CargoWise EDI Integration: Complete Implementation Guide (2025)

Jan 19, 2025•

cargowiseediintegrationx12

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Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) remains the backbone of freight forwarding communications, enabling seamless data exchange between CargoWise and trading partners worldwide. While modern APIs have gained popularity, EDI continues to be essential for compliance, standardization, and integration with legacy systems in the logistics industry.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about implementing CargoWise EDI integrations, from understanding EDI standards to building robust, compliant systems that can handle the complex requirements of modern freight forwarding operations.

Understanding EDI in CargoWise

What is EDI?

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a standardized electronic communication method that allows businesses to exchange structured data in a format that both systems can understand. In freight forwarding, EDI enables automated communication between CargoWise and various trading partners including carriers, customs authorities, and other logistics providers.

Key EDI Benefits:

Standardization: Consistent data format across all trading partners
Automation: Reduces manual data entry and processing
Compliance: Meets regulatory requirements for electronic communication
Efficiency: Faster data exchange and processing
Accuracy: Reduces human errors in data transmission
Cost Savings: Lower operational costs through automation

EDI Standards in Freight Forwarding

1. X12 (ANSI X12)

Most common in North America
Used for domestic and international shipments
Supports various transaction sets (850, 855, 856, 810, etc.)

2. EDIFACT (UN/EDIFACT)

International standard used globally
Common in Europe, Asia, and other regions
Supports various message types (ORDERS, ORDRSP, DESADV, etc.)

3. Custom Formats

Proprietary formats used by specific carriers
Often based on X12 or EDIFACT with modifications
Requires custom mapping and validation

CargoWise EDI Architecture

EDI Message Flow

Standard EDI Integration Flow:

Trading Partner sends EDI message to CargoWise
EDI Gateway receives and validates the message
CargoWise processes the business logic
Response EDI message sent back to trading partner
Error Handling manages failures and acknowledgments

CargoWise EDI Components:

EDI Gateway: Receives and sends EDI messages
Message Parser: Parses incoming EDI messages
Business Logic Engine: Processes EDI data
Message Generator: Creates outgoing EDI messages
Validation Engine: Validates EDI message structure and content

EDI Message Types

Common X12 Transaction Sets:

850 (Purchase Order): Customer order information
855 (Purchase Order Acknowledgment): Order confirmation
856 (Advance Ship Notice): Shipment notification
810 (Invoice): Billing information
997 (Functional Acknowledgment): Message receipt confirmation

Common EDIFACT Messages:

ORDERS: Purchase order
ORDRSP: Purchase order response
DESADV: Despatch advice (shipment notification)
INVOIC: Invoice
CONTRL: Message acknowledgment

EDI Message Structure

X12 Message Structure

X12 Envelope Structure:

ISA*00*          *00*          *ZZ*SENDER         *ZZ*RECEIVER       *250119*1000*^*00501*000000001*0*P*:~
GS*PO*SENDER*RECEIVER*20250119*1000*1*X*005010~
ST*850*0001~
BEG*00*SA*123456**20250119~
REF*DP*DEPARTMENT~
N1*BY*CUSTOMER NAME*92*CUSTOMER_CODE~
N1*ST*SUPPLIER NAME*92*SUPPLIER_CODE~
PO1*1*10*EA*100.00**VP*ITEM_CODE*PD*ITEM_DESCRIPTION~
CTT*1~
SE*8*0001~
GE*1*1~
IEA*1*000000001~

X12 Segment Breakdown:

ISA/GS: Interchange and functional group headers
ST/SE: Transaction set header and trailer
BEG: Beginning segment for purchase order
REF: Reference information
N1: Name and address information
PO1: Purchase order line item
CTT: Transaction totals
GE/IEA: Functional group and interchange trailers

EDIFACT Message Structure

EDIFACT Envelope Structure:

UNB+UNOC:3+SENDER:ZZ+RECEIVER:ZZ+250119:1000+1+'
UNG+ORDERS+SENDER+RECEIVER+250119:1000+1+UNOC:3'
UNH+1+ORDERS:D:03B:UN'
BGM+220+123456+9'
DTM+137:20250119:102'
NAD+BY+CUSTOMER NAME++CUSTOMER_ADDRESS'
NAD+SU+SUPPLIER NAME++SUPPLIER_ADDRESS'
LIN+1++ITEM_CODE:VP'
IMD+F++:::ITEM_DESCRIPTION'
QTY+21:10:EA'
MOA+203:1000.00'
UNT+10+1'
UNE+1+1'
UNZ+1+1'

EDIFACT Segment Breakdown:

