EDI 861 - Receiving Advice/Acceptance Certificate

What is the EDI 861? The EDI 861, or the Receiving Advice/Acceptance Certificate, is used by the receiving party to notify the supplier of the receipt and acceptance of goods.

EDI Documents

The EDI 861 format

The EDI 861 can provide detailed information about the received goods, including discrepancies between what was ordered and what was received, the condition of the goods upon arrival and any returns or rejected items. This transaction set plays a crucial role in supply chain management by ensuring both parties are aligned on the details and facilitating the resolution of any issues.

The EDI 861 format by SPS Commerce

A typical EDI 861 transaction set might include the following segments:

BSN: Beginning segment for receiving advice

Indicates the beginning of the receiving advice transaction.

DTM: Date/time reference

Specifies dates and times relevant to the transaction.

HL: Hierarchical level

Used to structure the document in a hierarchical manner, indicating the relationship between different items or orders received.

LIN: Item identification

Identifies the items that were received, including product/service IDs and descriptions.

SN1: Item detail (shipment)

Provides details about the quantity of items received, including the number of units, packaging codes and quantity discrepancies (if any).
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PRF: Purchase order reference

Includes the purchase order number related to the received goods for reference.

N1: Name

Provides the names and addresses of the parties involved.

How is the EDI 861 used?

Confirmation of goods received:
The primary use of the EDI 861 is to formally acknowledge the buyer’s receipt of goods. It provides detailed information about the quantities and conditions of items received.
Discrepancy reporting:
The EDI 861 allows the receiving party to report any discrepancies between the goods ordered and the goods received, such as incorrect quantities, damaged items or incorrect products.
Returns and rejections management:
In cases where goods are returned or rejected, the EDI 861 communicates any reasons for the return.
Documentation and compliance:
The EDI 861 serves as an electronic record of the receipt and acceptance of goods, which can be essential for compliance, auditing and dispute resolution purposes.
Integration with order and inventory management:
The data within the EDI 861 can be integrated into order management and inventory systems, updating records to reflect received goods and triggering subsequent actions like payments or inventory replenishment.

Benefits of using an EDI 861 Receiving Advice Certificate

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Improved accuracy and efficiency:

Automating the receipt and acceptance process with the EDI 861 reduces manual data entry errors and speeds up the processing of received goods.

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Enhanced visibility and tracking:

The use of the EDI 861 improves supply chain visibility by providing real-time data on the status of goods. This enables better tracking of inventory levels, order fulfillment and delivery timelines.

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Streamlined communications:

The EDI 861 standardizes the communication between trading partners. This streamlines interactions, reduces misunderstandings and fosters a more collaborative relationship between buyers and suppliers.

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Faster dispute resolution:

By clearly documenting discrepancies or issues with received goods, the EDI 861 facilitates quicker resolution of disputes. This helps maintain smooth operations and reduces the risk of delays due to unresolved disputes.

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Cost reduction:

Automating and streamlining the receipt and acceptance process reduces operational costs associated with manual processing, such as labor costs, paper-based documentation and error correction.

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Better inventory management:

Businesses can improve their inventory management practices by collecting accurate and timely data on goods received. This leads to optimized stock levels, stockouts and better demand forecasting.

Common issues regarding EDI 861

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Data Accuracy and Completeness:

Errors or omissions in EDI 861 transactions can lead to disputes, incorrect inventory management, and billing issues, emphasizing the need for accurate data.

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Compliance and Integration:

Meeting trading partners’ unique specifications and integrating EDI 861 data with internal systems like ERP or WMS can be complex, potentially leading to data mismatches or processing errors.

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Resource Constraints and Security

Implementing and managing EDI 861 transactions requires specialized knowledge and resources, and ensuring the security and privacy of sensitive data is paramount.

Automate EDI 861 with Full-Service EDI from SPS Commerce

At SPS Commerce, we handle all aspects of your EDI needs, ensuring seamless communication with your trading partners. Our services include managing connectivity, setup, requirements, updates, and support, taking ownership of understanding your trading partner requirements and making necessary map changes.

With SPS Commerce, you can trust that your EDI solution is in capable hands. Our team actively manages over 9,000 changes from retailers each year. SPS Fulfillment proactively monitors and optimizes your solution to prevent errors and minimize data entry.

Interested in learning more about our EDI solutions?

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