EDI 856: Advance Ship Notice (ASN)
EDI 856 Definition
The EDI 856 Advance Ship Notice (ASN) document is a critical component in the supply chain management process, used within the electronic data interchange (EDI) framework. It provides detailed information about a pending shipment of goods, including the contents of the shipment, the physical characteristics, carrier details, and expected delivery schedule. The ASN enables recipients to prepare for incoming goods, improving the efficiency of receiving and inventory management processes.
What is EDI 856 Used for?
Suppliers and logistics providers use the EDI 856 to inform buyers, warehouses, and retail outlets about the specifics of shipments en route. This advance notice allows receiving parties to plan for delivery, allocate space, and arrange for labor to unload and process goods upon arrival, significantly streamlining the receiving process.
Key Elements of EDI 856
An EDI 856 document typically includes key elements to effectively convey shipment details:
- Transaction Set Header and Trailer: Marks the beginning and end of the EDI 856 document, encapsulating the shipment details.
- Shipment Identification: Information about the shipment, such as the shipment identification number, shipping date, and expected delivery date.
- Carrier Details: Specific details about the transportation carrier, including carrier name and tracking number.
- Shipment Contents: Detailed information on the items being shipped, including item numbers, descriptions, quantities, and packaging type.
- Order Information: References to the related purchase order(s) and any additional order-related documents.
- Physical Characteristics: Information on the physical characteristics of the shipment, such as weight, dimensions, and packaging type.
- Delivery Information: Details about the delivery location, including address and contact information.
Benefits of EDI 856
Utilizing the EDI 856 document offers several advantages:
- Improved Receiving Efficiency: Enables recipients to plan for incoming shipments, reducing unloading and processing times.
- Enhanced Inventory Management: Facilitates better inventory planning and management by providing detailed information on incoming goods.
- Reduced Errors: Minimizes discrepancies between shipped and received goods through detailed shipment information.
- Increased Visibility: Provides visibility into the supply chain, allowing parties to track the progress of shipments and prepare for any potential issues.
EDI 856 Document Example
Here’s a simplified example of what an EDI 856 might look like in raw data format:
ST*856*0001
BSN*00*SHIP12345*20241130*1430*0001
HL*1**S
TD1*CTN25*2****G*60*LB
TD5**2*UPS*UP*GROUND
REF*BM*123456789
HL*2*1*O
PRF*PO123456
HL*3*2*P
MAN*GM*00123456789012345
DTM*011*20241130
SE*9*0001
Guide to EDI 856 Terms and Elements:
- ST (Transaction Set Header): Initiates the EDI 856 document, identified by a unique control number.
- BSN (Beginning Segment for Ship Notice): Provides basic information about the shipment, including the shipment identification number and date.
- HL (Hierarchical Level): Identifies the hierarchical structure of the shipment, such as shipment level, order level, and pack level.
- TD1 (Carrier Details): Specifies the transportation method and physical characteristics of the shipment.
- TD5 (Carrier Details): Details the carrier information, including the carrier name and shipment method.
- REF (Reference Identification): Provides additional reference information, such as a bill of lading number.
- PRF (Purchase Order Reference): Identifies the purchase order associated with the shipment.
- MAN (Marks and Numbers): Specifies the package's identifying marks and numbers, such as a serial number.
- DTM (Date/Time Reference): Indicates relevant dates and times for the shipment, such as the expected delivery date.
- SE (Transaction Set Trailer): Concludes the EDI 856 document, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
This example is designed to give a basic understanding of how an EDI 856 document might look, including the types of information it conveys. Remember, the actual implementation might vary based on specific business needs and partnerships.
Advance Your Shipment Notification and Tracking with Comparatio
Ready to enhance your supply chain visibility with EDI 856? Contact Comparatio today to discover how our EDI solutions can provide detailed shipment notifications, improve tracking accuracy, and enhance customer satisfaction with up-to-date delivery information.
