Routing Request: Enhancing Supply Chain Efficiency with Amazon
In today's competitive business landscape, it is imperative for suppliers to meet the expectations of industry giants like Amazon. One such expectation is the need for suppliers to request a carrier assignment for their shipments. Not only is this a requirement for collecting freight charges, but it also ensures a seamless flow of goods from the suppliers to the customers.
To fulfill this obligation, suppliers are required to provide crucial details including the expected pick-up date, location, nature, weight, and volume of the consignment. Based on their negotiated rate, the customer assigns a carrier and promptly informs the suppliers. It is then up to the suppliers to have the consignment ready for the carrier's pickup on the appointed date and time.
Amazon Vendor Central: Streamlining Logistics
For Amazon suppliers, an additional step is necessary to maintain a smooth operation. After confirming the Purchase Order, suppliers must create a routing request through the esteemed Amazon Vendor Central platform. This routing request entails sharing essential information such as the pickup date, time, number of cartons, weight, and volume of the consignment. This meticulous process is a crucial part of the overall logistics management strategy.
Upon the submission of the routing request, suppliers eagerly await Amazon's routing confirmation email, which includes a reference number known as the Amazon Reference Number (ARN). This unique identifier plays a vital role in the subsequent stages of the shipment process, as it ensures accurate tracking and seamless coordination between all parties involved. The routing request, once confirmed, is transformed into shipments with assigned carriers, yet it remains pending ASNs (Advance Ship Notices) until shipment completion.
Automating the Routing Request: Driving Efficiency
In a commitment to process optimization, Amazon offers an electronic data interchange (EDI) solution for its EDI-enabled vendors. Through this automated process, suppliers can enjoy the convenience of sending routing requests via EDI 753 and receiving confirmations through EDI 754. Not only does this eliminate the need for suppliers to manually enter the Amazon reference number (ARN) into their system, but it also streamlines the entire operation, reducing errors and saving valuable time.
Key Components of an EDI 753 Routing Request
Within an EDI 753 routing request, several crucial components contribute to a successful and efficient supply chain:
Supplier Reference Number: Each supplier is assigned a unique reference number by Amazon, allowing for easy identification and matching when receiving the routing confirmation via EDI 754.
Customer Purchase Order Number: This refers to the Purchase Order number provided by Amazon and must be included in the routing request for proper synchronization.
Number of Pallets/Cartons: Accurately specifying the number of pallets or cartons ensures effective load planning and optimal space utilization.
Total Weight of the Consignment: Precise weight measurements are necessary for accurate shipment calculations and adherence to carrier requirements.
Total Volume in Cubic Feet: Indicating the volume of the consignment allows for efficient use of transportation resources and helps determine appropriate storage and handling solutions.
Address Identifier: Suppliers with a SAN address ID can utilize this identifier, while others can request an address ID through Vendor Central, and Amazon will swiftly assign one, ensuring seamless delivery coordination.
Pick-up Date/Time: Communicating the exact date and time when the consignment will be ready for pickup enables carriers to efficiently plan their schedules, ensuring on-time deliveries.
Routing Confirmation
To ensure smooth and efficient logistics, Amazon will provide a routing confirmation through EDI 754. Let's take a closer look at the key components of EDI 754:
Supplier Reference Number: This is the unique identifier that the supplier initially sent in EDI 753, ensuring seamless communication and coordination.
Amazon Reference Number (ARN): Amazon assigns a distinctive identifier to each shipment. When suppliers submit a shipment advice (ASN), they should use this reference number for accurate tracking.
Carrier Name: Based on weight/volume and established rates, Amazon assigns carriers for efficient shipping. For larger consignments, LTL (Less than truckload) carriers like Con-way or Central Freight Lines are utilized. For smaller shipments, reliable options such as UPS and FedEx are employed.
On the designated pick-up time, the carriers will efficiently collect the consignment from the supplier. In addition, Amazon provides suppliers with account login credentials to conveniently print shipping labels.
Advance Shipment Notification (ASN)
Once the carriers take possession of the consignment, suppliers are required to promptly notify Amazon of the Advance Shipment Notification (ASN) within 24 hours or 4 hours before the arrival, whichever comes first. Suppliers can create the ASN manually in Amazon vendor central or opt for EDI automation by submitting EDI 856 (ASN) to Amazon. It's crucial that the EDI 856 includes the carrier's tracking number, also known as the Airway Bill Number.
The Importance of Automating the Shipment Process with Amazon
Manual data entry in Amazon Vendor Central often leads to errors when reconciling Amazon PO Number, Amazon Reference Number, and Amazon Shipment Number. These mistakes can result in frequent supplier chargebacks and a decline in ranking with Amazon. To overcome these challenges, it is highly recommended to leverage an EDI automation tool like TPSynergy (https://www.tpsynergy.com/integrations). By automating the process, managing back-office shipments becomes significantly easier and more efficient.
Empower your logistics operations with automation and streamline your partnership with Amazon using TPSynergy.
Seamless Integration for Enhanced Efficiency
By following Amazon's meticulous routing request process, suppliers can amplify their operational efficiency while ensuring smoother collaboration with one of the world's leading online marketplaces. Automated solutions further simplify the process, reducing errors and facilitating timely deliveries. Embracing these streamlined practices, suppliers can meet the needs of the ever-evolving supply chain landscape, driving mutually beneficial growth.
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