EDI File Routing via Embedded Metadata
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing EDI implementations face inefficiencies in routing large EDI files, requiring significant computing resources and time, as they need to parse files to determine the correct regional system or application for processing, leading to resource burdens and messy workarounds.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating routing information into EDI files, such as format and geographical region details, allows the receiving entity to route files directly to the correct destination server without parsing, using a routing configuration to identify the appropriate server based on the extracted information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the receiving EDI gateway parses the incoming EDI file to determine its format and route it to the correct recipient system, then the routing decision can be made accurately, but the computing resources and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The routing information is added to the EDI file in advance by the transmitting entity before transmission. This preliminary action allows the receiving gateway to retrieve routing information directly from the file without performing parsing operations, thereby maintaining accurate routing decisions while significantly improving processing throughput and reducing computing resource consumption.
2Measurement precision
If the EDI gateway opens and parses large EDI files to determine the file format, then the routing can be determined accurately, but the resource burden and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The routing information (including file format identification) is extracted from the EDI file content and placed into the file itself as metadata during the transmission phase. The receiving gateway then extracts this routing information directly from the file without needing to open or parse the entire file, thereby maintaining accurate file format identification while dramatically reducing the time required for routing determination.
3Productivity
If customers implement workarounds and duplicate setups to determine routing without parsing, then the resource burden is reduced, but the system complexity and setup effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal routing information structure that can be applied across all EDI file types and routing scenarios. The transmitting entity uses a standardized process to add routing information, and the receiving gateway uses a standardized process to extract and use this information. This multi-functional approach allows the same mechanism to handle various file formats and routing requirements without requiring custom workarounds or duplicate setups for different scenarios.
4Reliability
If the EDI file hops across multiple regional servers to find the correct destination, then the correct system can be reached, but the routing time and number of intermediate hops increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting entity adds complete routing information including geographical region and destination server identification to the EDI file before transmission. This preliminary action enables the receiving gateway to directly identify and forward the file to the correct destination server in a single hop, eliminating the need for multiple intermediate hops and significantly reducing routing time while maintaining accurate destination delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for exchanging data using Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). A transmitting entity obtains an EDI file from a document that is to be transmitted to a destination server and adds routing information to the EDI file based on a first routing configuration, wherein the routing information is to be used by the receiving entity for routing the EDI file to the destination server. The receiving entity receives the EDI file from the transmitting entity and extracts the routing information from the EDI file. The receiving entity determines the destination server from a second routing configuration based on the extracted routing information and forwards the EDI file to the destination server.