Benefits of using the EDI 855 Purchase Order Acknowledgment
Both buyers (retailers) and sellers (suppliers) benefit from implementing the EDI 855. Benefits include:
For sellers:
Improve efficiency by eliminating the need to call, email or fax confirmation of order receipt
Reduce errors and discrepancies from manual data entry
For buyers:
Reduce post-invoice reconciliation issues
Confirm e-commerce order details for end consumers
The key data elements included in an EDI Purchase Order Acknowledgment
The EDI 855 contains all the information normally associated with a Purchase Order, as well as optional, additional information.
The EDI 855 includes:
Purchase order number
Purchase order date
Requested ship and/or delivery date
Location(s) where the product or services should be supplied to
Product item identifiers/services such as UPC/EAN/GTIN needed with their respective quantities
Additional data that may also be included in the Purchase Order Acknowledgment:
Carrier and service levels
Vendor number
Item price
item description
Expected charges and/or allowances
Additional dates (such as cancel by dates)
Additional item identifiers such as buyer item number and vendor part number
Common issues regarding EDI 855
Document creation:
The PO Acknowledgment is often a new requirement for companies that are just starting with EDI. Like other EDI documents, issues can arise from incomplete data, incorrect data or dat that does not align with retailer’s expectations.
Timeliness:
Retailers have different requirements for suppliers sending the EDI 855 document. It’s important to respond quickly. Often the EDI 855 must be sent within 24 to 48 hours after receiving the original purchase order.
Automate 855 Purchase Order Acknowledgment with Full-Service EDI from SPS Commerce
Managing ongoing EDI tasks can be complex and time-consuming. Full-service EDI providers like SPS Commerce deliver EDI technology and associated staffing resources responsible for customizing, optimizing and operating your EDI solution.

SPS communicates directly with your trading partners to manage connectivity, setup, requirements, updates and support efforts. SPS also takes ownership of understanding your trading partner requirements and making map changes.
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