Five EDI Examples You Need to Know

EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce, and Transport) is a global standard for electronic data interchange. It streamlines communication between businesses by standardizing the format for electronic documents. Here are five key EDIFACT examples crucial for business operations:

1. Purchase Order (ORDERS)

A Purchase Order document initiates a transaction by requesting products or services. It typically includes:

UNH+1+ORDERS:D:96A:UN'
BGM+220+PO123456+9'
DTM+137:20230518:102'
NAD+BY+123456789::92'
NAD+SU+987654321::92'
LIN+1++123456789:IN'
QTY+21:100'
PRI+AAA:15.00'
UNS+S'
CNT+2:1'
UNT+13+1'

2. Invoice (INVOIC)

An Invoice document is sent by the supplier to request payment for goods or services provided. It includes:

UNH+1+INVOIC:D:96A:UN'
BGM+380+INV123456+9'
DTM+137:20230518:102'
NAD+BY+123456789::92'
NAD+SU+987654321::92'
CUX+2:USD:9'
LIN+1++123456789:IN'
QTY+47:100'
PRI+AAA:15.00'
MOA+203:1500.00'
UNS+S'
CNT+2:1'
UNT+12+1'

3. Despatch Advice (DESADV)

A Despatch Advice document notifies the buyer about the shipment of goods. It contains:

UNH+1+DESADV:D:96A:UN'
BGM+351+DES123456+9'
DTM+137:20230518:102'
NAD+BY+123456789::92'
NAD+SU+987654321::92'
TDT+20+123456:9'
CPS+1'
LIN+1++123456789:IN'
QTY+12:100'
UNS+S'
CNT+2:1'
UNT+11+1'

4. Receiving Advice (RECADV)

A Receiving Advice document confirms the receipt of goods. It includes:

UNH+1+RECADV:D:96A:UN'
BGM+352+REC123456+9'
DTM+137:20230518:102'
NAD+BY+123456789::92'
NAD+SU+987654321::92'
LIN+1++123456789:IN'
QTY+21:100'
QVR+1:10'
UNT+10+1'

5. Payment Order (PAYORD)

A Payment Order instructs a financial institution to transfer funds. It includes:

UNH+1+PAYORD:D:96A:UN'
BGM+100+PAY123456+9'
DTM+137:20230518:102'
NAD+PA+123456789::92'
NAD+PE+987654321::92'
MOA+203:1500.00'
RFF+PQ:PO123456'
UNT+8+1'

Implementing EDIFACT standards in business transactions enhances efficiency, accuracy, and security. By automating document exchanges, businesses can reduce manual processing, minimize errors, and ensure timely and consistent communication with trading partners. For more details and to start using EDIFACT, visit EDIFACT Formatter.