EDI 855 format
The purchase order acknowledgment ensures that both the buyer and seller are aligned on the order’s status, reducing errors and speeding up the order-to-cash cycle. The exact appearance can vary depending on the specific implementation and the EDI standards followed by the trading partners.
The EDI 855 typically includes:
Header information: This includes standard EDI information like document type, sender ID and receiver ID.
Acknowledgment details: Confirmation of the entire order or specific line items, including the status of each item (accepted, rejected or backordered).
Dates and times: Expected ship and delivery dates.
Product/item information: Identifiers like UPC codes, descriptions, quantities and size.
Pricing: Details on pricing, discounts and total order value.
References: Purchase order number and other reference numbers.
How is the EDI 855 used?
Think of the EDI 855 like a text message that a store sends to you after you’ve placed an order online. The EDI 855 instantly tells you if the seller can send you what you ordered, if they need to make an adjustment or if they can’t send it at all.
It’s a way for the seller to communicate a response to your order request with your system quickly, removing human intervention. This way, both the buyer and seller know what’s happening with the order without the need to call or email back and forth. This helps speed up the purchase process and ensures the order is delivered as soon as possible.
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 eCommerce order details for end consumers
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.
SPS Fulfillment proactively monitors and optimizes your solution to prevent errors and minimize data entry.
Interested in learning more about our EDI solution?
Additional EDI Resources
Enter a virtual library of information about EDI for suppliers, vendors and distributors to provide you with the product knowledge you need to power your business.
Ultimate List of EDI Transactions
Here are some of the most common documents and transactions that are supported through EDI automation.
Five Top EDI Documents to Automate
When you automate your most-used EDI documents, it can significantly cut down keystrokes and speed up processes.
EDI Glossary
Terminology including retail definitions, order management models, supply chain roles, software and distribution channels.
EDI for Suppliers & Vendors
Discover how leading vendor and supplier businesses are serving their customers better with EDI solutions from SPS Commerce.