UNB/UNZ: Interchange header and trailer
UNG/UNE: Functional group header and trailer
UNH/UNT: Message header and trailer
BGM: Beginning of message
DTM: Date/time/period
NAD: Name and address
LIN: Line item
IMD: Item description
QTY: Quantity
MOA: Monetary amount

EDI Implementation in CargoWise

EDI Gateway Configuration

C# EDI Gateway Setup:

public class CargoWiseEdiGateway
{
    private readonly ILogger<CargoWiseEdiGateway> _logger;
    private readonly IEdiMessageParser _messageParser;
    private readonly IEdiMessageValidator _messageValidator;
    private readonly IEdiBusinessLogicProcessor _businessProcessor;
    
    public CargoWiseEdiGateway(
        ILogger<CargoWiseEdiGateway> logger,
        IEdiMessageParser messageParser,
        IEdiMessageValidator messageValidator,
        IEdiBusinessLogicProcessor businessProcessor)
    {
        _logger = logger;
        _messageParser = messageParser;
        _messageValidator = messageValidator;
        _businessProcessor = businessProcessor;
    }
    
    public async Task<EdiProcessingResult> ProcessIncomingEdiMessage(string ediMessage, string messageType)
    {
        try
        {
            _logger.LogInformation("Processing incoming EDI message: {MessageType}", messageType);
            
            // Parse EDI message
            var parsedMessage = await _messageParser.ParseMessageAsync(ediMessage, messageType);
            
            // Validate message
            var validationResult = await _messageValidator.ValidateMessageAsync(parsedMessage);
            if (!validationResult.IsValid)
            {
                _logger.LogWarning("EDI message validation failed: {Errors}", string.Join(", ", validationResult.Errors));
                return EdiProcessingResult.ValidationError(validationResult.Errors);
            }
            
            // Process business logic
            var businessResult = await _businessProcessor.ProcessMessageAsync(parsedMessage);
            
            _logger.LogInformation("EDI message processed successfully: {MessageType}", messageType);
            return EdiProcessingResult.Success(businessResult);
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            _logger.LogError(ex, "Error processing EDI message: {MessageType}", messageType);
            return EdiProcessingResult.SystemError(ex.Message);
        }
    }
}

Python EDI Gateway Setup:

import logging
from typing import Dict, Any, Optional
from dataclasses import dataclass

@dataclass
class EdiProcessingResult:
    success: bool
    message_id: Optional[str] = None
    errors: Optional[list] = None
    response_message: Optional[str] = None

class CargoWiseEdiGateway:
    def __init__(self, logger: logging.Logger, message_parser, message_validator, business_processor):
        self.logger = logger
        self.message_parser = message_parser
        self.message_validator = message_validator
        self.business_processor = business_processor
    
    async def process_incoming_edi_message(self, edi_message: str, message_type: str) -> EdiProcessingResult:
        try:
            self.logger.info(f"Processing incoming EDI message: {message_type}")
            
            # Parse EDI message
            parsed_message = await self.message_parser.parse_message(edi_message, message_type)
            
            # Validate message
            validation_result = await self.message_validator.validate_message(parsed_message)
            if not validation_result.is_valid:
                self.logger.warning(f"EDI message validation failed: {validation_result.errors}")
                return EdiProcessingResult(success=False, errors=validation_result.errors)
            
            # Process business logic
            business_result = await self.business_processor.process_message(parsed_message)
            
            self.logger.info(f"EDI message processed successfully: {message_type}")
            return EdiProcessingResult(success=True, message_id=business_result.message_id)
            
        except Exception as e:
            self.logger.error(f"Error processing EDI message: {message_type} - {str(e)}")
            return EdiProcessingResult(success=False, errors=[str(e)])

EDI Message Parsing

C# X12 Message Parser:

public class X12MessageParser : IEdiMessageParser
{
    private readonly ILogger<X12MessageParser> _logger;
    
    public X12MessageParser(ILogger<X12MessageParser> logger)
    {
        _logger = logger;
    }
    
    public async Task<ParsedEdiMessage> ParseMessageAsync(string ediMessage, string messageType)
    {
        try
        {
            var lines = ediMessage.Split('\n', StringSplitOptions.RemoveEmptyEntries);
            var segments = new List<EdiSegment>();
            
            foreach (var line in lines)
            {
                if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(line)) continue;
                
                var segment = ParseSegment(line);
                if (segment != null)
                {
                    segments.Add(segment);
                }
            }
            
            return new ParsedEdiMessage
            {
                MessageType = messageType,
                Segments = segments,
                InterchangeHeader = ExtractInterchangeHeader(segments),
                FunctionalGroupHeader = ExtractFunctionalGroupHeader(segments),
                TransactionSetHeader = ExtractTransactionSetHeader(segments)
            };
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            _logger.LogError(ex, "Error parsing X12 message");
            throw new EdiParsingException("Failed to parse X12 message", ex);
        }
    }
    
