EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TOOL
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Electronic Data Interchange is the computer-to-computer 
exchange of documents in standarized electronic formats. EDI 
is a fast, accurate, and cost-efficient method for managing 
a wide range of documents such as purchase orders, shipping 
notices, invoices, and student transcripts. It allows the 
exchange of documents between trading partners anywhere in 
the world within minutes or hours.

IMPORTANT FEATURES OF TOOL
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ITS is currently using a specially agreed-on format for the 
Electronic Exchange of student transcripts with ASU. 
However, in order to move our format to the nationally 
accepted SPEEDE format (Transaction set 130), we have 
purchased Supply Tech, Inc.'s STX12 EDI application.

STX12 is a menu driven EDI Translation package designed to 
run on IBM or IBM compatibles on MS DOS or PC DOS. It can 
also run as part of a Novell or other Local Area Network. It 
supports all major EDI standards such as ANSI ASC X12, 
EDIFACT, TDCC, and UCS. It can support all standard 
transaction types, and an connect to 60 public Value Added 
Networks (VANs) and private EDI networks. Documents can be 
generated from existing data files, entered through data 
entry screens or scanning bar codes. It accommodates changes 
in standards and trading partner specifications without 
requiring additional programming.

WHO WOULD USE THIS TOOL?
------------------------

Currently EDI is being used in the Student Inforrnatbon 
System (SIS) to send student transcripts to ASU. The 
American Associabon of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions 
Officers (AACRAO) are also developing a transaction set for 
admissions applications. Other groups are working on 
Financial Aid transaction sets.

The STX12 application could also be used by areas who are 
responsible for purchasing, such as the bookstores and 
libraries, if their vendors support EDI to increase the 
speed and accuracy of order and cut delivery time.

HOW DOES THE TOOL SUPPORT EFFECTIVE AND LEARNING?
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Last year over 23,000 student transcripts were sent to ASU 
in electronic format. The colleges save both money and 
handling time. The students benefit by having their 
transcripts ready for evaluation overnight in most cases).

Since EDI is still a new tool, new applications, both 
administrative and academic, are still being developed. What 
needs to be done are: a form that is sent often, a partner 
willing to trade electronically, and a format, either 
standard or agreed upon.

CONTACT PERSON
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Tonie Salzano, MST/ITS        731-8863