EDI Ship Notice/Manifest (856) Transaction Description
The data in this transaction contains all items pertinent to shipment of product such as, bill of lading number, shipment date, number of containers, and container identification numbers. The primary advantage of automating this function is that this information may be integrated into the various systems without multiple data entry operations.
The information is useful in merchandise tracking, delivery appointment scheduling and providing automatic container identification at point of receipt (using bar codes). At point of receipt, merchandise may be checked in at multiple levels. At the shipment level, the total number of containers can be verified against the Ship Notice/Manifest (856) as to quantity. Detail carton verification can take place since carton contents are transmitted along with the container identification.
When the supplier ships to a distribution center, the buyer can utilize the carton identification for cross docking. This implies that scanning equipment is in place to accomplish this task. In addition, the data provided within the Ship Notice/Manifest (856) is used as verification of the carton label. This enables an automatic update of receiving systems as well as appropriate merchandise tracking and financial applications. Furthermore, checking of carton 30 content is possible on a random basis. This lot testing procedure can detect possible merchandise discrepancies at the distribution center rather than at store level.
The key to implementing this transaction lies with the timing of transmission. It is designed to convey shipment detail prior to physical delivery of the product.
Ship Notice/Manifest (856) Benefits
• Eliminates the need for paper-based communications
• Ensures accuracy of communication between product shipped and product received
• Reduces off-loading time at receiving dock
• Reduces check-in time from receipt to selling floor
• Provides a cross-reference to the Transportation Carrier Shipment Status Message (214) or the Motor Carrier Package Status Message (240) data.
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