Thanks GotToBTru
yes, I'm looking at something where we can check edi syntax - e.g. MIN/MAX length, dependent/mandatory segments/qualifier and get specific error messages.
There are online tools/editors available; but I wanted something to be automated.
Thanks for the tips - yeah I think a self dictionary should help as well.
In my limited EDI experience, much like with an XML schema -- I wouldn't trust anything you get to perfectly/fully comply. I like the approach of treating it like an unrestricted DOM and dealing with whatever comes down. People end up sticking weird things into the wrong fields anyway, and business rules will often further restrict things.