EDIFACT for Logistics and Transportation: Optimizing EDI Processes & Enhancing the Supply Chain

Last Updated on February 4, 2025 by Tatyana Vandich

As an EDI provider with over 20 years of experience, in this article we dive into how EDIFACT standard, used in logistics and how this standard is transforming logistics and transportation by automating key processes across the supply chain.

Introduction to EDIFACT: What is Electronic Data Interchange in Logistics?

Efficient data exchange has always been crucial for transportation, shipping, and overall logistics. However, some companies still create an invoice in a plain text file or Excel spreadsheet and send it via email. But many successful companies have been exchanging such documents via EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) for a long time now.

EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce, and Transport) is an EDI standard that has transformed supply chain communications worldwide.

For businesses looking to streamline communication with partners, suppliers, or customers, adopting the right data exchange standard is crucial. When it comes to international trade, UN/EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce, and Transport) is the global choice.

EDIFACT plays a key role in optimizing business communications, reducing errors and speeding up transactions such as purchase orders, invoices, shipping notices, and other business documents.

UN/EDIFACT Standard Development

UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe): The UNECE is the primary body responsible for the development, maintenance, and promotion of the UN/EDIFACT standard. They are the core drivers and have the ultimate authority.

ISO (International Organization for Standardization): The ISO publishes the EDIFACT standard as ISO 9735. This provides wider dissemination and formal recognition. However, the ISO doesn’t develop the standard’s content. They essentially adopt and publish what the UNECE develops. The ISO giving their stamp of approval and making it available through their channels.

So, while both organizations are involved, the UNECE is the developer and the ISO is the publisher. The UNECE is the driving force behind EDIFACT, while the ISO plays a role in making it officially recognized and broadly accessible.

What is EDIFACT? A Comprehensive Guide for Logistics Companies

EDIFACT is an international standard developed by the United Nations for electronic data interchange (EDI). It facilitates the automated exchange of business documents between organizations in a structured, standardized format.

Because EDIFACT is widely used in Europe and internationally, it’s particularly beneficial for businesses engaged in global trade.

EDIFACT messages are a crucial part of modern business operations, especially for companies involved in sectors like freight forwarding, customs clearance, and logistics.

Here are some core EDIFACT aspects:

• EDIFACT Messages: These are structured documents like ORDERS, DESADV, INVOIC, SHIP, RECADV, UTILMD, IFTMIN, and IFTSTA that facilitate business transactions.
• EDIFACT Formats: Well-defined layouts that ensure all trading partners understand and process the information uniformly.
• Electronic Data Interchange (EDI): The process that enables this automated and standardized communication, eliminating paper-based processes.
• Global Reach: Widely adopted in international trade and transport.

The main advantage of EDIFACT, like any other EDI standard, is that it provides a structured format and standardized rules that help avoid errors and misunderstandings when exchanging information between different companies, regardless of where they are located, what language they communicate in, and what business systems they use.

Simplify your EDIFACT integration. Our comprehensive code list makes it easy. Find the codes you need: Complete List of EDIFACT Messages

Why is Your New Trading Partner Asking for EDIFACT for Orders?

When your business partner says you need to use EDIFACT to send orders (or any other business document) it means they want you to send your orders in a specific format that integrates easily with their system, allowing them to process the data automatically.

What it Means for You

In your case, your trading partner likely uses EDIFACT to automate order processing. By sending your order in EDIFACT format, you’ll enable their system to:

• Receive and interpret your order details accurately.
• Process the order quickly.
• Potentially generate automated responses, such as order confirmations or shipping updates.

For example, EDIFACT documents can be used to streamline order management, inventory management, and shipping processes. Transport management systems (TMS) and warehouse management systems (WMS) often rely on EDIFACT messages to automate data exchange between warehouses, suppliers, and transportation providers. These systems help businesses manage their supply chain more efficiently, ensuring that orders are processed accurately, inventories are updated in real-time, and goods are delivered on time. Whether you’re handling order management, coordinating freight, or ensuring smooth customs clearance, EDIFACT helps businesses automate and optimize these essential functions.

