In Electronic Document Interchange (EDI), an EDI 940 Warehouse Shipping Order communicates to the warehouse, relaying information and instructions on what product(s) to ship, the quantity, and when the shipment will be executed.

an image of encompass solutions EDI 940 Warehouse Shipping Order

Once the EDI 940 Warehouse Shipping Order has been sent, an EDI 945 Shipment Advice is deployed from the warehouse. It includes all of the pertinent details of the shipment that are then used by a seller to produce an 856 Advance Ship Notice and an 810 Invoice.

EDI 940 Format

ISA*01*0000000000*01*0000000000*ZZ*ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO*ZZ*123456789012345*101127*1719*U*00400*000003438*0*P*>
GS*OW*7705551212*3111350000*20000128*0557*3317*T*004010UCS
ST*940*0001
W05*N*538686**001001*538686
N1*ST*GRITS BREAD COMPANY*ZZ*00046349
N3*2100 SOUTHEAST AVE
N4*SAN DIEGO*CA*91760
N1*DE*PINK BUNNY BREAD*9*0012345670001
N3*2323 BUNNY BLVD
N4*MINNEAPOLIS*MN*55402
N1*WH*ONTARIO*9*0581493780140
N4*ONTARIO*CA*91761
N9*BR*R1121
G62*10*20000204
G62*02*20000207
NTE*WHI*SHIP ON CHEP PALLETS
W66*PP*M***MTEN
LX*1
W01*12*CA*000100011110*VN*000100*UC*DEC0199******19991205
G69*11.500 STRUD BLUBRY
N9*PC*DEC0199
LX*2
W01*32*CA*000100022220*VN*000200*UC*DEC0299******19991207
G69*11.500 STRUD CINN
N9*PC*DEC0299
LX*3
W01*12*CA*000100033330*VN*000300*UC*JAN0100******20000107
G69*11.500 STRUDEL RASPBRY
N9*PC*JAN0100
W76*56*500*LB*24*CF
SE*29*0001
IEA*1*3317

EDI 940 Warehouse Shipping Order Key Data

Information provided in an EDI 940 Warehouse Shipping Order will typically include:

  • Manufacturer information
  • Required delivery date
  • Item descriptions and quantities
  • Recipient information, including name, ship-to location, contact info, etc.
  • Billing information
  • Shipment method details
  • Shipper stipulations

EDI 940 Warehouse Shipping Order Benefits

EDI 940 offers plenty of benefits to both the purchaser and the supplier. When implementing electronic warehouse shipping orders, benefits can include:

  • Better visibility into shipping details for buyers, sellers, and warehouses
  • Reduction in manual entry of data, resulting in ease for buyers, sellers, and warehouses
  • Automation of order entry streamlines processes and improves efficiency
  • Automation of order entry reduces order and shipment inaccuracies

For more information on Encompass Solutions’ EDI offerings, read more about our Rapid EDI Implementation.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


In Electronic Document Interchange (EDI), an EDI 860 Purchase Order Change Request – Buyer Initiated is used to request changes to a shipment following the submission and acknowledgement of a purchase order.

an image of encompass solutions EDI 860 Purchase Order Change Request – Buyer Initiated

The EDI 860 informs the supplier that the buyer is interested in making changes to a previously submitted order. This request can emerge for many reasons, such as fewer or more items needed than previously estimated, color variations are required, or perhaps outright cancellation of the order. An EDI 860 helps to both supplier and buyer ensure that a final version of an order is correct. Beyond this, the EDI 860 provides transaction reconciliation and proper, accurate payment when the invoice for payment is received.