    private EdiSegment ParseSegment(string line)
    {
        var elements = line.Split('*');
        if (elements.Length < 2) return null;
        
        return new EdiSegment
        {
            SegmentId = elements[0],
            Elements = elements.Skip(1).ToArray()
        };
    }
    
    private InterchangeHeader ExtractInterchangeHeader(List<EdiSegment> segments)
    {
        var isaSegment = segments.FirstOrDefault(s => s.SegmentId == "ISA");
        if (isaSegment == null) return null;
        
        return new InterchangeHeader
        {
            SenderId = isaSegment.Elements[5],
            ReceiverId = isaSegment.Elements[6],
            InterchangeDate = isaSegment.Elements[9],
            InterchangeTime = isaSegment.Elements[10],
            ControlNumber = isaSegment.Elements[13]
        };
    }
}

Python EDIFACT Message Parser:

from typing import List, Dict, Any, Optional
from dataclasses import dataclass

@dataclass
class EdiSegment:
    segment_id: str
    elements: List[str]
    sub_elements: List[List[str]] = None

@dataclass
class ParsedEdiMessage:
    message_type: str
    segments: List[EdiSegment]
    interchange_header: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None
    functional_group_header: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None
    message_header: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None

class EdifactMessageParser:
    def __init__(self, logger: logging.Logger):
        self.logger = logger
    
    async def parse_message(self, edi_message: str, message_type: str) -> ParsedEdiMessage:
        try:
            lines = [line.strip() for line in edi_message.split('\n') if line.strip()]
            segments = []
            
            for line in lines:
                segment = self.parse_segment(line)
                if segment:
                    segments.append(segment)
            
            return ParsedEdiMessage(
                message_type=message_type,
                segments=segments,
                interchange_header=self.extract_interchange_header(segments),
                functional_group_header=self.extract_functional_group_header(segments),
                message_header=self.extract_message_header(segments)
            )
            
        except Exception as e:
            self.logger.error(f"Error parsing EDIFACT message: {str(e)}")
            raise EdiParsingException(f"Failed to parse EDIFACT message: {str(e)}")
    
    def parse_segment(self, line: str) -> Optional[EdiSegment]:
        if not line or len(line) < 3:
            return None
        
        # Split by + for main elements
        elements = line.split('+')
        if len(elements) < 2:
            return None
        
        segment_id = elements[0]
        main_elements = elements[1:]
        
        # Parse sub-elements (separated by :)
        sub_elements = []
        for element in main_elements:
            if ':' in element:
                sub_elements.append(element.split(':'))
            else:
                sub_elements.append([element])
        
        return EdiSegment(
            segment_id=segment_id,
            elements=main_elements,
            sub_elements=sub_elements
        )
    
    def extract_interchange_header(self, segments: List[EdiSegment]) -> Optional[Dict[str, Any]]:
        unb_segment = next((s for s in segments if s.segment_id == "UNB"), None)
        if not unb_segment:
            return None
        
        return {
            "sender_id": unb_segment.elements[1] if len(unb_segment.elements) > 1 else "",
            "receiver_id": unb_segment.elements[2] if len(unb_segment.elements) > 2 else "",
            "interchange_date": unb_segment.elements[3] if len(unb_segment.elements) > 3 else "",
            "control_number": unb_segment.elements[5] if len(unb_segment.elements) > 5 else ""
        }

EDI Message Validation

C# EDI Message Validator:

public class CargoWiseEdiMessageValidator : IEdiMessageValidator
{
    private readonly ILogger<CargoWiseEdiMessageValidator> _logger;
    private readonly IEdiSchemaRepository _schemaRepository;
    
    public CargoWiseEdiMessageValidator(ILogger<CargoWiseEdiMessageValidator> logger, IEdiSchemaRepository schemaRepository)
    {
        _logger = logger;
        _schemaRepository = schemaRepository;
    }
    
    public async Task<EdiValidationResult> ValidateMessageAsync(ParsedEdiMessage message)
    {
        var errors = new List<string>();
        
        try
        {
            // Validate message structure
            await ValidateMessageStructure(message, errors);
            
            // Validate business rules
            await ValidateBusinessRules(message, errors);
            
