Configuring an X12 data element

A data element represents a specific piece of data, such as a billing code or reference number, and has a specific set of attributes.

Add or modify data elements within specific variants. Select an existing variant or create a new one.

The list box in the Defined Data Elements pane contains every element defined in the selected variant. Add or delete data elements in this pane.

Note: The standard X12 base definition for a data element cannot be deleted from within a variant.
  1. To create a new data element, click New.
  2. For Data Element Number, specify a number that is unique among all elements in the current variant. User-defined elements should begin with a Z followed by a user-chosen number.
  3. For Data Element Name, specify a descriptive name for the element.
  4. Click the Type arrow to select from a list of types.
  5. Click the Length buttons to select the maximum number of characters that one instance of the data element can occupy in a message. Include component separator characters in this calculation. Select Unlimited for an unlimited field length.
  6. Click the Minimum Length arrow buttons to select the minimum length of the added or edited field.