--- title: "What Is EDI? A Plain-Language Guide | APIWORX" description: "Learn what EDI is, how it works, and what documents are involved — EDI 850, 856, 810, and more. A plain-language guide for operations and supply chain teams." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://apiworx.com/#organization", "name": "APIWORX", "alternateName": [ "APIWorks", "Apiworx" ], "url": "https://apiworx.com/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://apiworx.com/#logo", "url": "https://apiworx.com/og-image.png", "caption": "APIWORX" }, "image": { "@id": "https://apiworx.com/#logo" }, "description": "APIWORX is the commerce iPaaS with the ops team included — the purpose-built integration platform for multi-channel commerce brands, connecting ecommerce, marketplaces, POS, wholesale, and EDI to NetSuite, Sage Intacct, and Acumatica.", "foundingDate": "2018", "sameAs": [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/apiworx", "https://x.com/apiworx", "https://www.facebook.com/apiworx", "https://www.instagram.com/apiworx" ], "address": [ { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "1401 Lavaca Street Suite 241", "addressLocality": "Austin", "addressRegion": "TX", "postalCode": "78701", "addressCountry": "US" }, { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressLocality": "Chennai", "addressCountry": "IN" }, { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressLocality": "Manila", "addressCountry": "PH" }, { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressLocality": "Buenos Aires", "addressCountry": "AR" } ] }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://apiworx.com/#website", "name": "APIWORX", "alternateName": [ "APIWorks", "Apiworx" ], "url": "https://apiworx.com/", "inLanguage": "en-US", "description": "APIWORX is the commerce iPaaS with the ops team included — connectors, flows, and reconciliations for multi-channel commerce brands, operated by an expert team on the SLA.", "publisher": { "@id": "https://apiworx.com/#organization" }, "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://apiworx.com/connectors?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@type": "SoftwareApplication", "@id": "https://apiworx.com/#software", "name": "APIWORX", "operatingSystem": "Web", "applicationCategory": "BusinessApplication", "description": "Commerce iPaaS with the ops team included — 60+ commerce-specific connectors across ecommerce, marketplaces, POS, wholesale, and EDI, operated by an expert team. 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We deliver production-tested, production-tested integrations between Brightpearl, NetSuite, Shopify, Amazon, Wayfair, Sage Intacct, and 60+ other commerce, ERP, and EDI platforms — run as a managed service.", "foundingDate": "2018", "founder": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Charlie Alsmiller" }, "address": [ { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "1401 Lavaca Street Suite 241", "addressLocality": "Austin", "addressRegion": "TX", "postalCode": "78701", "addressCountry": "US" }, { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressLocality": "Chennai", "addressCountry": "IN" }, { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressLocality": "Manila", "addressCountry": "PH" }, { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressLocality": "Buenos Aires", "addressCountry": "AR" } ] }, { "@type": "Article", "headline": "What Is EDI? A Plain-Language Guide for Operations and Supply Chain Teams", "description": "A comprehensive guide to Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) — what it is, how supplier and buyer flows work, what document types are covered, and how to avoid chargebacks.", "datePublished": "2026-04-01", "dateModified": "2026-04-21", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "APIWORX", "url": "https://apiworx.ai" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "APIWORX" }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://apiworx.com/resources/what-is-edi" } }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is EDI?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "EDI stands for Electronic Data Interchange. It is the standardized method businesses use to exchange documents — purchase orders, invoices, shipping notices — electronically, in a format that any computer system can read and process automatically." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is an EDI 850?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "EDI 850 is a Purchase Order — the electronic version of a paper purchase order sent from a buyer to a supplier to request goods or services. It contains items, quantities, prices, ship-to location, and requested ship date." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is an EDI 856?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "EDI 856 is an Advance Ship Notice (ASN) — a detailed shipment manifest sent by the supplier to the buyer before the shipment arrives. Late or inaccurate ASNs are the most common source of retail EDI chargebacks." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is an EDI 810?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "EDI 810 is an Invoice — the electronic invoice sent by a supplier to a buyer requesting payment. The 810 must match the original purchase order (EDI 850) exactly in items, quantities, and prices." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is an EDI 997?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "EDI 997 is a Functional Acknowledgment — sent in response to nearly every EDI document. It confirms that the document was received and was structurally valid. It does not confirm business fulfillment — only receipt." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What causes EDI chargebacks?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Common EDI chargeback triggers include: late or missing ASN (856), ASN data that does not match the physical shipment, missing or incorrect GS1-128 labels, invoice (810) that does not match the purchase order (850), late purchase order acknowledgment (855), and routing non-compliance." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is managed EDI?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Managed EDI is a fully outsourced EDI service where a provider handles trading partner onboarding, document mapping, compliance testing, transmission, monitoring, and exception handling. The customer connects their ERP and the provider manages the EDI layer end-to-end." } } ] }, { "@type": "HowTo", "name": "How EDI Works for Suppliers — Step by Step", "description": "The complete EDI order cycle for suppliers selling to retailers.", "step": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Receive EDI 850 Purchase Order", "text": "The retailer transmits a structured purchase order via AS2 or SFTP. You must respond within 24–48 hours." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Send EDI 997 Functional Acknowledgment", "text": "Your system automatically confirms receipt of the 850 within seconds." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Send EDI 855 Purchase Order Acknowledgment", "text": "Confirm whether you accept, partially accept, or reject the order. Most retailers require this within 24 hours of the 850." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Send EDI 856 Advance Ship Notice", "text": "Send a detailed shipment manifest before the shipment arrives. Must match the physical shipment exactly." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Send EDI 810 Invoice", "text": "Send the electronic invoice after shipment. Must match the EDI 850 exactly." } ] } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org/", "@type": "SoftwareApplication", "applicationCategory": "BusinessApplication", "name": "APIWORX", "image": "https://sourceforge.net/s/apiworx/icon", "description": "SourceForge Software Rating", "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "bestRating": "5", "ratingCount": "1" } } ] --- Commerce iPaaS · 60+ operated connectors · Ops team included · Flat-fee pricing [Support](https://portal.apiworx.com)[Partners](/partners) [](https://chatgpt.com/?q=who+is+apiworx)[](https://claude.ai/new?q=who+is+apiworx)[](https://www.perplexity.ai/search?q=who+is+apiworx)[](https://gemini.google.com/app?q=who+is+apiworx)[](https://grok.com/?q=who+is+apiworx)[](https://copilot.microsoft.com/?q=who+is+apiworx) Resources [Sign In](https://app.apiworx.com) [](https://x.com/apiworx)[](https://www.linkedin.com/company/apiworx)[](https://www.facebook.com/apiworx)[](https://www.instagram.com/apiworx) 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logo](data:image/webp;base64,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)](/) Platform Connectors Flows Who We Help [MCP](/mcp)[Pricing](/pricing) [Get my free integration assessment](/free-assessment) [](/resources)[Assess](/free-assessment) [Home](/)[Resources](/resources) What Is EDI? Integration Guide # What Is EDI? A plain-language guide for operations and supply chain teams. If a retail partner just told you that you need to "set up EDI" before you can start selling to them, you're not alone — and you're in the right place. This guide explains what EDI is, how it works, what documents are involved, why **EDI compliance** matters, and what your options are for getting it done. No engineering background required. 