            // Validate data types and formats
            await ValidateDataTypes(message, errors);
            
            return new EdiValidationResult
            {
                IsValid = errors.Count == 0,
                Errors = errors
            };
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            _logger.LogError(ex, "Error validating EDI message");
            errors.Add($"Validation error: {ex.Message}");
            
            return new EdiValidationResult
            {
                IsValid = false,
                Errors = errors
            };
        }
    }
    
    private async Task ValidateMessageStructure(ParsedEdiMessage message, List<string> errors)
    {
        // Validate required segments
        var requiredSegments = GetRequiredSegments(message.MessageType);
        foreach (var requiredSegment in requiredSegments)
        {
            if (!message.Segments.Any(s => s.SegmentId == requiredSegment))
            {
                errors.Add($"Required segment {requiredSegment} is missing");
            }
        }
        
        // Validate segment order
        await ValidateSegmentOrder(message, errors);
        
        // Validate control numbers
        await ValidateControlNumbers(message, errors);
    }
    
    private async Task ValidateBusinessRules(ParsedEdiMessage message, List<string> errors)
    {
        switch (message.MessageType)
        {
            case "850": // Purchase Order
                await ValidatePurchaseOrder(message, errors);
                break;
            case "855": // Purchase Order Acknowledgment
                await ValidatePurchaseOrderAcknowledgment(message, errors);
                break;
            case "856": // Advance Ship Notice
                await ValidateAdvanceShipNotice(message, errors);
                break;
            default:
                _logger.LogWarning("Unknown message type for business rule validation: {MessageType}", message.MessageType);
                break;
        }
    }
    
    private async Task ValidatePurchaseOrder(ParsedEdiMessage message, List<string> errors)
    {
        var begSegment = message.Segments.FirstOrDefault(s => s.SegmentId == "BEG");
        if (begSegment == null)
        {
            errors.Add("BEG segment is required for Purchase Order");
            return;
        }
        
        // Validate purchase order number
        if (begSegment.Elements.Length < 3 || string.IsNullOrEmpty(begSegment.Elements[2]))
        {
            errors.Add("Purchase order number is required in BEG segment");
        }
        
        // Validate order date
        if (begSegment.Elements.Length < 4 || string.IsNullOrEmpty(begSegment.Elements[3]))
        {
            errors.Add("Order date is required in BEG segment");
        }
        
        // Validate line items
        var po1Segments = message.Segments.Where(s => s.SegmentId == "PO1").ToList();
        if (!po1Segments.Any())
        {
            errors.Add("At least one PO1 segment is required for Purchase Order");
        }
    }
}

EDI Mapping Strategies

Data Mapping Architecture

C# EDI Mapping Service:

public class CargoWiseEdiMappingService
{
    private readonly ILogger<CargoWiseEdiMappingService> _logger;
    private readonly IEdiMappingRepository _mappingRepository;
    
    public CargoWiseEdiMappingService(ILogger<CargoWiseEdiMappingService> logger, IEdiMappingRepository mappingRepository)
    {
        _logger = logger;
        _mappingRepository = mappingRepository;
    }
    
    public async Task<CargoWiseData> MapEdiToCargoWise(ParsedEdiMessage ediMessage)
    {
        try
        {
            var mapping = await _mappingRepository.GetMappingAsync(ediMessage.MessageType);
            var cargoWiseData = new CargoWiseData();
            
            foreach (var segment in ediMessage.Segments)
            {
                await MapSegmentToCargoWise(segment, mapping, cargoWiseData);
            }
            
            return cargoWiseData;
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            _logger.LogError(ex, "Error mapping EDI to CargoWise");
            throw new EdiMappingException("Failed to map EDI to CargoWise", ex);
        }
    }
    
    private async Task MapSegmentToCargoWise(EdiSegment segment, EdiMapping mapping, CargoWiseData cargoWiseData)
    {
        var segmentMapping = mapping.GetSegmentMapping(segment.SegmentId);
        if (segmentMapping == null) return;
        
        switch (segment.SegmentId)
        {
            case "BEG": // Purchase Order Header
                await MapPurchaseOrderHeader(segment, segmentMapping, cargoWiseData);
                break;
            case "PO1": // Purchase Order Line Item
                await MapPurchaseOrderLineItem(segment, segmentMapping, cargoWiseData);
                break;
            case "N1": // Name and Address
                await MapNameAndAddress(segment, segmentMapping, cargoWiseData);
                break;
            case "DTM": // Date/Time
                await MapDateTime(segment, segmentMapping, cargoWiseData);
                break;
        }
    }
    
    private async Task MapPurchaseOrderHeader(EdiSegment segment, SegmentMapping mapping, CargoWiseData cargoWiseData)
    {
        var poNumber = GetElementValue(segment, mapping, "PO_NUMBER");
        var orderDate = GetElementValue(segment, mapping, "ORDER_DATE");
        var orderType = GetElementValue(segment, mapping, "ORDER_TYPE");
        