EDI 860 Purchase Order Change Request – Buyer Initiated Key Data

When it comes to an EDI Purchase Order Change Request – Buyer Initiated, depending on the agreement between trading partners, there is typically a set of standard data that is included, such as:

  • Purchase order number
  • Additional items
  • Additional quantity
  • Changed items
  • Pricing amendments
  • Cancelled orders
  • Rescheduled shipping or delivery dates

EDI 860 Purchase Order Change Request – Buyer Initiated Benefits

EDI 860 offers plenty of benefits to both the purchaser and the supplier. When implementing the use of a Purchase Order Change Request, benefits can include:

  • Better inventory management
  • A more efficient supply chain
  • More accurate financial transactions
  • More efficient communication between suppliers and partners
  •  

For more information on Encompass Solutions’ EDI offerings, read more about our Rapid EDI Implementation.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


In Electronic Document Interchange (EDI), an EDI 855 Purchase Order Acknowledgment is essentially an electronic version of a phone call or fax that informs the submitter of a purchase order the supplier will be filling the order as requested.

an image of encompass solutions EDI 855 Purchase Order Acknowledgment

The EDI 855 informs the buyer that you will be filling the order and shipping the goods as requested by the date requested. If this is not the case, and the order can not be fulfilled as requested, then the EDI 855 is used to communicate to the buyer that the supplier will be unable to complete the order as-is. the order can be outright rejected, or accepted with changes in this case. An order can be rejected for any reason in this case, such as insufficient stock for the items specified or a disagreement with the terms of the Purchase Order.

EDI 855 Format

ISA*01*0000000000*01*0000000000*ZZ*ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO*ZZ*123456789012345*101127*1719*U*00400*000003438*0*P*>
GS*PR*4405197800*999999999*20110527*1719*1421*X*004010VICS
ST*855*1001
BAK*00*AC*ABC123*20000430*****20000430
DTM*067*20000507
N1*ST**21*HO1000A00
PO1*1*10*CA*72.95*CT*UK*50387698433528
ACK*IA*10*CA*067*20000507**UK*50387698433528
PO1*2*25*BX*15.75*CT*UK*30387698775411
ACK*IA*25*BX*067*20000507**UK*30387698775411
CTT*2
SE*10*1001
GE*1*1421
IEA*1*000004438

EDI 855 Purchase Order Acknowledgment Key Data

When it comes to an EDI 855 Purchase Order Acknowledgement, depending on the agreement between trading partners, there is typically a set of standard data that is included, such as:

  • Purchase order number
  • Estimated shipping and delivery dates
  • Unique product and service identifiers such as UPC/EAN/GTIN, as well as their respective quantities
  • Item status, such as accepted, rejected, accepted with changes, or back ordered

An EDI 855 Purchase Order Acknowledgment accepted with changes will likely include one of the following amendments to the original Purchase Order:

  • Header level changes. This can include line items accepted, changes in freight, or amendments to cash terms
  • Changes or rejection of one or more line items, without header-level changes
  • Header-level changes may be included along with one or more line items changed or rejected

Additional data may be included or required according to trading partner specifications. These data can include:

  • Vendor number
  • Item price
  • Additional item identifiers such as Buyer Item Number or Vendor Part Number
  • Item description

EDI 855 Purchase Order Acknowledgment Benefits

EDI 855 offers plenty of benefits to both the purchaser and the supplier. When implementing the use of a Purchase Order Acknowledgement, benefits can include:

  • Visibility into a supplier’s commitment to fulfilling an order
  • Quicker routing of acknowledgments and changes with automation
  • Improved organization of order information between suppliers and partners
  • Reduction of issues post-invoicing
  • Easy confirmation of supplier-fulfilled orders direct to end consumers

For more information on Encompass Solutions’ EDI offerings, read more about our Rapid EDI Implementation.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


In Electronic Document Interchange (EDI), an EDI 856 Advance Shipment Notification (ASN) is most commonly utilized as a method of shipment confirmation between a supplier and retailer. The 856 provides visibility for inbound shipments, automation of receiving, and confirmation for direct vendor-to-consumer shipments.

an image of encompass solutions EDI 856 Advance Shipment Notification

An EDI 856 Advance Shipment Notification is typically insufficient to fully comply with EDI standards. additional documentation is necessary to fully comply with the sales cycle requirements. An acknowledgment document, such as an 810 Invoice, will need to be included as well as an advance shipping notice, such as an EDI 856 Advance Shipment Notification. an EDI 856 will include important information regarding the outbound shipment, including the shipment’s contents and how the items were prepared for shipment.

