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ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE (EDI) is the process of transfer formated data between computer systems (usually customer and supplier systems) via a secure third party intermediate. The subject is discussed in more detail on our EDI page : EDI - explanation and support
However, the Qualification industry in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (like many industries has it's own driving force), and the role taken by the Joint Council for General Qualifications (JCGQ) is to lay down the framework under which format for the exchange of examination related data.
The JCGQ represents the unitary awarding bodies and works with EDI suppliers to establish the standard formats for the transfer of a range of messages. These messages (a term to describe a transfer file containing a specific type of data) can be transfered in two directions
| From Awarding Bodies to Centres | and | from centres to awarding bodies | |
| * | base data (voc. & academic qualifications) | * | entries for academic examinations |
| * | timetables | * | registrations for vocational qualifications |
| * | acknowledgements of entires/registrations | * | amendments to the above |
| * | results | * | forecast or estiamted grades |
| * | portfolio results |
Many Centre Management Information Systems (CMIS) have facilities for generating and receiving EDI data files.
| There are three | * | AVCO |
| main EDI carriers | * | DIALET |
| or VANS | * | RM Securenet |
Transfer via email and FTP can also be supported in some circumstances
| Generally the benefits to awarding bodies and centres are the same | The are obvious disadvantages as well | ||
| * * * * | speed reduced cost availability of an audit trail standardisation | * * * | Centres and awarding bodies must have the software with EDI capability There is a cost to EDI carriers 'Rogue' files can do damage, e.g. wrong entries can be created |
However the system has worked well for a long time, and many centres and all awarding bodies would struggle to handle the volumes they now need to process without EDI.
Talk to Broxbourne Solutions about EDI and it's use in your organisation.
Either use our contact sheet Contact Broxbourne Solutions or email jeff.ross@broxbourne-solutions.co.uk
