EDIFACT DESADV — Despatch Advice (ASN)
DESADV tells the receiver what is coming: ship notice, carton hierarchy, SSCCs, weights, carrier, and ties to ORDERS lines.
✦ What It Does
CPS/PAC loops build pack structure; EQD may describe equipment; TDT carries transport stage.
Retail compliance often mandates DESADV before physical arrival; missing or mis-linked SSCCs drive chargebacks.
Harmonized with GS1 SSCC labeling on pallets and cartons for scanning at DC.
⚡ When It's Used
- Supplier ships from DC or 3PL after pick/pack complete.
- Cross-dock flows with multi-stop trailers.
- Drop-ship vendor notifies retailer consumer shipment.
- Intercompany stock transfer between plants.
- Returns or reverse logistics despatch (subset).
Who Uses EDIFACT DESADV
European retail & brands
Common in EDIFACT-first programs where despatch advice (asn) flows between HQ, DCs, and suppliers across the EU and APAC.
Global manufacturers
Automotive, industrial, and CPG companies standardize on EDIFACT for plants and suppliers outside North America.
3PLs & carriers
Logistics service providers consume or produce the message when the contract mandates UN/EDIFACT syntax and directories.
Key Segments & Constructs
EDIFACT uses a hierarchical structure: UNH (message header) opens the transaction; BGM (beginning of message) carries the document name and reference; party data uses NAD; lines often use LIN with QTY, PRI, and MOA. Exact segment requirements depend on the message directory (D.96A, etc.) and your trading partner's implementation guide.
BGM
Despatch advice number and function.
CPS / PAC / PCI
Hierarchy, packages, and SSCC marking.
LIN / QTY
Shipped quantities by order line.
TDT / EQD
Carrier, means of transport, and equipment identifiers.
Related Messages
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