        cargoWiseData.PurchaseOrder = new CargoWisePurchaseOrder
        {
            OrderNumber = poNumber,
            OrderDate = ParseDate(orderDate),
            OrderType = orderType
        };
    }
    
    private async Task MapPurchaseOrderLineItem(EdiSegment segment, SegmentMapping mapping, CargoWiseData cargoWiseData)
    {
        var lineNumber = GetElementValue(segment, mapping, "LINE_NUMBER");
        var quantity = GetElementValue(segment, mapping, "QUANTITY");
        var unitPrice = GetElementValue(segment, mapping, "UNIT_PRICE");
        var itemCode = GetElementValue(segment, mapping, "ITEM_CODE");
        var itemDescription = GetElementValue(segment, mapping, "ITEM_DESCRIPTION");
        
        var lineItem = new CargoWisePurchaseOrderLineItem
        {
            LineNumber = int.Parse(lineNumber),
            Quantity = decimal.Parse(quantity),
            UnitPrice = decimal.Parse(unitPrice),
            ItemCode = itemCode,
            ItemDescription = itemDescription
        };
        
        cargoWiseData.PurchaseOrder.LineItems.Add(lineItem);
    }
}

Mapping Configuration

EDI Mapping Configuration (JSON):

{
  "mappings": {
    "850": {
      "name": "Purchase Order",
      "segments": {
        "BEG": {
          "name": "Beginning Segment for Purchase Order",
          "fields": {
            "PO_NUMBER": {
              "element_index": 2,
              "required": true,
              "data_type": "string"
            },
            "ORDER_DATE": {
              "element_index": 3,
              "required": true,
              "data_type": "date",
              "format": "CCYYMMDD"
            },
            "ORDER_TYPE": {
              "element_index": 1,
              "required": true,
              "data_type": "string"
            }
          }
        },
        "PO1": {
          "name": "Purchase Order Line Item",
          "fields": {
            "LINE_NUMBER": {
              "element_index": 0,
              "required": true,
              "data_type": "integer"
            },
            "QUANTITY": {
              "element_index": 1,
              "required": true,
              "data_type": "decimal"
            },
            "UNIT_PRICE": {
              "element_index": 4,
              "required": false,
              "data_type": "decimal"
            },
            "ITEM_CODE": {
              "element_index": 6,
              "required": true,
              "data_type": "string"
            },
            "ITEM_DESCRIPTION": {
              "element_index": 8,
              "required": false,
              "data_type": "string"
            }
          }
        }
      }
    },
    "855": {
      "name": "Purchase Order Acknowledgment",
      "segments": {
        "BAK": {
          "name": "Beginning Segment for Purchase Order Acknowledgment",
          "fields": {
            "PO_NUMBER": {
              "element_index": 2,
              "required": true,
              "data_type": "string"
            },
            "ACK_DATE": {
              "element_index": 3,
              "required": true,
              "data_type": "date",
              "format": "CCYYMMDD"
            },
            "ACK_STATUS": {
              "element_index": 1,
              "required": true,
              "data_type": "string"
            }
          }
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

Error Handling and Compliance

EDI Error Handling

C# EDI Error Handler:

public class CargoWiseEdiErrorHandler
{
    private readonly ILogger<CargoWiseEdiErrorHandler> _logger;
    private readonly IEdiAcknowledgmentGenerator _acknowledgmentGenerator;
    
    public CargoWiseEdiErrorHandler(ILogger<CargoWiseEdiErrorHandler> logger, IEdiAcknowledgmentGenerator acknowledgmentGenerator)
    {
        _logger = logger;
        _acknowledgmentGenerator = acknowledgmentGenerator;
    }
    
    public async Task<EdiErrorResponse> HandleEdiError(EdiProcessingResult result, ParsedEdiMessage originalMessage)
    {
        try
        {
            var errorResponse = new EdiErrorResponse();
            
            switch (result.ErrorType)
            {
                case EdiErrorType.ValidationError:
                    errorResponse = await HandleValidationError(result, originalMessage);
                    break;
                case EdiErrorType.BusinessLogicError:
                    errorResponse = await HandleBusinessLogicError(result, originalMessage);
                    break;
                case EdiErrorType.SystemError:
                    errorResponse = await HandleSystemError(result, originalMessage);
                    break;
                default:
                    errorResponse = await HandleGenericError(result, originalMessage);
                    break;
            }
            
            return errorResponse;
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            _logger.LogError(ex, "Error handling EDI error");
            return new EdiErrorResponse
            {
                ErrorType = EdiErrorType.SystemError,
                ErrorMessage = "Internal system error",
                RequiresRetry = false
            };
        }
    }
    
    private async Task<EdiErrorResponse> HandleValidationError(EdiProcessingResult result, ParsedEdiMessage originalMessage)
    {
        _logger.LogWarning("EDI validation error: {Errors}", string.Join(", ", result.Errors));
        