USEFUL: What is EDIFACT? | UN / EDIFACT Standard Overview

The Role of EDIFACT in Managing Logistics, Transportation, and the Supply Chain

EDIFACT plays a pivotal role in modern supply chain management by enhancing communication between various systems and stakeholders. It benefits the entire network of transport, transportation, and shipping through:

• Enhanced Data Accuracy: Automated EDIFACT messages reduce manual errors in data entry, ensuring accurate order management and inventory management.
• Faster Processing: Integration with transport management systems (TMS) and warehouse management systems (WMS) speeds up the exchange of information and decision-making.
• Improved Freight Forwarding: Real-time updates streamline customs clearance and overall shipment tracking.
• Global Standardization: Adhering to EDIFACT standards allows companies to easily communicate with international partners.

By leveraging EDIFACT, companies can achieve smoother operations in supply chain and supply chain management while benefiting from reduced delays and lower administrative costs.

Key EDIFACT Documents: ORDERS, DESADV, INVOIC, and Other Essential Messages

Several EDIFACT messages are critical in logistics and transportation. These messages enable companies to automate communication and ensure that key processes—from procurement to delivery—are managed efficiently. Here’s a detailed look at each of these messages:

• ORDERS: The ORDERS message is used for placing orders and managing procurement. This message facilitates the transmission of order details from buyers to sellers, ensuring that product specifications, quantities, pricing, and delivery dates are clearly communicated. By standardizing order information, the ORDERS message helps reduce errors and misunderstandings, ultimately streamlining the procurement process within the supply chain.
• DESADV: The DESADV (Dispatch Advice) message is essential for shipping and delivery operations. It is used to notify the recipient about the dispatch of goods, including critical details such as shipment contents, packaging information, and expected delivery times. DESADV messages play a vital role in logistics by providing transparency into the dispatch process, enabling both shippers and receivers to prepare for the arrival and handling of goods efficiently.
• INVOIC: The INVOIC message handles invoicing and billing details between trading partners. This document captures all the necessary financial information related to the transactions, such as itemized charges, taxes, and total amounts due. By automating the invoicing process, the INVOIC message minimizes manual data entry errors and expedites payment cycles, thereby contributing to more effective cash flow management and financial reconciliation.
• RECADV: The RECADV (Receipt Advice) message is crucial for confirming the reception of goods. Once a shipment arrives, the RECADV message is sent to acknowledge receipt and provide details on the condition and quantities of the received items. This confirmation process is important for inventory reconciliation, quality control, and triggering subsequent processes such as payments and returns if discrepancies are found.
• IFTMIN: The IFTMIN (Instruction Message) is used to convey instructions related to the movement of goods within the supply chain. It can include directives on routing, handling, or any special conditions that need to be adhered to during transportation. This message is integral to ensuring that goods are moved correctly and efficiently from one location to another, supporting effective supply chain management and operational coordination.
• IFTSTA: The IFTSTA (Cargo Status) message communicates real-time status updates in the logistics process. It informs stakeholders about the current state of a shipment—whether it is in transit, delayed, or has reached a specific checkpoint. By providing timely status updates, the IFTSTA message enhances transparency, enables proactive decision-making, and helps manage exceptions in the transportation process.

These messages, along with robust EDIFACT formats, ensure that processes like customs clearance and freight forwarding are managed efficiently. Additionally, technologies like we use in EDI2XML help convert EDIFACT documents into XML for easier integration with modern software systems, further enhancing interoperability.

How EDIFACT Works: A Step-by-Step Guide to Integration and Automation

The process of using EDIFACT involves several key steps:

1. Creating an EDIFACT Messa
   ge: EDIFACT utilizes predefined formats for various document types. For instance, a specific EDIFACT message structure exists for invoices, containing essential data like amount, recipient, invoice number, and date.
2. Converting Your Data into EDIFACT Format: Your internal systems likely aren’t designed to directly generate EDIFACT messages. Therefore, you’ll need a way to convert your standard invoices (perhaps in Excel, CSV, or another internal format) into the correct EDIFACT structure. This is where an EDIFACT converter comes in, transforming your invoice data into an EDIFACT message.
3. Sending the Message: Once your invoice is in the correct EDIFACT format, it’s transmitted electronically through an EDI system. This typically occurs over secure connections like FTP, AS2, or other EDI communication protocols. Your trading partner’s system then automatically receives, validates, and integrates the message data into their workflow, eliminating manual entry.

The Catch: You Probably Can’t Do This Alone

While the above steps outline the EDIFACT process, most companies find they cannot handle these tasks independently. It’s rare for businesses to have in-house staff with the specialized expertise required for EDI implementation. Setting up and maintaining EDI connections, mapping data, handling conversions, managing transmissions, and troubleshooting issues requires a significant investment in both time and training.

