What is an EDIFACT DESADV Message?
The EDIFACT DESADV (DESpatch ADVice) is an electronic packing slip, which contains delivery and shipment information. A DESADV message is normally sent from the supplier to the customer, however, they can also be used with a separate logistics service provider who may then send the DESADV on behalf of the supplier. It follows the EDI message standard UN/EDIFACT and is a key message type for the electronic purchasing process in manufacturing industries.
Within the automotive industry, these documents may be referred to as an ASN (Advance Shipping Notice).
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The use of the EDIFACT DESADV Message
A DESADV message is normally sent by the supplier to the customer and will contain all the details of a shipment along with a specific package and order related information. This includes the date and time of delivery, the total number of items to be received, descriptions of each item, product codes, and both the sender and receiver details. DESADVs can also include specific pallet and packaging numbers, weight and package dimensions, expiration dates, and unique dock locations for each set of items.
If a separate logistics service provider is being used, a DESADV may be sent from supplier to logistics partner for delivery, and then a separate DESADV from the logistics partner to the customer may be created.
DESADV messages are generated via a supplier ERP system in their own ERP specific data format, such as SAP IDoc. This data is converted into the customer’s required EDI DESADV structure via an EDI solution and sent. Once received they will know what is being received on that specific delivery.
The DESADV EDIFACT message structure describes the detailed contents of a consignment of goods. Each message relates to a single dispatch point but can contain multiple destination points, such as warehouses or locations. An EDI despatch advice message is sent, received, and processed by an EDI solution. The solution can be an EDI Cloud Service or EDI software for in-house usage.
A typical EDIFACT DESADV Message includes:
- Purchase and other specific order reference numbers
- Shipment number, ship-to details, and specific shipment locations
- Delivery date and time
- Item/product details, such as an identifier, quantity, and description
- Pallet and package codes
How does a typical EDIFACT DESADV Structure look like?
Once a DESADV message is received by the customer, they will know exactly what items from their order will be delivered, when it will be delivered and all the specific codes relating to all packages and pallets. They will also be able to start planning for the delivery to be received and update expected stock dates for future sales.
Although there are many different versions of the DESADV document, the most commonly used are:
- DESADV D96A
- DESADV D97A
- DESADV D01B
EDIFACT DESADV Example in the EDI Workflow
Many different documents are exchanged between business partners via EDI, specific to the industry they are working within. The below example describes a standard Automotive manufacturing workflow, showing when the DESADV would be generated and distributed.
Processing of the EDIFACT CONTRL Message
Once an EDIFACT CONTRL message has been received, the EDI system will check the details held within the contents of the message to find which previously sent interchange this relates to. If it has been accepted, the customer knows that the contents and syntax of the message were correct and understood. If there are any rejections, specific details can be obtained to help the customer fix and resend this data in future interchanges.
EDIFACT CONTRL Example in the EDI Workflow
An EDIFACT CONTRL message can be sent in response to any received EDIFACT message, to show whether it has been accepted, rejected, or partially rejected. Depending on the industry and the EDI guideline in place, the business may only require CONTRL messages for some EDIFACT messages and not all. Therefore there is no typical CONTRL example like with other EDIFACT messages.
What are the equivalents of EDIFACT DESADV in other EDI Standard Formats?
With VDA messages, the direct comparisons for the EDIFACT DESADV would be a VDA 4913 Delivery Note or a newer 4987 Dispatch Advice. For ANSI X12, the equivalent would be an 856 Ship Notice / Manifest (ASN). VDA (‘Verband der Automobilindustrie’) is a very common EDI standard within the Automotive industry, and ANSI X12 (The Accredited Standards Committee X12) is a very common set of standards within the NAFTA region.
Benefits of the EDIFACT DESADV Message
Items can be made available for sale earlier, as deliveries can be booked in quicker
Individual item expiration dates can be known in advance
Specific shipment instructions, delivery locations and transport details can be shared
Extended packaging details, such as identification and returnable status can be shared
Ensure the reliable use of EDIFACT Dispatch Advice Message
The automotive industry relies on integrated manufacturing lines where small deviations can bring entire assembly lines to a standstill. The EDIFACT DESADV Message is a mission critical part of the overall Just-in-Time workflow because it provides the necessary confirmation to the customer where and when ordered parts will arrive. SEEBURGER provides you all options for mission-critical operation of B2B/EDI integration including the handling for DESADV.
