EDI Messages for 3PL Warehouse Integration

In our earlier post 3PL Inventory Synchronization we discussed the importance of ERP synchronization and accurate inventory information in ERP.

In this article how to use EDI technology to integrate to 3PL warehouses

EDI

EDI is the most popular integration format used by businesses today. 3PL Integration also can be easily achieved using EDI

EDI Messages for 3PL Integration

EDI X12 940 : Ship Order

This message is used to inform the 3PL about outbound customer shipments. This message will typically have the below critical information

1. Order Reference Number ( PO Number)
2. Item (SKU)
3. Quantity
4. Required Ship Date
5. Ship Address

EDI X12 945 : Ship Notice

This is the counterpart of 940 message that was sent from customer to the warehouse. Once the order is shipped warehouse will send 945 message back to customer that the order has been shipped

This message will have the below information

1. Order Reference Number ( PO Number)
2. Shipment Reference Number
3. Tracking Number/Waybill Number/BOL Number
4. Item (SKU)
5. Actual quantity shipped
6. Actual Ship Date

EDI X12 943 : Stock Transfer Shipment Advice

This message will be used when the material is transferred from one warehouse to another warehouse. Once the shipper completes the shipment, they will send this message to the receiver to notify the incoming shipment

This message will have the below information

1. Order Reference Number ( Customer Transfer Order  Number)
2. Shipment Reference Number
3. Tracking Number/Waybill Number/BOL Number
4. Item (SKU)
5. Actual quantity shipped
6. Actual Ship Date
7. Expected Delivery Date
8. Weight/Volume

EDI X12 944 : Transfer Order/Purchase Order Receipt Advice

This message will be used when the material is received by the receiving warehouse either from another warehouse (Transfer) or from a supplier (PO Receipt)

This message will have the below information

1. Order Reference Number ( Customer  Order  Number)
2. Shipment Reference Number
3. Tracking Number/Waybill Number/BOL Number
4. Item (SKU)
5. Actual quantity received
6. Actual Received Date

EDI X12 846 : Inventory Snapshot

This message will be sent by the 3PL warehouse to the customer on daily basis to inform the current inventory position at the 3Pl location

This message will have the below information

1. Warehouse Location
2. Item (SKU)
3. Status (Sellable/Non Sellable)
4. Quantity
5. Lot Number ( if applicable)

This message will help the customer company to reconcile the inventory with their inhouse ERP system

EDI X12 947 : Inventory Movements (Adjustment)

There will be daily adjustments within the 3PL warehouse. For example inventory may be moved from Sellable to Non sellable due to quality checks or it may even be scrapped or destroyed. These types of internal movements or transactions will be sent through the 947 message