15 min read Last updated: April 2026 By the APIWORX Integration Team ## What EDI Is (and Isn't) Not an email with a PDF Not a supplier portal Not an API **EDI is a structured data format** governed by a published standard. Every field, every value, every segment follows rules. When a retailer sends you a purchase order via EDI, their system and your system are speaking exactly the same language — no interpretation required. **EDI** stands for **Electronic Data Interchange**. It is the standardized method businesses use to exchange documents — purchase orders, invoices, shipping notices — electronically, in a format that any computer system can read and process automatically. EDI was developed in the 1960s to coordinate logistics during the Berlin Airlift, and became the dominant standard for B2B document exchange by the 1980s. It is still the primary way large retailers, grocery chains, automotive manufacturers, healthcare networks, and logistics providers exchange documents today. If you want to sell to [Walmart](/edi/walmart), [Target](/edi/target), [Home Depot](/edi/home-depot), [Kroger](/edi/kroger), [ACE Hardware](/edi/ace-hardware), [Amazon Vendor Central](/edi/amazon), or virtually any major 3PL or distributor — you need EDI. It is not optional. #### ANSI X12 North American standard. Used by virtually all U.S. and Canadian retailers, distributors, and logistics providers. (Covered in this guide.) #### EDIFACT International standard used in Europe and much of the rest of the world. ## Every Business Document Has an EDI Number The X12 standard assigns a number to every type of business document. These are called **transaction set identifiers**. A few you'll see constantly: 850 Purchase Order 810 Invoice 856 Advance Ship Notice (ASN) 997 Functional Acknowledgment 855 Purchase Order Acknowledgment When someone says "we need you to send an 856," they mean: send us a structured, standard-format Advance Ship Notice before your shipment arrives. Before two companies start exchanging EDI documents, they agree on which document types they'll exchange, what fields are required, and what formats and values those fields must contain. This is called a **trading partner agreement**. Most large retailers formalize this in an **implementation guide** — a detailed document that specifies every requirement. Implementation guides vary by retailer. Walmart's requirements are different from Target's, which are different from Home Depot's. **Compliance with each retailer's specific guide is mandatory.** See the [trading partner directory](/edi) for retailer-specific EDI requirements. ## How EDI Is Transmitted The EDI document itself (the structured data) is separate from the method used to transmit it. Three transmission methods are in common use: #### AS2 Most Common Encrypted, certificate-based protocol over HTTP. Real-time with delivery receipts (MDNs). Required by Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe's. #### SFTP Secure file-based transfer. Files placed in a designated folder on a schedule. Common with 3PLs and distributors. #### VAN Legacy Third-party EDI network routes documents between partners. Like an EDI post office. Per-transaction fees. Still widely supported. Modern integration [platforms like APIWORX](/platform) abstract all of this. You connect your systems to APIWORX; APIWORX handles AS2 certificates, SFTP connections, VAN routing, and everything else at the transmission layer. You never deal with it directly. ## The Supplier Flow — You Are Selling to a Retailer This is the most common scenario for mid-market companies new to EDI. Here's how the complete order cycle works, document by document. Step 1 ### EDI 850 — Purchase Order Retailer → You - • Contains: PO number, item numbers, quantities, prices, ship-to, requested ship date - • You must respond within 24–48 hours (varies by retailer) Step 2 Automated ### EDI 997 — Functional Acknowledgment You → Retailer - • Confirms receipt and structural validity only — NOT fulfillment ability - • Sent automatically within seconds in a well-configured system Step 3 ### EDI 855 — Purchase Order Acknowledgment You → Retailer - • Your business response: accept, partially accept, or reject - • Can include line-level substitutions, quantity adjustments, backorder dates - • Most retailers require within 24 hours of the 850 Late 855 = chargeback at many retailers Step 4 Conditional ### EDI 860 / 865 — Purchase Order Change (If Needed) Retailer → You (860) / You → Retailer (865) - • Retailer sends 860 to modify the order - • You respond with 865 to accept or reject changes Step 5 ### EDI 856 — Advance Ship Notice (ASN) You → Retailer - • Must be sent BEFORE shipment arrives — often within 30 minutes of carrier pickup - • Contains: carrier, tracking, item-level detail, carton config, GS1-128 label data - • Must match the physical shipment exactly Most chargebacks originate here — late, missing, or mismatched ASNs Step 6 ### EDI 810 — Invoice You → Retailer - • Must match the 850 exactly — same items, quantities, prices - • Any discrepancy = invoice rejection or chargeback - • Retailer sends 997 back to confirm receipt Step 7 Optional ### EDI 820 — Payment Remittance (If Used) Retailer → You - • Retailer's payment notification — which invoices, what amounts, any deductions - • Enables automated cash application in your ERP \+ Inventory & Replenishment Documents EDI 846 Inventory Inquiry/Advice Current stock levels. Required by Amazon Vendor Central and most drop-ship retailers. EDI 852 Product Activity Data POS/sales velocity data sent by retailer for forecasting. EDI 830 Planning Schedule Forward demand forecast for production planning. ## The Buyer/Purchaser Flow — You Are Buying from Suppliers Same documents, opposite direction. You're a distributor, retailer, or large company purchasing from suppliers. 1. 1. EDI 850 You send to your supplier — initiating the purchase order 2. 2. EDI 997 Supplier sends back — you know they received it 3. 3. EDI 855 Supplier sends — you know whether they can fulfill and on what timeline 4. 4. EDI 860 / 865 You send 860 if changes needed; supplier responds with 865 5. 5. EDI 856 Supplier sends — you know what's coming; warehouse prepares receiving 6. 6. EDI 810 Supplier sends — invoice flows into AP system automatically 7. 7. EDI 820 You send — payment remittance closes the loop \+ If You Use a 3PL for Fulfillment EDI 940 **Warehouse Shipping Order** — You → 3PL (authorize a shipment) EDI 945 **Warehouse Shipping Advice** — 3PL → You (confirms shipment went out; triggers your outbound 856) \+ If You're Managing Freight EDI 204 **Motor Carrier Load Tender** — You/3PL → Carrier (request pickup) EDI 214 **Shipment Status Message** — Carrier → You (in-transit and delivery status) ## EDI Document Reference Table All 23 common transaction sets, organized by category. AllOrderShippingFinancialPlanningAcknowledgment3PLLogistics EDI Document Types Reference Table EDI # Name Direction Used By Description 850 Purchase Order Buyer → Supplier Retail, B2B, 3PL Initiates the order cycle. 855 PO Acknowledgment Supplier → Buyer Retail, B2B Confirms acceptance, partial acceptance, or rejection. 860 PO Change Request Buyer → Supplier Retail, B2B Buyer requests changes to an existing PO. 865 PO Change Acknowledgment Supplier → Buyer Retail, B2B Supplier responds to a PO change request. 856 Advance Ship Notice (ASN) Supplier → Buyer Retail, 3PL Detailed shipment manifest sent before delivery. 753 Request for Routing Instructions Supplier → Buyer Retail Supplier asks retailer how to ship the order. 754 Routing Instructions Buyer → Supplier Retail Retailer specifies carrier and routing requirements. 810 Invoice Supplier → Buyer All industries Electronic invoice requesting payment. 820 Payment Remittance Buyer → Supplier All industries Payment notification, enables automated cash application. 812 Credit/Debit Adjustment Both Retail, B2B Chargeback notices, credits, and allowances. 846 Inventory Inquiry/Advice Supplier → Buyer Retail, Drop-ship Current inventory levels shared with retailer. 852 Product Activity Data Buyer → Supplier Retail POS and sales velocity data from retailer. 830 Planning Schedule Buyer → Supplier Retail, Manufacturing Forward demand forecast and release schedule. 862 Shipping Schedule Buyer → Supplier Manufacturing, Retail JIT shipping schedule with specific release dates. 997 Functional Acknowledgment Both All industries Confirms receipt and structural validity. 999 Implementation Acknowledgment Both Healthcare, some retail More detailed acknowledgment than 997. 940 Warehouse Shipping Order Buyer → 3PL 3PL/Fulfillment Instructs 3PL to ship an order. 945 Warehouse Shipping Advice 3PL → Buyer 3PL/Fulfillment 3PL confirms shipment was sent. 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Buyer → 3PL 3PL Notifies 3PL of incoming inventory transfer. 944 Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt 3PL → Buyer 3PL 3PL confirms receipt of inventory transfer. 204 Motor Carrier Load Tender Shipper → Carrier Logistics/TMS Requests carrier to pick up a shipment. 210 Motor Carrier Freight Invoice Carrier → Shipper Logistics Carrier's invoice for freight services. 