order of records, and ensure accurate and reliable record-keeping. Time
stamping is commonly used in various applications, including digital
transactions, data logging, auditing, and legal documentation.
-
Trading Partner
– a person or organization that has agreed to exchange EDI business
documents electronically. The sending or receiving party involved in the
exchange of EDI transmissions.
-
Transaction Set
– A block of information in EDI, making up a business transaction or
part of a business transaction. Outside North America, this is normally
called a message.
-
Translation
– conversion of business application data to and from another data
format, such as a standard (ASC X12 for example) using translation
software and maps.
-
Transmission Group – A collection of one or more functional groups. Also known as an Interchange.
-
A transport protocol
is a set of rules and procedures that govern the exchange of data
between network devices or systems. It defines how data is transmitted,
received, and acknowledged over a network. Transport protocols, such as
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol),
ensure reliable and efficient communication between devices in a
network.
-
TXT is
an acronym for "Text File." It refers to a file format that contains
plain text information without any formatting or special characters. TXT
files are commonly used for storing and exchanging simple textual data
that can be read and edited by both humans and computer programs.
V
-
Validation
refers to the process of checking or confirming the accuracy,
integrity, and compliance of data, documents, or systems against
predefined rules, standards, or requirements. It ensures that the data
or system meets the specified criteria and is fit for its intended
purpose. Validation can involve various checks, such as format
validation, data type validation, business rule validation, or
regulatory compliance validation.
W
-
Web-EDI –
A generic term for the transmitting of structured business messages
over the internet. This may include solutions such as a log on to a
portal and inputting commercial transactional information into a form on
a website using an internet browser. This method requires an element of
manual intervention.
-
WINS
– Warehouse Information Network Standards. A set of EDI standards for
warehousing and distribution. WINS is a subset of the ANSI X12 national
standard.
X
-
XML
stands for Extensible Markup Language. It is a markup language that
defines a set of rules for encoding documents in a format that is both
human-readable and machine-readable. XML is widely used for structuring
and exchanging data between different systems and platforms, providing a
standardized and flexible way to represent information.
Z
- ZUGFeRD is a cross-industry data format for the electronic exchange of invoice data that was developed by the Forum elektronische Rechnung Deutschland (FeRD) – with the support of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The ZUGFeRD data format is based on Directive 2014/55/EU of 16 April 2014 on electronic invoicing for public contracts and on the EN16931 standard published on 28 June 2017. In addition, the Cross-Industry-Invoice (CII) of UN/CEFACT and the ISO standard 19005-3:2012 (PDF/A-3) are taken into account as of ZUGFeRD 2.0.
Memberships & Certificates

Peppol Access Point
Peppol is an EDI protocol established to standardize e-procurement in the European Union (EU). Its purpose is to simplify the procure-to-pay process by ensuring all government organizations and suppliers adhere to the same methodologies, technical specifications, and standards. The EU requires the use of Peppol to eliminate the inefficiencies caused by differing requirements between trading partners. The adoption of Peppol has since expanded, with Malaysia mandating its use for government procurement.

ISO 9001
ISO 9001 is an international standard that sets the requirements for a quality management system. It helps organizations identify and manage the processes critical to their success, and continually improve their performance. It also encourages organizations to adopt a proactive approach to quality management and is recognized globally. We at Omnizon are proud to have attained ISO 9001 certification, and we believe it is one specific demonstration of our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

ISO 27001
ISO 27001 is a standard that outlines the requirements for an information security management system (ISMS). Our attainment of ISO 27001 certification is proof of our commitment to protecting sensitive customer information from unauthorized access and security breaches, thereby instilling the trust and confidence of our customers in our services.
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