VICS EDI Transaction – Inventory Inquiry/Advice (846)
The Inventory Inquiry/Advice (EDI 846) is a standard electronic data interchange (EDI) transaction set used in the business world to communicate inventory information between trading partners. It is particularly common in industries like retail, manufacturing, and distribution where accurate and timely inventory data is crucial.
The Inventory Inquiry/Advice (846) is used by the supplier or manufacturer to notify a buyer of inventory on hand. This is used most commonly by the buyer, to take advantage of special buys of overstock opportunities.
In addition to current inventory levels, the supplier can also use the Inventory Inquiry/Advice (846) to notify a buyer of minimum order quantity requirements and total quantity on order for that buyer, as reflected in the supplier’s system. The Inventory Inquiry/Advice (846) can also be used internally to inform different locations inside an enterprise of their respective inventory positions.
846 Components
- Item Information: Details about the items, including item number, description, and units of measure.
- Location Information: Details about where the inventory is stored, such as warehouse locations.
- Quantity Information: The amount of inventory available, including current stock levels and future availability.
- Status Information: Details on the status of inventory, such as in transit, back-ordered, or available.
Examples of Use
- A retailer uses EDI 846 to check the inventory levels of a supplier before placing an order.
- A manufacturer sends an EDI 846 to a distributor to inform them of current stock levels of a particular product.
- A logistics provider updates the status of goods in transit using EDI 846.
The Inventory Inquiry/Advice (EDI 846) transaction set is a vital tool for efficient inventory management and communication between trading partners. By leveraging EDI 846, businesses can enhance their supply chain operations, reduce errors, and ensure that inventory data is accurate and up-to-date.
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