        // Generate 997 Functional Acknowledgment with error codes
        var acknowledgment = await _acknowledgmentGenerator.GenerateFunctionalAcknowledgment(
            originalMessage, 
            EdiAcknowledgmentStatus.AcceptedWithErrors,
            result.Errors
        );
        
        return new EdiErrorResponse
        {
            ErrorType = EdiErrorType.ValidationError,
            ErrorMessage = "Validation errors detected",
            AcknowledgmentMessage = acknowledgment,
            RequiresRetry = false
        };
    }
    
    private async Task<EdiErrorResponse> HandleBusinessLogicError(EdiProcessingResult result, ParsedEdiMessage originalMessage)
    {
        _logger.LogWarning("EDI business logic error: {Error}", result.ErrorMessage);
        
        // Generate 997 Functional Acknowledgment with rejection
        var acknowledgment = await _acknowledgmentGenerator.GenerateFunctionalAcknowledgment(
            originalMessage,
            EdiAcknowledgmentStatus.Rejected,
            new[] { result.ErrorMessage }
        );
        
        return new EdiErrorResponse
        {
            ErrorType = EdiErrorType.BusinessLogicError,
            ErrorMessage = result.ErrorMessage,
            AcknowledgmentMessage = acknowledgment,
            RequiresRetry = false
        };
    }
}

EDI Acknowledgment Generation

C# EDI Acknowledgment Generator:

public class CargoWiseEdiAcknowledgmentGenerator : IEdiAcknowledgmentGenerator
{
    private readonly ILogger<CargoWiseEdiAcknowledgmentGenerator> _logger;
    
    public CargoWiseEdiAcknowledgmentGenerator(ILogger<CargoWiseEdiAcknowledgmentGenerator> logger)
    {
        _logger = logger;
    }
    
    public async Task<string> GenerateFunctionalAcknowledgment(
        ParsedEdiMessage originalMessage, 
        EdiAcknowledgmentStatus status, 
        string[] errorMessages = null)
    {
        try
        {
            var acknowledgment = new StringBuilder();
            
            // Generate ISA header
            acknowledgment.AppendLine(GenerateIsaHeader(originalMessage));
            
            // Generate GS header
            acknowledgment.AppendLine(GenerateGsHeader(originalMessage));
            
            // Generate ST header
            acknowledgment.AppendLine(GenerateStHeader(originalMessage));
            
            // Generate AK1 segment
            acknowledgment.AppendLine(GenerateAk1Segment(originalMessage));
            
            // Generate AK2 segments for each transaction set
            acknowledgment.AppendLine(GenerateAk2Segment(originalMessage));
            
            // Generate AK5 segment with status
            acknowledgment.AppendLine(GenerateAk5Segment(status, errorMessages));
            
            // Generate AK9 segment
            acknowledgment.AppendLine(GenerateAk9Segment(status));
            
            // Generate SE trailer
            acknowledgment.AppendLine(GenerateSeTrailer(originalMessage));
            
            // Generate GE trailer
            acknowledgment.AppendLine(GenerateGeTrailer(originalMessage));
            
            // Generate IEA trailer
            acknowledgment.AppendLine(GenerateIeaTrailer(originalMessage));
            
            return acknowledgment.ToString();
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            _logger.LogError(ex, "Error generating EDI acknowledgment");
            throw new EdiAcknowledgmentException("Failed to generate EDI acknowledgment", ex);
        }
    }
    
    private string GenerateIsaHeader(ParsedEdiMessage originalMessage)
    {
        var isa = originalMessage.InterchangeHeader;
        return $"ISA*00*          *00*          *ZZ*{isa.SenderId.PadRight(15)}*ZZ*{isa.ReceiverId.PadRight(15)}*{DateTime.Now:yyMMdd}*{DateTime.Now:HHmm}*^*00501*{GenerateControlNumber()}*0*P*:";
    }
    
    private string GenerateAk5Segment(EdiAcknowledgmentStatus status, string[] errorMessages)
    {
        var statusCode = status switch
        {
            EdiAcknowledgmentStatus.Accepted => "A",
            EdiAcknowledgmentStatus.AcceptedWithErrors => "E",
            EdiAcknowledgmentStatus.Rejected => "R",
            _ => "R"
        };
        
        var ak5 = $"AK5*{statusCode}";
        
        if (errorMessages != null && errorMessages.Length > 0)
        {
            ak5 += $"*{string.Join("*", errorMessages.Take(5))}";
        }
        
        return ak5;
    }
}

Testing EDI Integrations

EDI Test Data Generation

C# EDI Test Data Generator:

public class CargoWiseEdiTestDataGenerator
{
    private readonly ILogger<CargoWiseEdiTestDataGenerator> _logger;
    
    public CargoWiseEdiTestDataGenerator(ILogger<CargoWiseEdiTestDataGenerator> logger)
    {
        _logger = logger;
    }
    
    public string GenerateTestPurchaseOrder(string poNumber = null)
    {
        poNumber ??= $"PO{TEST-{DateTime.Now:yyyyMMddHHmmss}}";
        
        var ediMessage = new StringBuilder();
        
