EDI 816 format
The EDI 816 format streamlines updates, improves accuracy and enhances coordination between businesses:
ST: Transaction set header—This segment identifies the start of a transaction set and assigns a control number.
BHT: Beginning of hierarchical transaction—This segment provides the hierarchical structure of the transaction and includes the purpose and reference identification.
N1-N4: Name, address and location—This segment identifies the organization involved in the transaction with standardized codes, including names, addresses and geographic details.
REF: Reference identification—This segment provides additional reference numbers, such as customer or supplier reference numbers.
PER: Administrative communications contact—This segment specifies the contact information for individuals involved in the transaction.
HL: Hierarchical level—This segment identifies the hierarchical relationships within the organization.
DMG: Demographic information—This segment provides demographic information related to the organization.
DTP: Date/time reference—This segment specifies dates and times relevant to the transaction.
FOB and PID: Transit and product details—This segment provides information on Free on Board (FOB) terms and detailed descriptions of products or services.
MEA: Measurements—This segment includes measurement details such as dimensions, weight or volume of the items.
PKG, CTT and SE: Document totals, document conclusion and summary of document—This segment includes packaging, marketing and loading instructions, as well as transaction totals. It also indicates the end of the transaction set.
How is the EDI 816 used?
The EDI 816 is used for many purposes. Here are some key applications:
Organizational hierarchies
Location information
Relationship specification
Identification
Contact details
Benefits of using the EDI 816
The EDI 816 enhances supply chain efficiency and accuracy by streamlining the exchange of detailed location information between trading partners.
Here are some of the ways it does this:
Enhanced visibility: Provides clear and accurate visibility into organizational structures and location details, which is crucial for effective supply chain management and coordination.
Improved accuracy: Reduces errors associated with manual data entry by automating the communication of organizational and location information.
Efficient updates: Facilitates timely and efficient updates to organizational and location information, ensuring all parties have the latest data.
Better planning and coordination: Enhances planning and coordination by ensuring all parties have accurate and up-to-date information about organizational structures and locations.
Cost savings: Reduces administrative costs associated with manual data entry and updates, freeing up resources for other strategic activities.
Compliance and record-keeping: Ensures compliance with industry standards and provides a reliable record of organizational and location changes, which is crucial for auditing and resolving disputes.
Common issues regarding the EDI 816
Accuracy and timeliness:
Without assurance that updates of organizational and location details are accurate, complete and timely, issues may arise.
Integration and customization:
Integrating the EDI 816 with existing systems can be complex and often needs customization, causing potential sync issues.
Compliance and coordination:
Adhering to EDI standards and managing different systems from trading partners can lead to communication and transaction errors.
Security and cost:
Protecting sensitive information requires strong security, and setup and maintenance costs can be high.
Change management and monitoring:
Managing changes, training staff and monitoring transactions are crucial for smooth operations and quick issue resolution.
Automate 816 Organizational Relationships with Full-Service EDI
Tracking down the appropriate location address for transaction shipments can be complicated and time-consuming. Full-service EDI providers like SPS Commerce can automate your EDI 816 and all your related EDI tasks. We do this with technology and associated staffing resources that take on the responsibility of customizing, optimizing, and operating your EDI solution. The SPS team actively manages 9,000 changes from retailers each year.
We communicate directly with your trading partners to manage connectivity, setup, requirements, updates and support efforts. We also take full ownership of understanding all of your trading partner’s requirements and making all the associated map changes.
SPS Fulfillment proactively monitors and optimizes your solution to prevent errors and minimize data entry. Interested in learning more about our EDI solution?
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