Mailbag (X12.56)

ASC X12 interconnect mailbag control structure between VANs.

Definition

Mailbagging lets VANs track delivery and automatically report structural problems with an interchange across the interconnect. The mailbag starts with the Interconnect Mailbag Header (IH) and ends with the Interconnect Mailbag Trailer (IT); an Interconnect Mailbag Acknowledgment (IA) confirms receipt.

Origin

Defined by the ANSI ASC X12.56 standard, "Interconnect Mailbag Control Structures", published by the Accredited Standards Committee X12 (ASC X12).

Example in context

<IH>...</IH> ... several ISA/IEA interchanges ... <IT>...</IT> — together they form a mailbag passed from VAN A to VAN B, which replies with an IA segment.

Related terms

• VAN Interconnect — the link the mailbag travels over.
• VAN — the operator sending or receiving the mailbag.