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:
- Buyer and supplier information
- Order number and date
- Item descriptions, quantities, and prices
- Delivery instructions
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:
- Invoice number and date
- Billing and shipping information
- Itemized list of products/services
- Total amount due and payment terms
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:
- Shipment details
- Item descriptions, quantities, and packaging information
- Carrier and tracking information
- Expected delivery date
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:
- Received quantities
- Discrepancies between ordered and received items
- Condition of received goods
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:
- Payment amount and currency
- Beneficiary details
- Payment reference and instructions
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.