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What is EDI 864?
The EDI 864 Text Message transaction set is a standardized electronic document used for transmitting textual information between trading partners in a structured format. Unlike many other EDI transaction sets that focus on specific business processes, the EDI 864 serves as a versatile communication tool for sending general text-based messages within electronic data interchange systems.
This transaction set enables organizations to exchange important information that doesn’t fit neatly into other standardized EDI formats, providing flexibility while maintaining the security and traceability benefits of standard EDI communication protocols.
How EDI 864 Works
The EDI 864 Text Message functions as a digital letter or memo within the EDI ecosystem. When a business needs to communicate information that doesn’t align with other transaction sets, they can leverage this format to ensure the message is delivered through the established EDI channels with proper tracking and documentation.
The transaction follows the standard X12 EDI structure:
- Header: Contains sender and receiver identification information
- Detail: Houses the actual text message content
- Summary: Provides verification elements like control numbers and counts
This standardized approach ensures that even free-form communications maintain consistency within your EDI infrastructure.
Benefits of Implementing EDI 864
Integrating the EDI 864 Text Message transaction set into your EDI system provides several distinct advantages:
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EDI 864 Text Message Sample File
Below is an example of the EDI 864 – Text Message Structure. This sample illustrates how free-form text and important instructions are transmitted between trading partners using standardized EDI segments.
ISA*00* *00* *08*123485CA00 *08*5143737508 *230331*0004*:*00501*864000005*0*P*>
~GS*TX*123485CA00*5143737508*20230331*000400*864000005*X*005010
~ST*864*0001
~BMG*00*THESE DOCUMENTS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED.*03
~N1*FR*Wal-Mart Stores, Inc*UL*0681131000000
~N1*TO*New Manufacturing Inc.
~REF*IA*860515
~REF*IV*000000000682426
~MIT*PLEASE CORRECT AND RESEND.*THESE DOCUMENTS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED.*175*60
~MSG*SEGMENT ELEMENT ERROR*SS
~MSG*INVOICE NUMBER PO NUMBER ID POS – REF DATA COMMENTS*SS
~MSG*00682426 3400008253 TXI 001 – 603 0030063320000 INVALID TAX QUALIFIER PROD*SS
~SE*11*0001
~GE*1*864000005
~IEA*1*864000005~
EDI 864 Transaction Structure: Segment Breakdown and Usage
The EDI transaction divides into three logical sections—Heading, Detail and Summary—via these segments:
| Segment | Name | Usage | Notes |
| ST | Transaction Set Header | M | Identifies the start of an 864 |
| BMG | Beginning Segment for Text Message | M | Defines message purpose and control number |
| DTM | Date/Time Reference | O | Specifies date/time of message (up to 10 occurrences) |
| N1 | Name | O | Identifies sender or receiver by code and name |
| REF | Reference Identification | O | Links to related docs (PO numbers, prior transaction IDs, etc.) |
| MIT | Message Identification Text | M | Provides a brief title or code for the message |
| MSG | Message Text | M | Carries the actual text (repeatable for long content) |
| PER | Administrative Communications Contact | O | Contact details for follow-up |
| CTT | Transaction Totals | O | Summarizes number of segments, loops, or other control counts |
| SE | Transaction Set Trailer | M | Marks the end of the transaction set |
Note:
M- mandatory
O – optional
EDI X12 850 Transaction Set: Additional Technical Details
An EDI 850 Purchase Order file typically includes:
- Mandatory and Optional Segments: Certain segments, such as ST and BEG, are mandatory, while others like REF and NTE (Notes) are optional depending on the trading partner agreement.
- Customizations: Depending on the industry and specific requirements, different companies may include additional segments or tailor the document to their needs, such as adding delivery schedules or handling special instructions.
- Integration with ERP Systems: The structured nature of EDI 850 makes it ideal for seamless integration into ERP and CRM systems. Once an EDI 850 file is received, it can automatically generate a sales order in the supplier’s system, update inventory, and trigger the fulfillment process.
Common Business Use Cases for EDI 864
The EDI 864 Text Message transaction set proves valuable across numerous business scenarios:
- Supply Chain Updates: Communicating non-standard delivery information or special handling instructions
- Product Information Changes: Notifying partners about upcoming modifications to products outside regular catalog updates
- Compliance Notifications: Sharing regulatory updates that affect business operations
- Process Change Announcements: Informing partners about modifications to business workflows
- Meeting Coordination: Arranging business reviews or planning sessions with trading partners
- Exception Management: Communicating about unusual situations that require special attention
The flexibility of EDI 864 makes it particularly useful when standard transaction sets don’t adequately address the communication need at hand.
How EDI2XML Simplifies EDI 864 Implementation
At EDI2XML, we understand the challenges businesses face when implementing specialized EDI transaction sets like the 864 Text Message. Our comprehensive solution transforms complex EDI 864 files into user-friendly XML or JSON formats that integrate seamlessly with your existing business systems.
EDI to XML as a Service (Fully Managed EDI)
Let us own your entire EDI lifecycle—from kickoff and mapping to trading-partner handoffs and 24×7 monitoring.
We receive, translate (EDI ↔ XML/TXT/CSV), validate and deliver every document on your behalf, with flexible monthly packages, private-cloud deployment, built-in FTP sites and email notifications—no hardware or local installs required.
Web Service API Integration
A pay-as-you-go, no-contract REST API that auto-detects EDI or XML payloads and returns the opposite format in real time. Get API tokens in minutes, use our Java client or Postman samples, and convert messages at KB-based rates. Includes a free 15-day trial.
On-Premises EDI Converter
For businesses requiring maximum control and security, our On-Premises EDI 864 converter delivers enterprise-grade capabilities:
- Install on your own infrastructure for complete data sovereignty
- Process EDI 864 transactions behind your firewall
- Custom integration with your existing enterprise systems
- Dedicated support for your specific implementation needs
All our EDI solutions are backed by expert support teams that understand the nuances of EDI 864 Text Message implementations across various industries.
Getting Started with EDI 864
Whether you’re new to EDI or looking to add the 864 Text Message transaction set to your existing EDI capabilities, EDI2XML provides the expertise and technology to ensure a smooth implementation.
Contact our EDI integration specialists today to learn how we can help you leverage the full potential of EDI 864 Text Message communications for your business needs.
The following is a list of additional helpful information:
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