EDI 856 Format

ISA*01*0000000000*01*0000000000*ZZ*ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO*ZZ*123456789012345*101127*1719*U*00400*000003438*0*P*>
GS*SH*4405197800*999999999*20111206*1045*49*X*004060
ST*856*0008
BSN*14*829716*20111206*142428*0002
HL*1**S
TD1*PCS*2****A3*60.310*LB
TD5**2*XXXX**XXXX
REF*BM*999999-001
REF*CN*5787970539
DTM*011*20111206
N1*SH*1 ENCOMPASS SOLUTIONS
N3*1175 REVOLUTION MILL DRIVE L31
N4*GREENSBORO*NC*27405
N1*OB*ABC RETAIL
N3*P O BOX 1010101
N4*LEXINGTON*NC*27292-0336**SN*1010
N1*SF*1 ENCOMPASS SOLUTIONS
N3*1175 REVOLUTION MILL DRIVE L31
N4*GREENSBORO*NC*27405
HL*2*1*O
PRF*99999817***20111205
HL*3*2*I
LIN*1*VP*87787D*UP*999999310145
SN1*1*24*EA
PO4*1*24*EA
PID*F****BLUE WIDGET
HL*4*2*I
LIN*2*VP*99887D*UP*999999311746
SN1*2*6*EA
PO4*1*6*EA
PID*F****RED WIDGET
CTT*4*30
SE*31*0008
GE*1*49
IEA*1*000000049

EDI 856 Advance Shipment Notification Key Data

When it comes to an EDI 856 Advanced Shipment Notification, depending on the agreement between trading partners, there is typically a set of standard data that is included, such as:

  • Purchase order number
  • Shipment notice number
  • Shipment destination
  • Shipment source
  • Shipping date
  • Delivery date
  • Unique product and service identifiers, including UPC/EAN/GTIN and their respective quantities

Additional data may be required according to trading partner specifications. These data can include:

  • Carrier and service levels
  • tracking numbers
  • terms of freight
  • Vendor part numbers
  • Buyer Item number
  • Item description

EDI 856 Advance Shipment Notification Benefits

EDI 856 offers plenty of benefits to both the purchaser and the supplier. When implementing the use of ASN, benefits can include:

  • Increased visibility into shipment progress and contents
  • Increased shipment accuracy
  • Increased fulfillment rates
  • Easy cross-referencing between PO and shipment
  • Reduced need for safety stock

For more information on Encompass Solutions’ EDI offerings, read more about our Rapid EDI Implementation.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


In Electronic Document Interchange (EDI), an EDI 850 Purchase Order (PO) is a transaction set used when placing an order for goods or services. It is one of the most commonly utilized supply chain documents as they relate to EDI transaction sets. The 850 document is most widely used in general merchandise, while its counterpart, the EDI 875 Purchase Order, is reserved for grocery items.

an image of encompass solutions EDI 850 purchase order

An 850 purchase order transaction set is typically insufficient to fully comply with EDI standards. Additional documentation is necessary to fully comply with the sales cycle and supply chain requirements. An acknowledgement document, such as an 810 Invoice, will need to be included as well as an advance shipping notice, such as an EDI 856 Advance Ship Notice. An EDI 856 will include important information regarding the outbound shipment, including the shipment’s contents and how the items were prepared for shipment.

