SEEBURGER BIS is designed to support the handling of EDIFACT DESADV messages through its comprehensive B2B/EDI integration capabilities. The BIS Platform empowers users to efficiently convert, send, receive and process critical EDI messages, including DESADV, which are vital for electronic purchasing processes and supply chain workflows — especially for Just-in-Time (JIT) methodologies in the automotive supply chain.
What Is an EDIFACT DESADV Message?
Learn how the EDIFACT DESADV electronic packing slip streamlines logistics, reduces errors and powers JIT workflows.
1. Executive summary: EDIFACT DESADV
The EDIFACT DESADV (DESpatch ADVice) message is an electronic packing slip that contains delivery and shipment information for goods despatched. DESADV messages are normally sent from the supplier to the customer, but they can also be used with a separate logistics service provider who may send the DESADV message on behalf of the supplier.
EDIFACT DESADV follows the EDI message standard UN/EDIFACT. It is a key message type for the electronic purchasing process in manufacturing industries. In the automotive industry, an EDIFACT DESADV document is referred to as an ASN (Advance Shipping Notice).
The SEEBURGER Business Integration Suite (BIS) brings together low-code capabilities, AI-powered flows and flexible deployment models to handle every integration need – including B2B/EDI integration capabilities — for any industry.
No time to read?
2. Understanding the EDIFACT DESADV message
A DESADV EDI message is normally sent by the supplier to the customer and contains all the details of a shipment, as well as specific package and order-related information including 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. DESADV message 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 used, a DESADV may be sent from the supplier to the logistics partner for delivery, and then a separate DESADV from the logistics partner to the customer may be created.
DESADV EDI messages are generated via a supplier’s 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, the customer will know what is being received in that specific delivery.
3. What does an EDIFACT DESADV example look like?
The EDIFACT DESADV message structure describes the detailed contents of a consigned shipment. 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 example message includes the following information:
- Purchase order number and any other 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
UNA:+.? '
UNB+UNOC:3+SEEBURGER AG:ZZZ+RECEIVER:ZZZ+200203:1156+123455555+++++EANCOM+1'
UNH+54321+DESADV:D:01B:UN:EAN011+2.0'
BGM+351::9:WAREHOUSE+DEL12345:9'
DTM+137:20200203'
DTM+191:20200203'
MEA+PD+AAD+KGM:21.000'
MEA+PD+AAC+KGM:21.000'
MEA+PD+AAW+MTQ:21.000'
NAD+BY+4019315000007:9'
NAD+SU+SEEBURGER AG:9'
CPS+1'
PAC+1'
CPS+2+1'
PAC+1++201'
PCI+30'
GIN+BJ+123456789012345675'
CPS+3+2'
PAC+1++PK'
PCI+30'
GIN+BJ+123456789012345676'
LIN+1++40700719670720:SRV'
MEA+AAE+AAC+KGM:21.000'
MEA+AAE+AAE+KGM:21.000'
MEA+AAE+AAW+MTQ:21.000'
QTY+12:21'
DTM+361:20200203'
RFF+BT:67890'
RFF+ON:10001:00010'
CNT+8:21'
UNT+29+54321'
UNZ+1+123455555'
4. EDIFACT DESADV message processing
When a DESADV message is received by a customer, they will know exactly what items from their order will be delivered, when the tiems will be delivered and all the specific codes relating to all packages and pallets. The customer will also be able to start planning to receive the delivery and update expected stock dates for future sales.
Although there are many different versions of the DESADV EDI document, the most commonly used are:
- DESADV D96A
- DESADV D97A
- DESADV D01B
Automotive EDI workflow example with EDIFACT DESADV
Many different documents are exchanged between business partners via EDI, specific to the industry they are working within. The following diagram illustrates a standard automotive manufacturing workflow, showing when the DESADV message is generated and distributed.
5. 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.
6. Benefits of the EDIFACT DESADV message
By using EDIFACT DESADV messages, customers and suppliers will benefit from:
Shipment information is received instantly into a customer’s ERP system
Direct computer to computer communication reduces manual errors
Previous order details are referenced within the DESADV meaning there is no need to match documents manually
Avoids the waste generated from using paper-based systems
Benefits specific to customers
Detailed delivery information is known in advance so that the customer can prepare to receive and handle the specifics of a delivery
Items can be made available for sale earlier, as deliveries can be booked in quicker
Individual item expiration dates can be known in advance
Benefits specific to suppliers
Complicated pallet and packaging details can be described in an easy to understand manner
Specific shipment instructions, delivery locations and transport details can be shared
Extended packaging details, such as identification and returnable status can be shared
7. Ensure the reliable use of the EDIFACT DESADV 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 critical part of the overall Just-in-Time workflow, because it provides the necessary delivery and shipment information to the customer. SEEBURGER B2B/EDI integration capabilities support the handling of EDIFACT DESADV messages.
8. More Information about the EDIFACT DESADV message
9. FAQs
Frequently asked questions about EDIFACT DESADV
How does SEEBURGER support EDIFACT DESADV?
What are the equivalents of EDIFACT DESADV in other EDI standard formats?
Within the VDA standard, which is widely used in the Automotive industry, the equivalent messages are the VDA 4913 Delivery Note or the more recent VDA 4987 Dispatch Advice. For the ANSI X12 standard, the corresponding message is known as the 856 Ship Notice/Manifest. This message is also often referred to as an ASN or Advance Shipping Notice.
What are the main benefits of using EDIFACT DESADV messages?
Businesses benefit from receiving shipment information instantly into their ERP systems, which leads to a reduction in manual errors due to direct computer-to-computer communication. Referencing previous order details within the DESADV EDI message means that documents don't need to be matched manually, and the use of electronic messages avoids the waste generated by paper-based systems.
For customers, the detailed advance delivery information allows for better preparation to receive and handle shipments, enabling quicker booking and making items available for sale sooner. Suppliers can easily describe complicated pallet and packaging details and share specific shipment details more effectively in this type of EDI message.
How is an EDIFACT DESADV message processed?
The process for handling an EDIFACT DESADV message begins with the supplier's ERP system, where the message is generated, often in an internal format like SAP IDoc. An EDI solution such as the BIS Platform is then used to convert the data into the required EDI DESADV structure. When the customer receives the DESADV EDI message, they receive advance knowledge of the exact items expected and their planned delivery time. This information allows the customer to efficiently plan for receiving the delivery, update expected stock dates and prepare for handling the incoming goods. This processing can occur via cloud integration services for B2B/EDI.
What information is contained in an EDIFACT DESADV message?
An EDIFACT DESADV message functions as an electronic packing slip. It contains detailed delivery and shipment information for goods that have been dispatched. This information typically includes the purchase order number and order reference numbers, as well as the shipment number, ship-to details and shipment locations. Key details about the delivery, such as the date and time, are also included. The message provides comprehensive information about the items in the shipment, including product codes, descriptions, quantities and specific pallet and package identifiers. Additional details like weight, dimensions, expiration dates and dock locations can be shared via the DESADV EDI message.
Brochure
