Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN)
What is an Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN)?
An Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN), sometimes referred to as Advance Ship Notice, is a notification sent by a supplier or manufacturer to a customer or retailer to provide detailed information about a pending shipment. The ASN serves as an electronic document that outlines the contents of the shipment before it physically arrives at the destination. This proactive communication helps streamline receiving processes and improves inventory management accuracy in supply chain operations.
When Should an Advanced Shipping Notice Be Sent?
ASNs are typically sent by the supplier shortly after a shipment has been packaged and is ready for dispatch. The timing of sending an ASN allows the recipient to prepare for the incoming goods, plan warehouse space accordingly, and update inventory records in advance. Ideally, ASNs should be transmitted early enough to provide sufficient lead time for the recipient to make necessary arrangements for receiving and processing the shipment.
How to Receive and Send EDI ASNs
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is commonly used to transmit ASNs between trading partners efficiently. Here’s how the process generally works:
- Creating the ASN: The supplier generates an ASN using an EDI-compliant system or software. The ASN includes details such as shipment identification, contents description (e.g., item numbers, quantities), carrier information, and expected delivery date.
- Transmitting the ASN: The ASN is then transmitted electronically to the customer or retailer using established EDI protocols. This transmission ensures quick and accurate delivery of shipment information.
- Receiving the ASN: Upon receipt, the recipient’s EDI system processes the ASN, extracting relevant information and integrating it into their receiving and inventory management systems. This automation reduces manual data entry errors and accelerates the receiving process.
- Verification and Confirmation: The recipient may send an acknowledgment (often EDI 997 Functional Acknowledgment) back to the supplier, confirming receipt of the ASN and verifying the data accuracy.
In summary, ASNs play a crucial role in modern supply chain management by providing advance notice of shipments, enabling timely preparation, and enhancing overall operational efficiency through EDI integration.