        // ISA Header
        ediMessage.AppendLine("ISA*00*          *00*          *ZZ*TEST_SENDER     *ZZ*TEST_RECEIVER   *250119*1000*^*00501*000000001*0*P*:");
        
        // GS Header
        ediMessage.AppendLine("GS*PO*TEST_SENDER*TEST_RECEIVER*20250119*1000*1*X*005010");
        
        // ST Header
        ediMessage.AppendLine("ST*850*0001");
        
        // BEG Segment
        ediMessage.AppendLine($"BEG*00*SA*{poNumber}**20250119");
        
        // REF Segment
        ediMessage.AppendLine("REF*DP*TEST_DEPARTMENT");
        
        // N1 Segment - Buyer
        ediMessage.AppendLine("N1*BY*TEST CUSTOMER*92*CUSTOMER001");
        
        // N1 Segment - Supplier
        ediMessage.AppendLine("N1*ST*TEST SUPPLIER*92*SUPPLIER001");
        
        // PO1 Segment - Line Item 1
        ediMessage.AppendLine("PO1*1*10*EA*100.00**VP*ITEM001*PD*Test Item 1");
        
        // PO1 Segment - Line Item 2
        ediMessage.AppendLine("PO1*2*5*EA*50.00**VP*ITEM002*PD*Test Item 2");
        
        // CTT Segment
        ediMessage.AppendLine("CTT*2");
        
        // SE Trailer
        ediMessage.AppendLine("SE*10*0001");
        
        // GE Trailer
        ediMessage.AppendLine("GE*1*1");
        
        // IEA Trailer
        ediMessage.AppendLine("IEA*1*000000001");
        
        return ediMessage.ToString();
    }
    
    public string GenerateTestPurchaseOrderAcknowledgment(string poNumber)
    {
        var ediMessage = new StringBuilder();
        
        // ISA Header
        ediMessage.AppendLine("ISA*00*          *00*          *ZZ*TEST_RECEIVER   *ZZ*TEST_SENDER     *250119*1000*^*00501*000000002*0*P*:");
        
        // GS Header
        ediMessage.AppendLine("GS*PO*TEST_RECEIVER*TEST_SENDER*20250119*1000*2*X*005010");
        
        // ST Header
        ediMessage.AppendLine("ST*855*0001");
        
        // BAK Segment
        ediMessage.AppendLine($"BAK*00*SA*{poNumber}**20250119");
        
        // REF Segment
        ediMessage.AppendLine("REF*DP*TEST_DEPARTMENT");
        
        // N1 Segment - Buyer
        ediMessage.AppendLine("N1*BY*TEST CUSTOMER*92*CUSTOMER001");
        
        // N1 Segment - Supplier
        ediMessage.AppendLine("N1*ST*TEST SUPPLIER*92*SUPPLIER001");
        
        // PO1 Segment - Line Item 1
        ediMessage.AppendLine("PO1*1*10*EA*100.00**VP*ITEM001*PD*Test Item 1");
        
        // PO1 Segment - Line Item 2
        ediMessage.AppendLine("PO1*2*5*EA*50.00**VP*ITEM002*PD*Test Item 2");
        
        // CTT Segment
        ediMessage.AppendLine("CTT*2");
        
        // SE Trailer
        ediMessage.AppendLine("SE*10*0001");
        
        // GE Trailer
        ediMessage.AppendLine("GE*1*2");
        
        // IEA Trailer
        ediMessage.AppendLine("IEA*1*000000002");
        
        return ediMessage.ToString();
    }
}

EDI Integration Testing

C# EDI Integration Tests:

[TestClass]
public class CargoWiseEdiIntegrationTests
{
    private WebApplicationFactory<Program> _factory;
    private HttpClient _client;
    private CargoWiseEdiTestDataGenerator _testDataGenerator;
    
    [TestInitialize]
    public void Setup()
    {
        _factory = new WebApplicationFactory<Program>();
        _client = _factory.CreateClient();
        _testDataGenerator = new CargoWiseEdiTestDataGenerator(null);
    }
    
