N4 uses standard electronic messages, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), to communicate vessel data between terminals, line operators, and vessels. This method saves time and improves accuracy by eliminating duplicate or erroneous data entries.
Standards organizations have defined several EDI standards (BAPLIE, MOVINS, UN/EDIFACT, and so on). When you import an EDI file, N4 translates the standard format to your site-specific codes and updates the vessel stowage. When you create an EDI file for export, N4 translates your specific codes into standard formats so that your trading partners will be able to read them without any difficulties.
You use the N4 client to set up Vessel EDI messages that import or export stowage information, such as stowplan, load lists, and discharge lists. The related tasks include:
Configure the message type and message map (on page 1)
Create a mailbox (on page 1)
Create an EDI session (on page 1)
Test your EDI configuration (on page 1)
Send an outbound stowplan
You use the XPS client to exchange preplanned stowage information (projections) by EDI. The related tasks include:
Import MOVINS data
Import STIF data
Export STIF data
Resolve EDI import errors
Export BAPLIE data