The supplier's guide to retail EDI documents

When you start selling to a large retailer, you'll get a list of required EDI documents. Here's what each one does, in the order you'll usually see them.

Document	Name	Who sends it
846	Inventory inquiry / advice	You, to share stock levels
850	Purchase order	Retailer
997	Functional acknowledgment	Both: "we received your file"
855	PO acknowledgment	You: "we accept this order"
856	Advance ship notice (ASN)	You, before the shipment arrives
810	Invoice	You, to get paid

1. The order arrives (850)

The retailer sends an 850 listing items, quantities, prices, ship-to locations and dates. Your system needs to read it quickly and accurately.

2. Confirm receipt (997) and the order (855)

A 997 tells the retailer you received the file. Many retailers also want an 855 confirming you accept the order, or noting changes such as backorders.

3. Ship and notify (856)

The 856 ASN tells the retailer exactly what's in each carton and pallet before it arrives. It's the document most likely to trigger chargebacks if it's late or wrong.

4. Get paid (810)

Your 810 invoice should match the order and the ASN. Mismatches slow down payment.

How TradeFlo helps

TradeFlo is built to handle these six documents and every other EDI document, validate them against each partner's rules, and alert you before a problem becomes a chargeback.

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