Standard Exchange Format (SEF)

A reader asked me further information about SEF files.

The Standard Exchange Format (SEF) is an open-standard, computer readable, text format that contains the schematic information of an  EDI document.  

Basically you can use SEF files for:

• Exchanging information about implementation guidelines with your trading partners;
• Importing directly translation or mapping in your EDI software to ease implementation; 
• Posting information via networks to mailboxes or electronic bulletin boards for mass dissemination of implementation guidelines. 

SEF is an open standard, which allows you to create and distribute your own SEF files without any permission or having to pay any royalty fees.

SEF files are editable either with a text editor or with a free tool, developed by EDIdEv, available here.

Here I have upload a MIG which explains the layout of  a SEF file.

Here you can find a sample of a SEF file.