SAP IDoc EDI Standard
SAP IDocs (intermediate documents) are standardized documents, or data containers, that are used to communicate with both SAP and non-SAP systems and exchange information. They resemble EDI documents and are commonly used to electronically transfer information, such as purchase orders, invoices, shipping notices and more.
IDocs are based on two EDI standards, X12 and EDIFACT. In a case of any conflict in data size, it adopts the format one with greater length - there is no official mapping of IDocs to EDIFACT or X12.
The IDOC is made up of three structural elements:
- Control Record - type of IDOC, message type, status, sender, receiver and other information about the message
- Data Record - the actual contents of the message
- Status Record - provides information about the states the IDOC has followed
Industries Using SAP IDoc
SAP IDocs are used by millions of companies using SAP systems and are not necessarily specific to any industry, as SAP serves companies from chemicals to higher education and sports and entertainment.
Types of SAP IDoc Transactions
IDocs are used for a variety of interactions, primarily in the areas of financial, logistics and sales transactions.
Governing Body
SAP IDocs are governed by SAP, one of the largest and leading technology companies in the entire world, founded in 1972.