X12 Configurator
An X12 message is defined as a single transaction set. It is a batch subsystem that parses and encodes, dealing with interchanges and groups.
A batch refers to a group of one or more messages. These messages are surrounded by header and trailer segments with no special characters required to delimit the individual messages inside the batch.
New segments can be optionally added at the top or at the end of the message.
Transaction structure
A transaction set is composed of:
- A transaction set header control segment
- One or more data segments
- A transaction set trailer control segment
The transaction set might also include a transaction security header control segment and transaction security trailer control segment. These are for sending the data within the transaction envelope in an authenticated or encrypted form.
Each segment is composed of a unique segment ID, one or more logically-related data elements or composite data structures, and a segment terminator.
A data element in the transaction set header identifies the type of transaction set.
Composite data structures are composed of one or more logically-related component data elements each, except the last, followed by a component element separator.
The data segment directory entry referenced by the data segment identifier defines the sequence of data elements and composite data structures in the segment. It also defines any interdependencies that might exist.
The composite data structure directory entry referenced by the composite data structure number defines the sequence of component data elements in the composite data structure.
A functional group contains one or more related transaction sets that are preceded by a functional group header control segment. This is terminated by a functional group trailer control segment. The functional group might also include a functional security header control segment and functional security trailer control segment. These can be used to send the data within the functional envelope in an authenticated or encrypted form, or both.
Data elements, composite data structures, data segments, and transaction sets can be copied and pasted across variants. When one of these is highlighted, right-clicking opens a menu with
, , and options. Multiple selections are permitted.