EDI 850 Format

ISA*01*0000000000*01*0000000000*ZZ*ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO*ZZ*123456789012345*101127*1719*U*00400*000003438*0*P*>
GS*PO*4405197800*999999999*20101127*1719*1421*X*004010VICS
ST*850*000000010
BEG*00*SA*08292233294**20101127*610385385
REF*DP*038
REF*PS*R
ITD*14*3*2**45**46
DTM*002*20101214
PKG*F*68***PALLETIZE SHIPMENT
PKG*F*66***REGULAR
TD5*A*92*P3**SEE ABC RETAIL ROUTING GUIDE
N1*ST*ABC RETAIL*9*0003947268292
N3*8119 NEW BRADFORD CT
N4*LEXINGTON*NC*27292-0336**SN*1010
PO1*1*120*EA*9.25*TE*CB*065322-117*PR*RO*VN*AB3542
PID*F****SMALL WIDGET
PO4*4*4*EA*PLT94**3*LR*15*CT
PO1*2*220*EA*13.79*TE*CB*066850-116*PR*RO*VN*RD5322
PID*F****MEDIUM WIDGET
PO4*2*2*EA
PO1*3*126*EA*10.99*TE*CB*060733-110*PR*RO*VN*XY5266
PID*F****LARGE WIDGET
PO4*6*1*EA*PLT94**3*LR*12*CT
PO1*4*76*EA*4.35*TE*CB*065308-116*PR*RO*VN*VX2332
PID*F****NANO WIDGET
PO4*4*4*EA*PLT94**6*LR*19*CT
PO1*5*72*EA*7.5*TE*CB*065374-118*PR*RO*VN*RV0524
PID*F****BLUE WIDGET
PO4*4*4*EA
PO1*6*696*EA*9.55*TE*CB*067504-118*PR*RO*VN*DX1875
PID*F****ORANGE WIDGET
PO4*6*6*EA*PLT94**3*LR*10*CT
CTT*6
AMT*1*13045.94
SE*33*000000010
GE*1*1421
IEA*1*000003438

EDI 850 Purchase Order Key Data

When it comes to an EDI 850 purchase order, depending on the agreement between trading partners, there is typically a set of standard data that is included, such as:

  • Purchase order number
  • Purchase order date
  • Location(s) where the product or services should
  • Be supplied to
  • Requested ship and/or delivery date
  • Product item identifiers/services such as
  • UPC/EAN/GTIN needed with their respective quantities

Additional data may be required according to trading partner specifications. These data can include:

  • Carrier and service levels
  • Vendor number
  • Item price
  • Expected charges and/or allowances
  • Additional item identifiers such as buyer item number and vendor part number
  • Item description
  • Additional dates (Ex: cancel by dates)

EDI 850 Purchase Order Benefits

EDI 850 offers plenty of benefits to both the purchaser and the supplier. When implementing the use of electronic purchase orders, benefits can include:

  • Reduced in the volume of paper-based processes
  • Reduced time to complete transactions on both ends of trading partnerships
  • Reduced time invested in manual processes, such as order submissions and PO entry
  • Increase in value-added work as resources are freed by automation of manual processes
  • Fewer data entry errors
  • Optimized fulfillment
  • Reduced on-hand inventory for retailers

For more information on Encompass Solutions’ EDI offerings, read more about our Rapid EDI Implementation.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


In Electronic Document Interchange (EDI), an EDI 846 Inventory Inquiry is most commonly utilized when suppliers want to provide available and future inventory quantities, either corporately or by ship from location.

an image of encompass solutions EDI 846 Inventory Inquiry

The primary purpose of an EDI 846 Inventory Inquiry is for a supplier to provide a purchaser with a number of goods currently on-hand and on-order, including the future date. This allows better management of buying needs and is used primarily in a drop ship order management model to support e-commerce management.

EDI 846 Format

ISA*01*0000000000*01*0000000000*ZZ*ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO*ZZ*123456789012345*101127*1719*U*00400*000003438*0*P*>
GS*IB*4405197800*999999999*20101127*1719*1421*X*004010VICS
ST*846*1001
BIA*13*PI*4589*20001104
DTM*040*20001108
N1*DS*OP DISTRIBUTOR*21*78YU0JN90
PER*IC*I.R. O’NERY*TE*888-555-0234*EM*

EDI 846 Inventory Inquiry Key Data

The EDI 846 Inventory Inquiry contains several key data elements that help suppliers communicate inventory levels to buyers, who can, in turn, respond accordingly to customers. These data are:

  • Identifying number
  • Inventory date
  • Product and service identifiers, including UPC/EAN/GTIN, as well as their quantities

It is not uncommon for additional data to be included in an EDI 846 Inventory Inquiry, depending on the client’s needs and level of customization. Additional data may include:

  • Out of stock items and their respective restock dates
  • Products that have been discontinued
  • Supplier warehouse locations with on-hand items, including amounts
  • Vendor numbers
  • Additional item identifiers such as buyer item number and vendor part number
  • Item descriptions

