EDIFACT defines dozens of message types. Here are the ones you are most likely to encounter, explained in plain English.
ORDERSThe ORDERS message is how a buyer tells a supplier what they want to purchase. It contains the order number, the delivery date, the delivery location, and one or more line items each with a product identifier, quantity, and price.
When a retailer, wholesaler, or distributor places an order with you. This is usually the first message in a trading cycle.
BGMOrder number and document functionDTMOrder date and requested delivery dateNAD+BYBuyer name, address, and GLNNAD+SUSupplier name and GLNNAD+DPDelivery point addressLINLine item number and product GTINQTY+21Ordered quantityPRIUnit priceDESADVThe DESADV message is sent by the supplier to notify the buyer that goods have been despatched. It is the EDIFACT equivalent of a packing slip or advance ship notice (ASN). It tells the buyer what is coming, when it was shipped, and what SSCC barcodes are on the pallets or cartons.
When you need to tell your customer that you have shipped their order. Many buyers require this before the goods arrive so they can prepare their receiving area.
BGMDespatch advice numberDTM+11Despatch dateDTM+17Estimated delivery dateRFF+ONReference to the original purchase order numberNAD+SUSupplier detailsNAD+DPDelivery pointPCI+33ESSCC barcode on the packageQTY+12Quantity despatchedINVOICThe INVOIC message is a request for payment. It references the original purchase order, lists the goods or services supplied with quantities and prices, and includes tax details and payment terms. It is the EDIFACT equivalent of a tax invoice.
When you need to bill your customer for goods or services you have supplied. Some trading partners require EDIFACT invoices instead of PDF invoices for automatic processing.
BGM+380Invoice number (380 = commercial invoice)DTM+137Invoice dateDTM+13Payment due dateRFF+ONOriginal purchase order numberTAXTax type and rate (GST, VAT etc)QTY+47Invoiced quantityMOA+9Total payable amountCONTRLThe CONTRL message is sent in response to any received EDIFACT message to confirm receipt and indicate whether the message was accepted or rejected. A positive CONTRL means the message was received and syntactically valid. A negative CONTRL means there was a problem.
Most EDI platforms and trading partners require a CONTRL in response to every received message. Platforms like SPS Commerce and MessageXchange enforce this requirement.
UCIInterchange response, references the original UNBUCMMessage response, references the original UNHUCSSegment error, identifies a specific problem segmentORDRSPThe ORDRSP is a business-level response to an ORDERS message. You can accept the order as-is, accept with changes, or reject it with a reason.
RECADVThe RECADV is sent by the buyer when they have physically received goods. It confirms what was actually received versus what was in the DESADV. This message is used to trigger payment in automatic invoice matching systems.
IFTMINThe IFTMIN is used in transport and logistics to give instructions to a carrier or freight forwarder. It is the EDIFACT equivalent of a booking request or transport instruction.
Use the free CleanEDI decoder to paste any EDIFACT message and get back a plain English breakdown. No account needed.
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