EDI Glossary : M
Mailbag: ANSI-defined standard for interconnects between VAN (EDI) addresses.
Mailbox: A file storage area within a computer, usually one used by a Network Service Provider, where information is placed until it can be retrieved by the intended receiver.
Manifest: A document from the vendor who is shipping goods to a customer that describes where the goods will arrive. Multiple destinations may be included.
Mapping: The act of determining what pieces of information in the company’s database should be placed into each data element of an EDI message or transaction set, or in reverse, what data elements of an EDI message or transaction set should be placed into the company’s database.
Message: A block of information in EDI making up a business transaction, or part of a business transaction.
Message Header: The service segment starting and uniquely identifying a message.
Message Structured Diagram: The graphic display of the layout of a message.
Message Switching: The routing of a direct transfer message between computers through the services of a third-party service provider.
Message Trailer: The service segment ending a message.
Message Type: An identified and structured set of data elements covering the requirements for a specified type of transaction, e.g., an invoice.
Message Standards: The system of syntax, data elements, segments and messages (transaction sets) with which EDI will be conducted.
Modem: Abbreviated form of Modulator/Demodulator. The electronic device that connects the computer to a telephone line to allow communications.
