FAQs
1. What is AAWCO EDI?
It is an electronic data interface standard created by AAWCO in 1995
to allow the transfer of examination data between licensee and examiner using
a standard PC text file. AAWCO EDI speeds the examination process because
the examiner no longer prints reports from the licensee's computer system and
then hand-enters that data into the examiner's computer during the examination.
2. I am a state-licensed grain elevator and I want to get
examiners out of our facilities faster. Will AAWCO EDI do that?
Yes, in the vast majority of routine examinations. The reason is simple,
the examiner spends less time entering data into his or her computer
from information printed of your computer.
3. What are the costs associated with using AAWCO EDI?
There are no fees to use AAWCO EDI. Many grain software companies
have already incorporated the AAWCO EDI capability into their software
systems and may charge extra for this feature or it may be included in
the cost of the software itself. Contact your grain software provider
for details.
4. I manage a grain elevator and I like the idea but I'm
not a "computer guru" and neither is anyone on our staff. Are
we locked out from using AAWCO EDI?
Not at all! Creating an AAWCO EDI data file can be a simple menu
item on your grain software system--no special computer expertise required. If
you do not have a menu item on your grain software system, contact your
grain software provider and ask them about it.
5. Is AAWCO's EDI part of the ANSI X12 electronic data interchange
standard?
No. AAWCO EDI is an interface not an interchange. It's
a one-way street. AAWCO EDI is not governed according to the ANSI
standard. AAWCO is solely responsible for this protocol used to
transfer examination data from licensee to examiner in a standard electronic
format.
6. Why isn't AAWCO's EDI an ANSI EDI standard?
The simple answer is cost and scope. Setting up an ANSI standard
would require AAWCO's participation in a very detailed vetting process. This
vetting process is vital in most situations to allow "any to any" electronic
transactions, meaning any company could interact with any other company
in that industry without pre-arrangement. In AAWCO's case, however,
there is an on-going relationship between licensee and licensing authority
and there is one organization that all licensing authorities participate
in, AAWCO. Hence creating the standard within AAWCO saves both
time and money for all parties.
7. In our operations, we have only a portion of the data
defined in the AAWCO EDI. Can we still use AAWCO EDI?
Yes! AAWCO EDI defines 45 different types of data (for example,
warehouse receipt, open storage account, contract, grain payable, etc.)
but very rarely are all 45 record types present at one operation. The
bottom line is that examiners welcome any AAWCO EDI file even if there
are only a fraction of the 45 different data types represented.
If you have any further questions about AAWCO EDI please contact your state grain licensing authority or contact Greg Miller, Chair, AAWCO Technology and Uniformity Committee 309/383-3070 or millers@mtco.com