EDI 846 Inventory Inquiry Benefits

EDI 846 offers plenty of benefits to both the purchaser and the supplier. When implementing electronic trading of inventory data, benefits can include:

  • Better visibility into when a product is out of stock or no longer being made and the ability to advise other actions as a result
  • Better management of e-commerce drop shipping
  • Communicates when items will be available if out of stock
  • Better forecasting when planning warehouse levels and ordering
  • Easier Management of details on eCommerce websites, for instance, when items are out of stock, quantities available, or remove the items from the website
  • Enables ordering of non-stock items and special orders

For more information on Encompass Solutions’ EDI offerings, read more about our Rapid EDI Implementation.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


In Electronic Document Interchange (EDI), an EDI 830 Planning Schedule With Release Capability is essentially an electronic sales forecast. You can think of an EDI 830 planning schedule with release capability as an electronic version of a paper planning schedule. Used primarily in the manufacturing industry this document exchange is reserved for when manufacturers are communicating with their suppliers.

an image of encompass solutions EDI 830 Planning Schedule With Release Capability

While the EDI 830 invoice is the most commonly utilized electronic sales forecasting and material release authorization method, it can be used in one of three ways: as a sales forecast, as a forecast and an authorization for the recipient to commit to resources, such as labor or materials, and as a forecast that also includes order release levels. It will often include shipping information, though it is important to keep in mind that this inclusion is based solely on forecasts.

EDI 830 Planning Schedule With Release Capability Format

ISA*01*0000000000*01*0000000000*ZZ*ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO*ZZ*123456789012345*101127*1719*U*00400*000003438*0*P*>
GS*PO*4405197800*999999999*20101127*1719*1421*X*004010VICS
ST*850*000000010
BEG*00*SA*08292233294**20101127*610385385
REF*DP*038
REF*PS*R
ITD*14*3*2**45**46
DTM*002*20101214
PKG*F*68***PALLETIZE SHIPMENT
PKG*F*66***REGULAR
TD5*A*92*P3**SEE XYZ RETAIL ROUTING GUIDE
N1*ST*XYZ RETAIL*9*0003947268292
N3*31875 SOLON RD
N4*SOLON*OH*44139
PO1*1*120*EA*9.25*TE*CB*065322-117*PR*RO*VN*AB3542
PID*F****SMALL WIDGET
PO4*4*4*EA*PLT94**3*LR*15*CT
PO1*2*220*EA*13.79*TE*CB*066850-116*PR*RO*VN*RD5322
PID*F****MEDIUM WIDGET
PO4*2*2*EA

EDI 830 Planning Schedule With Release Capability Key Data

An EDI 830 Planning Schedule with Release Capability document is a highly organized and segmented document. It will always contain at least one data element, but can potentially house an infinite number of data segments for a company to customize. In the case of each data element, a data field will be included. For example, these data fields can provide:

  • Vendor numbers
  • Resource authorizations
  • Period-to-date cumulative quantities
  • Specific shipping and/or delivery patterns

EDI 830 Planning Schedule With Release Capability Benefits

EDI 830 offers plenty of benefits to both the purchaser and the supplier. When implementing electronic trading of the inventory advice benefits can include:

  • Better visibility into when a product is out of stock or no longer being made and the ability to advise other actions as a result
  • Better management of e-commerce drop shipping
  • Communicates when items will be available if out of stock
  • Better forecasting when planning warehouse levels and ordering
  • Easier Management of details on eCommerce websites, for instance, when items are out of stock, quantities available, or remove the items from the website
  • Enables ordering of non-stock items and special orders

For more information on Encompass Solutions’ EDI offerings, read more about our Rapid EDI Implementation.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


In Electronic Document Interchange (EDI), an EDI 810 is the electronic version of a traditional paper invoice. Used primarily in the manufacturing and retail industries, an EDI 810 Invoice is sent by the vendor or supplier to a retail partner or distributor to request payment for products and/or services.

encompass solutions EDI Doc Type 810

While the EDI 810 invoice is the most commonly utilized electronic invoice, there are multiple EDI documents supporting invoicing. In addition to the 810, EDI 880 and EDI 894 are commonly used. The former invoices grocery products specifically and the latter is utilized for vendor managed inventory (VMI) models.

