Creating Node Groups in EDI Schemas

In the CIC Studio, a Node Group is a defined collection of repeating elements within a segment. In the Ruleset, this allows you to use one rule per Node Group, instead of having to create rules for each element. Node Groups are used for inbound EDI integrations (EDI as source).

We’ll use an example of an 850 purchase order with these two elements: Product/Service ID Qualifier and Product/Service ID - which are defined as a logical pair.

Note: Node Groups may also contain more than two elements, just as long as they belong to the same segment.

They begin at SLN09-10, and continue through SLN24-25. Since different trading partners may use the same EDI document type, they may send their data using these different numbered pairs. Company A may send UPC information in SLN09-10, and Company B may send it in SLN24-25.

By grouping the first pair of elements – SLN09-10 – you identify all repeating pairs/groups which follow them as part of the Node Group. In other words, a Node Group definition on the SLN06-07 (in this example) will result in a Rule looping on each pair after it appears in the source data. This screen shows how this would appear in your Ruleset.

Even though the Create a new Record: RailCar composite rule shows only two move rules (SLN09 and SLN10), the rule will be applied to all elements in the Node Group.

Procedure

1. In the EDI Schema editor, identify the first instance of the repeating elements.

   In our example above, that would be SLN06-07.

2. Under the Schema section, click the first element of the pair/group you wish to select. In the Properties view, click the Node Group tab and type a unique name for the node group in the Node Group field.

   Note: The value entered as the Node Group must be the same for all other nodes belonging to the group.

3. Under the Schema section, click the remaining element for the pair/group. In the Properties view, click the Node Group tab and type the same Node Group name in the Node Group field.
4. Repeat this step for all elements to be included in the Node Group.

   Note: Node Groups may contain more than two elements, but they must belong to the same segment.

5. Save and close the editor.

Next: Create a Node Group Composite Rule in your Ruleset.