214 Shipment Status Message Carrier → Shipper Logistics In-transit and delivery status updates. ## Why EDI Compliance Is Hard — Chargebacks Explained EDI isn't complicated in concept. The challenge is compliance — and the financial cost of getting it wrong. Late or missing ASN (856) ASN / shipment mismatch Missing or incorrect GS1-128 labels Invoice (810) doesn't match PO (850) Late PO Acknowledgment (855) Routing non-compliance (wrong carrier) ### What Chargebacks Cost Flat fee violations $50–$500 per incident Percentage-based 2–3% of invoice value A supplier with 3 retail partners, 200 orders per month, and a 5% chargeback rate loses **$500–$30,000/month**. ### The fix isn't vigilance. It's automation. The vast majority of EDI chargebacks are caused by human error — someone forgot to send the ASN, entered the wrong quantity, missed a timing window. Automated EDI eliminates this entire category of error. You can't forget to send a document that your system sends automatically. ## What "Managed EDI" Means #### In-House **Pros:** Full control, deep customization. **Cons:** Dedicated EDI team, significant upfront investment, months per new trading partner. #### Self-Service Platform **Pros:** Faster than in-house, lower cost. **Cons:** You own trading partner compliance, exception management, and requirement changes. What APIWORX does #### Managed EDI — APIWORX APIWORX owns trading partner onboarding, mapping, compliance testing, transmission, and exception handling. You connect your ERP and APIWORX does the rest. For mid-market companies whose core business is not EDI operations, **managed EDI** typically costs less than in-house staffing and goes live faster than building it yourself. [Talk to an EDI Specialist](/free-assessment) ## EDI + ERP Integration — The Last Mile Getting EDI working is only half the equation. Many companies set up EDI and still end up with manual work — because their EDI system isn't connected to their ERP or order management system. Retailer APIWORX Your Systems │ │ │ │── EDI 850 (PO) ──────▶│── Order created ──────▶│ ERP/OMS │ │ │ │ │◀─ Fulfillment ─────────│ Warehouse │ │ │ │◀── EDI 856 (ASN) ────│ │ │ │ │ │◀── EDI 810 (Invoice)─│◀─ Invoice generated ───│ NetSuite/QuickBooks │ │ │ │── EDI 820 (Payment) ─▶│── Cash application ───▶│ Accounting Zero manual steps. Zero re-keying. Zero missed ASN windows because someone was out sick. NetSuite QuickBooks Brightpearl Shopify Sage Intacct \+ 60 more ## Where to Go From Here If you've just been told you need EDI by a new retail partner, the first step is understanding what that partner specifically requires — which documents, which transmission method, and what their implementation guide says. APIWORX works with mid-market suppliers, distributors, and brands who need to get EDI-compliant quickly, stay compliant as requirements change, and connect the whole flow to their existing systems — without building an EDI team. [Talk to an EDI Specialist](/free-assessment) ### Related Resources [ Trading Partner EDI Directory EDI requirements for 45+ retailers and distributors. ](/edi)[ Walmart EDI Requirements What Walmart suppliers need to comply. ](/edi/walmart)[ Connecting EDI to NetSuite From EDI 850 to NetSuite sales order, automatically. ](/connectors/netsuite) On This Page [1. What EDI Is](#what-edi-is)[2. Document Numbers](#document-numbers)[3. Transmission Methods](#transmission)[4. Supplier Flow](#supplier-flow)[5. Buyer Flow](#buyer-flow)[6. Document Reference](#reference-table)[7. Chargebacks](#chargebacks)[8. Managed EDI](#managed-edi)[9. EDI + ERP Integration](#erp-integration)[10. Where to Go From Here](#conclusion) Need EDI compliance fast? APIWORX runs the full managed EDI flow. [Get a Plan](/free-assessment) Related ## Keep going — related integration topics [ERP integration Connect NetSuite, SAP, Acumatica, Sage and Business Central. ](/erp-integration)[Ecommerce integration Storefronts, marketplaces, ERP, WMS and 3PL on one platform. ](/ecommerce-integration)[NetSuite ecommerce integration Shopify, Amazon, Walmart and 50+ channels into NetSuite. ](/netsuite-ecommerce-integration)[B2B integration Trading partners, suppliers and customers — EDI, API and AS2. ](/b2b-integration)[EDI integration Retailer and supplier EDI translated into clean ERP orders. ](/edi-integration)[EDI software Managed EDI you do not have to host, monitor or migrate. ](/edi-software) ## See the platform behind trustworthy operations Tell us about your systems and challenges — our team will build a tailored automation plan within 24 hours. [Let's Automate](/free-assessment) [Explore the Platform](/platform) [![APIWORX managed integrations logo](data:image/webp;base64,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)](/) Connect commerce, ERP, and operations into one canonical data layer with AI-powered reasoning. 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