EDI 810 Format

ISA*01*0000000000*01*0000000000*ZZ*ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO*ZZ*123456789012345*101127*1719*U*00400*000003438*0*P*>
GS*IN*4405197800*999999999*20101205*1710*1320*X*004010VICS
ST*810*1004
BIG*20101204*217224*20101204*P792940
REF*DP*099
REF*IA*99999
N1*ST**92*123
ITD*01*3***0**60
IT1*1*4*EA*8.60**UP*999999330023
IT1*2*2*EA*15.00**UP*999999330115
IT1*3*2*EA*7.30**UP*999999330146
IT1*4*4*EA*17.20**UP*999999330184
IT1*5*8*EA*4.30**UP*999999330320
IT1*6*4*EA*4.30**UP*999999330337
IT1*7*6*EA*1.50**UP*999999330634
IT1*8*6*EA*1.50**UP*999999330641
TDS*21740
CAD*****GTCT**BM*99999
CTT*8
SE*18*1004
GE*1*1320
IEA*1*000001320

EDI 810 Invoice Key Data

The EDI 810 Invoice contains several key data elements that help route the correct information during a transaction. These data are:

  • Invoice number
  • Purchase order number
  • Invoice date
  • Product and service identifiers, including UPC/EAN/GTIN, as well as their quantities
  • Item price

It is not uncommon for additional data to be included in an EDI 810, depending on the client’s needs and level of customization. Additional data may include:

  • Carrier and service levels
  • Invoice terms
  • Ship to and remit to locations
  • Vendor number
  • Charges and/or allowances
  • Taxes
  • Buyer item number
  • Vendor part number
  • Shipping information

EDI 810 Invoice Benefits

Utilizing the EDI 810 invoice offers several benefits to both the supplier and the purchaser. These benefits will depend on the transaction’s level of automation and integration on either party’s system. These benefits can include:

  • Increased efficiency, reduced time to complete transactions, and decreased volume of paper flow
  • Less time spent in manually submitting invoices on the supplier’s end
  • Less time spent manually entering invoices on the purchaser’s end
  • Increased resources to focus on value-added work for both supplier and purchaser
  • A significant reduction, if not outright elimination, on errors associated with manual entry
  • Reconciliation against orders/shipments to verify correct invoice amounts
  • Better order fulfillment
  • Faster payment

For more information on Encompass Solutions’ EDI offerings, read more about our Rapid EDI Implementation.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.


What Is EDI? Electronic Data Interchange, is defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology as, “the computer-to-computer interchange of strictly formatted messages that represent documents other than monetary instruments. EDI implies a sequence of messages between two parties, either of whom may serve as originator or recipient. The formatted data representing the documents may be transmitted from originator to recipient via telecommunications or physically transported on electronic storage media.” However, it can be summarized as a process by which computer systems exchange business documents quickly and securely in a standard electronic format. Some examples of those electronic formats include those from ANSI, EDIFACT, TRADACOMS, and ebXML.

What Is EDI Efficiency

By shedding traditional paper-based systems, businesses and their partners can take advantage of a host of benefits that EDI provides. Those benefits include, but are not limited to faster production speeds, fewer errors, reduced costs, and stronger more reliable partnerships.

When it comes to Electronic Commerce (EC), also known as e-commerce/eCommerce, EDI provides an essential method for carrying out business functions relating to information exchange, monetary transactions, and purchasing both in business-to-business and business-to-consumer relationships.

an image of points of light connecting buildings, devices,and people in an effort to visually answer the question: What Is EDI?

EDI helps eliminate human participation in the exchange of essential documents throughout business processes. In short, EDI helps automate tedious and error-prone business processes.

What Is EDI Security

When it comes to how EDI can affect your company’s business processes with customers and partners, security becomes one of the most important factors to consider. By doing away with paper systems and outdated technology, like phone, fax, and email conversations, your business can take advantage of more comprehensive and secure exchange methods. Consider these benefits when it comes to implementing an EDI solution for your business:

  • Audit trails
  • Contingency planning
  • Use of acknowledgments
  • Electronic document management
  • Activities of supporting networks
  • User access controls to systems and networks
  • Cryptographic techniques for authentication and confidentiality

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm specializing in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of the Industry.


