edi developer Interview Questions and Answers

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100 EDI Developer Interview Questions and Answers

  1. What is EDI?

    • Answer: EDI stands for Electronic Data Interchange. It's the electronic exchange of business documents in a standardized format between trading partners. This replaces paper-based documents like purchase orders, invoices, and shipping notices.

  2. Explain the different EDI transaction sets.

    • Answer: EDI transaction sets are standardized formats for specific business documents. Examples include 850 (Purchase Order), 856 (Shipping Notice/Acknowledgement), 810 (Invoice), 997 (Functional Acknowledgement). The specific sets used depend on the industry and the type of transaction.

  3. What are the benefits of using EDI?

    • Answer: Benefits include reduced paperwork, faster transaction processing, improved accuracy, lower costs, enhanced efficiency, and better inventory management. It streamlines communication and reduces errors associated with manual data entry.

  4. Describe the different EDI communication methods.

    • Answer: Common methods include VAN (Value-Added Network), AS2 (Applicability Statement 2), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), and SFTP (Secure FTP). Each offers different levels of security and reliability.

  5. What is a VAN (Value-Added Network)?

    • Answer: A VAN is a third-party network that facilitates EDI communication between trading partners. They provide security, translation, and message routing services.

  6. What is AS2? What are its advantages over FTP?

    • Answer: AS2 (Applicability Statement 2) is a secure protocol for exchanging EDI documents over the internet. Advantages over FTP include encryption, message authentication, and non-repudiation (proof of sending and receiving).

  7. What is a functional acknowledgment (997)?

    • Answer: A 997 is an EDI document that confirms the successful receipt and processing of another EDI document. It provides details about any errors detected during processing.

  8. Explain the concept of mapping in EDI.

    • Answer: Mapping is the process of translating data between different formats. In EDI, it involves transforming data from a company's internal system into the required EDI transaction set format and vice versa.

  9. What are some common mapping tools used in EDI?

    • Answer: Examples include IBM Sterling Integrator, Informatica, BizTalk Server, and various open-source mapping tools.

  10. How do you handle EDI errors?

    • Answer: Error handling involves analyzing error messages (often from a 997), identifying the root cause (data errors, mapping issues, network problems), correcting the data or mapping, and re-sending the EDI document.

  11. What are the different data formats used in EDI?

    • Answer: Common formats include EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport) and ANSI X12 (American National Standards Institute Accredited Standards Committee X12).

  12. What is X12?

    • Answer: ANSI ASC X12 is a standard for electronic data interchange widely used in North America.

  13. What is EDIFACT?

    • Answer: EDIFACT is an internationally recognized standard for electronic data interchange, used more globally than X12.

  14. Explain the importance of EDI validation.

    • Answer: Validation ensures that EDI documents conform to the specified standard (X12 or EDIFACT) and contain accurate and complete data. This prevents errors and ensures successful processing by trading partners.

  15. What are some common EDI validation tools?

    • Answer: Many EDI software packages include built-in validation features. Additionally, standalone validation tools are available.

  16. How do you ensure data security in EDI?

    • Answer: Security measures include using secure communication protocols (AS2, SFTP), encryption, digital signatures, and access controls to protect sensitive data.

  17. Describe your experience with EDI implementation projects.

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on the candidate's experience. The answer should detail specific projects, roles, challenges, and successes.]

  18. What programming languages are you proficient in for EDI development?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer. Common languages include Java, C#, Python, etc.]

  19. What are your experiences with different EDI software packages?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer. Examples include specific mapping tools, translation software, and VAN interfaces.]

  20. How do you troubleshoot EDI connectivity issues?

    • Answer: Troubleshooting involves checking network connectivity, firewall settings, server configurations, and reviewing error logs. It may also involve coordinating with trading partners and network providers.

  21. Explain your understanding of HIPAA compliance in the context of EDI.

    • Answer: If dealing with healthcare data, HIPAA requires stringent security and privacy measures for EDI transactions. This includes encryption, access controls, audit trails, and adherence to HIPAA regulations.

  22. How do you handle large volumes of EDI transactions?

    • Answer: High-volume processing requires efficient systems, often involving message queuing, batch processing, and optimized database structures to handle the throughput.

  23. What is your experience with EDI testing and quality assurance?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer. Should include details about testing methodologies, test data creation, and QA processes.]

  24. How do you stay current with changes in EDI standards and technologies?

    • Answer: [This should include mentions of professional development, industry publications, conferences, and online resources.]

  25. Describe your experience with EDI document management and archiving.

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer. Should detail how the candidate handles storage, retrieval, and compliance requirements for EDI documents.]

  26. How do you handle discrepancies between trading partner requirements and EDI standards?

    • Answer: This involves careful negotiation and collaboration with trading partners to find solutions that balance compliance with standards and their specific needs. Custom mapping or extensions may be necessary.

  27. Explain your experience with different EDI communication protocols.

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer. Should list specific protocols and detail the candidate's experience with each.]

  28. What is your experience with EDI performance monitoring and tuning?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer. Should include details about identifying bottlenecks, optimizing processing, and improving overall performance.]

  29. What are your problem-solving skills in the context of EDI development?

    • Answer: [This should describe a methodical approach, including debugging techniques, tracing errors, and using diagnostic tools.]

  30. How do you collaborate with other teams (e.g., business analysts, QA) during EDI projects?

    • Answer: [This should highlight effective communication, teamwork, and collaborative problem-solving.]

  31. What are some common challenges you have faced in EDI development, and how did you overcome them?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on the candidate's experience. It should demonstrate problem-solving skills and learning from past challenges.]

  32. What are your salary expectations?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer based on research and experience.]

  33. Why are you interested in this position?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer highlighting relevant skills and career goals.]

  34. What are your long-term career goals?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer demonstrating ambition and career progression.]

  35. What are your strengths?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer, focusing on relevant skills for an EDI developer role.]

  36. What are your weaknesses?

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer, focusing on areas for improvement and demonstrating self-awareness.]

  37. Tell me about a time you had to work under pressure.

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).]

  38. Tell me about a time you failed.

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer using the STAR method, focusing on learning from mistakes.]

  39. Tell me about a time you had to work on a team project.

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer using the STAR method, highlighting teamwork and collaboration.]

  40. Tell me about a time you had to solve a difficult technical problem.

    • Answer: [This requires a personalized answer using the STAR method, showcasing technical skills and problem-solving abilities.]

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