Question on OBI - pseudo EDI translator

[AJAY <sanghi@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I read the OBI 1.0 specs (very professionally done, excellent reading material). On page 80 of Section 5.5 titled OBI Order Format Specification, it suggests that "implementation should not require the use of EDI translator" even though the order request and order data is in EDI format (X.12 850). It would be appropriate to provide an IC number to the way implementation or use of 850 is suggested (fully edi compliant IC).

It seems to me that what is intended is a flat-file which immitates segment ids(BGM, REF etc) as record ids (instead of HDR or DTL records) which integrates with the business application directly. This in my opinion only adds to the complexity of the business app. In fact  the business app is now required to develop a mini edi translator. I agree that a "loaded" mapper is not required but it is probably wrong to say that edi translator is not required. In fact most implementations would prefer to have a mini-edi translator also in place.

Please correct my understanding. 

Thank you,

Regards,

@jay