The SEF Reader

The SEF Reader is a user-friendly EDI utility for viewing Standard Exchange Format (SEF) files in a more readable format similar to that of most EDI implementation guidelines as shown below.

What is SEF, and its purpose?

SEF or Standard Exchange Format is an open-standard, machine readable format file that defines the EDI implementation guideline of a trading partner.  The purpose of SEF is to standardize the format of EDI implementation guidelines so that computers can obtain instructions  (to process EDI files) from SEF files automatically.  Unfortunately, machine readable format is difficult for users to read as shown.

The SEF Reader makes it possible for users to easily read SEF files making them immediately usable to both users and EDI translators.  This also makes it unnecessary to have a separate implementation guideline document (either in doc or pdf format) since the SEF file can convey the EDI implementation guideline to the user.  The advantages of having one source (file) where both users and EDI translators can obtain their instructions from are:

• Users do not have to take the additional step of translating an  implementation guidelines (from a doc or pdf file) into a format that EDI translators can use, therefore saving time, and cost when implementing an EDI system.

• Less errors occur when processing EDI files if the instructions to process the EDI file is obtained directly from the source (file) that contain the implementation guideline.

• Validation of EDI files is more credible if the computer program uses the same source for the implementation guideline as the user would for instructions in how EDI files should be processed.

EDIdEv SEF Reader is free software (not compatible with Windows Vista).  Click here to download the SEF Reader. 

Customizing or editing SEF files

SEF files are text files, which can be viewed and edited by any text editor.  However, to edit SEF files with less chance of corrupting the file, the SEF Manager can be used.  The SEF Manager is included in Framework EDI. 

Related web pages:

• Creating an Implementation Guideline

• Download sample SEF files

• SEF Manager

• An EDI Story

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