What Is an EDIFACT DESADV Message?

An EDIFACT DESADV message, also called DESpatch ADVice, is an electronic packing slip that shares delivery and shipment details for goods that have been dispatched. It is normally sent from a supplier to a customer, or by a logistics service provider on the supplier’s behalf, so the recipient can see what is arriving, when it is expected, and how the shipment is packed. SEEBURGER B2B/EDI integration capabilities support the handling of EDIFACT DESADV messages as part of electronic purchasing and supply chain workflows.

Key takeaways

DESADV follows the UN/EDIFACT message standard and is a key message type in electronic purchasing processes, especially in manufacturing.
A DESADV can include order references, shipment details, delivery dates, item data, product codes, pallet and package numbers, weights, dimensions, expiration dates, and dock locations.
In automotive workflows, DESADV is often referred to as an ASN and helps support Just-in-Time planning by providing delivery information before goods arrive.

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A DESADV EDI message contains shipment, package, order, and item information for a consigned delivery. It tells the customer what goods have been dispatched and provides the details needed to prepare receiving, update stock expectations, and handle specific packages or pallets.

Information type	Typical details
Order and shipment references	Purchase order number, order reference numbers, shipment number, ship-to details, and shipment locations.
Delivery details	Delivery date and time, sender and receiver details, and, where used, dock location details.
Item details	Item identifiers, quantities, descriptions, product codes, and expiration dates.
Packaging details	Pallet and package codes, package identifiers, weights, dimensions, and returnable packaging details where relevant.

A DESADV message is usually generated from the supplier’s ERP system in the supplier’s own ERP-specific data format, such as SAP IDoc. An EDI solution converts the data into the customer’s required EDIFACT DESADV structure and sends it to the customer. After receipt, the customer can see the expected items, planned delivery time, and package or pallet codes for the delivery.

If a logistics service provider is involved, one DESADV may be sent from the supplier to the logistics partner and another DESADV may be created from the logistics partner to the customer.

An EDIFACT DESADV example shows the structured contents of a consigned shipment. Each message relates to a single dispatch point and can include multiple destination points, such as warehouses or other delivery locations. The message is sent, received, and processed by an EDI solution, including EDI cloud services or EDI software for in-house use.

Commonly used EDIFACT DESADV versions include DESADV D96A, DESADV D97A, and DESADV D01B. Comparable message types include VDA 4913 Delivery Note and VDA 4987 Dispatch Advice in the VDA standard. In ANSI X12, the equivalent is the 856 Ship Notice/Manifest, also known as an ASN or Advance Shipping Notice.

Customers can prepare to receive and handle deliveries because detailed delivery information is known in advance.

Customers can book deliveries faster, update expected stock dates, and make items available for sale earlier.

Suppliers can share complex pallet, package, shipment instruction, delivery location, transport, identification, and returnable packaging details.

The automotive industry relies on integrated manufacturing lines where small deviations can affect production. In this context, the EDIFACT DESADV message is a critical part of the Just-in-Time workflow because it gives the customer the delivery and shipment information needed before goods arrive.

EDIFACT DESADV — Typical EDI workflow example from the automotive industry