Engineering Trustworthy Mappings: Creating and Testing EDI and Non-EDI Transformations in IBM Sterling B2B Integrator

Abstract

The increasing complexity of business-to-business (B2B) data exchanges has amplified the demand for robust transformation and validation mechanisms. IBM Sterling B2B Integrator (SB2Bi) and its Map Editor provide enterprises with comprehensive tooling to define, test, and deploy transformation maps across Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and non-EDI formats. While the Map Editor supports a variety of standards—including X12, EDIFACT, XML, and variable-length delimited files—practitioners often face challenges when translating partner-specific implementation guidelines into reliable transformation logic. This paper investigates the use of the SI Map Editor for complex data transformations, focusing specifically on the design and testing of EDI and non-EDI maps. By reviewing scholarship and technical documentation published between 2018 and 2022, the study identifies prevailing challenges such as loop scoping, delimiter configuration, and testing fidelity, and proposes a structured methodology for addressing them. Furthermore, the research highlights two critical verification mechanisms—remote Map Test and local Standards Processing Engine (SPE)—that underpin rigorous quality assurance. Findings suggest that integrating formal testing practices with a governance-oriented deployment model reduces runtime errors, enhances maintainability, and improves partner trust. The study contributes to both academic literature on data transformation and practical B2B integration strategies, offering a repeatable framework for enterprises navigating complex multi-format data ecosystems.