ASN
An Advanced Shipment Notice (ASN) is the electronic message a shipper sends to a receiver before the goods physically arrive, listing every line item with quantities, SKUs, packaging units, container/pallet numbers, expected delivery, and routing. ASN allows the receiver to plan dock space, labour, and inventory updates before the truck arrives.
ASN is foundational to modern supply chains and is standardised in EDI: EDI 856 (ANSI X12) and DESADV (UN/EDIFACT). Retailers and large 3PLs typically require ASN compliance from suppliers — non-compliance can trigger chargebacks.
The ASN turns receiving from a surprise into a scheduled event — the receiver can plan dock space, labour and inventory before the truck arrives. Large retailers and 3PLs mandate it precisely because it makes inbound predictable; non-compliance often triggers chargebacks.
ASN (EDI 856)
dock & labour
fast receive
What is EDI 856?
The ANSI X12 transaction set for an Advanced Shipment Notice — the standardised electronic message a supplier sends to pre-announce a shipment. The UN/EDIFACT equivalent is DESADV.
Why do retailers require an ASN?
So they can plan receiving and update inventory before goods arrive, speeding the dock and cutting errors. Suppliers who fail to send a compliant ASN often face chargebacks.