Abstract: A system, method and schema for building a hierarchical model schema definition from a flat model definition are disclosed. The system, method and schema identifies a local parent element and type definition pertaining to a hierarchical loop containing the element identifier data element, a parent identifier segment if a parent exists, a segment for the hierarchical loop level code of the subject element and a child identifier segment if a child element exists. It then moves the contents of the type definition to a global group and then creates global element definitions for element references in the related hierarchical data element and, for each value in an hierarchical loop level code element, creates a local child element of complex type and adding the local child element to the hierarchical loop complex.

Abstract: The present invention is a logical model for EDI messages using the open standards XML schema, which is both scalable and high performing which allows the processing of one message at a time. It builds a standard logical instance compliant to XML schema and facilitates standard set of mapping tools working off XML schema to alter or map the EDI messages from one form to another, one message at a time.