    [TestMethod]
    public async Task ProcessPurchaseOrder_ValidEdiMessage_ReturnsSuccess()
    {
        // Arrange
        var testEdiMessage = _testDataGenerator.GenerateTestPurchaseOrder();
        var content = new StringContent(testEdiMessage, Encoding.UTF8, "application/edi");
        
        // Act
        var response = await _client.PostAsync("/api/edi/process", content);
        
        // Assert
        Assert.AreEqual(HttpStatusCode.OK, response.StatusCode);
        
        var responseContent = await response.Content.ReadAsStringAsync();
        var result = JsonSerializer.Deserialize<EdiProcessingResult>(responseContent);
        Assert.IsTrue(result.IsSuccess);
    }
    
    [TestMethod]
    public async Task ProcessPurchaseOrder_InvalidEdiMessage_ReturnsValidationError()
    {
        // Arrange
        var invalidEdiMessage = "INVALID*EDI*MESSAGE";
        var content = new StringContent(invalidEdiMessage, Encoding.UTF8, "application/edi");
        
        // Act
        var response = await _client.PostAsync("/api/edi/process", content);
        
        // Assert
        Assert.AreEqual(HttpStatusCode.BadRequest, response.StatusCode);
        
        var responseContent = await response.Content.ReadAsStringAsync();
        var result = JsonSerializer.Deserialize<EdiProcessingResult>(responseContent);
        Assert.IsFalse(result.IsSuccess);
        Assert.IsTrue(result.Errors.Any());
    }
    
    [TestMethod]
    public async Task ProcessPurchaseOrder_MissingRequiredFields_ReturnsValidationError()
    {
        // Arrange
        var incompleteEdiMessage = @"ISA*00*          *00*          *ZZ*TEST_SENDER     *ZZ*TEST_RECEIVER   *250119*1000*^*00501*000000001*0*P*:
GS*PO*TEST_SENDER*TEST_RECEIVER*20250119*1000*1*X*005010
ST*850*0001
BEG*00*SA**20250119
SE*3*0001
GE*1*1
IEA*1*000000001";
        
        var content = new StringContent(incompleteEdiMessage, Encoding.UTF8, "application/edi");
        
        // Act
        var response = await _client.PostAsync("/api/edi/process", content);
        
        // Assert
        Assert.AreEqual(HttpStatusCode.BadRequest, response.StatusCode);
        
        var responseContent = await response.Content.ReadAsStringAsync();
        var result = JsonSerializer.Deserialize<EdiProcessingResult>(responseContent);
        Assert.IsFalse(result.IsSuccess);
        Assert.IsTrue(result.Errors.Any(e => e.Contains("Purchase order number is required")));
    }
}

Conclusion

CargoWise EDI integration is a complex but essential component of modern freight forwarding operations. By following the patterns and best practices outlined in this guide, you can build robust, compliant EDI systems that can handle the diverse requirements of global logistics operations.

Key Takeaways:

Standards Compliance: Always follow EDI standards (X12, EDIFACT) for compatibility
Robust Validation: Implement comprehensive message validation and error handling
Proper Mapping: Use flexible mapping strategies for different trading partners
Testing: Test thoroughly with various EDI message types and error scenarios
Monitoring: Implement proper logging and monitoring for production operations

Next Steps:

Choose EDI Standards based on your trading partners and regions
Implement EDI Gateway with proper parsing and validation
Create Mapping Configurations for different message types
Test Thoroughly with trading partner test data
Deploy to Production with proper monitoring and error handling

For more CargoWise integration guidance and implementation support, explore our CargoWise Integration Services or contact our team for personalized consulting.

FAQ

Q: What EDI standards does CargoWise support? A: CargoWise supports both X12 (ANSI X12) and EDIFACT (UN/EDIFACT) standards, as well as custom formats. The choice depends on your trading partners and geographic regions.

Q: How do I handle EDI message validation errors? A: Implement comprehensive validation at multiple levels: structural validation, business rule validation, and data type validation. Generate appropriate acknowledgments (997 for X12, CONTRL for EDIFACT) for errors.

Q: Can I customize EDI mappings for different trading partners? A: Yes, CargoWise supports flexible mapping configurations that can be customized for different trading partners, message types, and business requirements.

Q: What are the common EDI message types in freight forwarding? A: Common X12 messages include 850 (Purchase Order), 855 (PO Acknowledgment), 856 (Advance Ship Notice), and 810 (Invoice). Common EDIFACT messages include ORDERS, ORDRSP, DESADV, and INVOIC.

Q: How do I test EDI integrations before going live? A: Use CargoWise sandbox environment, generate test EDI messages, implement comprehensive unit and integration tests, and work with trading partners to validate message formats and business rules.