The latest component of Industry 4.0, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), maybe be an unfamiliar concept now, but soon these three words will be on the lips of operators big and small all over the world. RPA is already generating substantial revenue savings for businesses, with $50 million recovered in 2017, with a projected compound annual growth rate of more than 60% through 2026. Coupling this emerging technology with a business-centric solution like ERP systems will ensure your workforce is free to engage in the more demanding aspects of your operations, all while automation handles the rest.

What Is RPA?

When it comes to robots, we tend to think of the latest development from research labs like KUKA-style assembly line robots and the agile creations emerging from the labs of Boston Dynamics. RPA is quite a bit different. It refers to automation technology; more specifically RPA is a technology designed to handle clerical process automation based on the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) workers. These digital entities are also referred to as software robots.

a picture of a virtual worker representing robotic process automation.

RPA Is A Technology Designed To Handle Clerical Process Automation Based On The Concept Of Artificial Intelligence (AI) workers.

ERP serves as the backbone of your IT infrastructure by acting as a single source of information for your business. RPA automates several processes traditionally involving human interaction with the ERP system by entering transactions, executing programs, and extracting reports automatically, in a fraction of the time. These robots are taking the lead when it comes to back-office tasks that are repetitive and uninteresting to their human counterparts. Due to the repetitive nature of these tasks, robots are prime candidates to take over in completing the tasks with speed and efficiency. This gives the human capital component of your business more freedom to approach tasks that require reasoning, judgment, and critical thinking.

Robotic Process Automation Benefits For ERP-Equipped Businesses

Coupled with the right ERP, Robotic Process Automation is primed to deliver substantial benefits to small and medium businesses looking to leverage technology for a leg up on the competition in keeping operations lean.

Savings in costs is one of the most immediate benefits of RPA. Completing work faster and with higher accuracy than traditional data entry and management methods, RPA outputs more with fewer inputs and when tasks are completed for a fraction of the cost the result is in an improved ROI for your business.

Even the most diligent and experienced professionals make data entry and filing mistakes, with fatigue being one of the main culprits. RPA Delivers higher quality results within a fully-automated process. You’ll find data entry errors quickly falling out of the equation and you’ll enjoy higher satisfaction both internally and externally when the mundane is managed by RPA.

A picture of a robot interacting with a touchscreen in augmented reality.

Data Entry Errors Exit The Equation And You Enjoy Higher Satisfaction Both Internally And Externally When The Mundane Is Managed By Robotic Process Automation.

Stemming directly from the relief of having to complete fewer mundane tasks, your employees will enjoy newfound job satisfaction by being able to engage in tasks that require talent, intelligence, and problem-solving.

Another benefit realized as a result of fewer errors and omissions in documentation is a higher standard of compliance. By maintaining standards and practices within the operations of your organization, compliance is more readily assured and employees have a firmer grasp of overall operations, explore their roles, and invest in the growth of the organization.

Your Competitive Advantage With ERP And Robotic Process Automation

The business world is a competitive one, and you’ll need every advantage at your disposal to ensure you’re operating at peak performance. A powerful ERP system and incorporating powerful technologies like robotic process automation are an exceptional way to ensure your competitiveness. Consulting with professionals is the best way to get an idea of how relevant these powerful tools are to you and your business, as well as how they can be leveraged to great effect. Consider working with implementation and consulting professionals to more effectively outline and execute the future of your business’ digital operations strategy.

About Encompass Solutions

Encompass Solutions is a business and software consulting firm that specializes in ERP systems, EDI, and Managed Services support for Manufacturers and Distributors. Serving small and medium-sized businesses since 2001, Encompass modernizes operations and automates processes for hundreds of customers across the globe. Whether undertaking full-scale implementation, integration, and renovation of existing systems, Encompass provides a specialized approach to every client’s needs. By identifying customer requirements and addressing them with the right solutions, we ensure our clients are equipped to match the pace of Industry.