Why You Need an EDI Provider: The Benefits of Working with Professionals

This is where EDI providers come in. Companies like EDI2XML offer fully managed EDI services, handling the entire project from start to finish. These providers take on all aspects, including:

• Project Management: Overseeing the entire EDI implementation process.
• Configuration: Setting up the necessary software and connections.
• Mapping: Defining how your internal data corresponds to EDIFACT elements.
• Conversion: Transforming your data into the EDIFACT format.
• Transmission: Managing the secure sending and receiving of EDI messages.
• Integration: We integrate EDIFACT messaging into your existing business systems, so you can automate the entire process and reduce the chance of errors.
• Testing: Conducting thorough testing with your trading partners to ensure seamless communication.
• Support for EDIFACT Standards: Pr
• oviding assistance and troubleshooting after implementation. Whether you need help with invoice messages (e.g., INVOIC), orders (ORDERS), or shipping messages (IFTMIN), we support a wide range of EDIFACT message types and ensure you stay compliant with the latest standards.

By working with Edi2Xml, you can simplify your transition to using EDIFACT and ensure your data exchanges with business partners are smooth, secure, and efficient. No need to worry about manual data entry or mismatched formats—let us handle the technical side while you focus on growing your business.

EDIFACT FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the primary benefit of using EDIFACT in logistics and transportation?
A: EDIFACT automates the exchange of business documents like ORDERS, DESADV, and INVOIC, which improves efficiency, accuracy, and speed in managing supply chain and transportation operations.

Q2: How do EDIFACT standards integrate with TMS and WMS?
A: Modern transport management systems (TMS) and warehouse management systems (WMS) are designed to support EDIFACT messages and EDIFACT formats, enabling seamless integration for order management and inventory management.

Q3: Can EDIFACT improve customs clearance processes?
A: Yes, by using standardized EDIFACT messages for customs clearance, companies can ensure faster and more accurate processing of shipments, reducing delays and minimizing errors in documentation.

Q4: What role does EDI2XML play in EDIFACT solutions?
A: EDI2XML helps convert EDIFACT documents into XML format, making it easier for modern systems to integrate and process data.

Q5: How can my company get started with EDIFACT implementation?
A: Begin by assessing your current data exchange processes and identifying key documents that need standardization. Consult with an EDI provider to evaluate your needs, set up the necessary infrastructure, map your data to EDIFACT standards, and conduct thorough testing with your trading partners.

Q6: What are the common challenges when implementing EDIFACT?
A: Challenges can include mapping your internal data to EDIFACT standards, ensuring compatibility with various trading partner systems, managing change within existing processes, and training staff to handle the new system. Partnering with an experienced EDI provider can help mitigate these issues.

Q7: How secure is the EDIFACT data exchange process?
A: EDIFACT transactions are typically conducted over secure communication channels (such as AS2, FTP/S, or VPNs). Moreover, proper implementation of security protocols, data encryption, and compliance with industry standards ensures that the data exchange remains secure.

Q8: Can EDIFACT be integrated with our existing ERP and legacy systems?
A: Yes, EDIFACT can be integrated with most ERP systems and legacy applications through middleware or conversion tools. Many EDI providers offer services that bridge the gap between modern EDIFACT formats and older systems.

Q9: Are there any regulatory or compliance issues associated with EDIFACT?
A: EDIFACT itself is a standardized format, so it generally supports compliance with industry regulations and international trade standards. However, companies should ensure that their specific implementation meets all applicable local and international legal requirements, especially in sectors with strict data governance.

Q10: How do I choose the right EDI provider for my EDIFACT implementation?
A: Look for a provider with proven experience in your industry, strong technical expertise, comprehensive support services, and a track record of successful EDIFACT integrations. Request case studies, testimonials, and details about their implementation process to make an informed decision.

Q11: What kind of support and maintenance can I expect post-implementation?
A: A reliable EDI provider will offer ongoing support, system monitoring, regular updates to comply with evolving standards, and troubleshooting assistance. This ensures that your EDIFACT system remains robust and continues to meet your operational needs over time.

Conclusion: How EDIFACT is Transforming Logistics and Transportation

EDIFACT is a cornerstone of modern Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) in the logistics and transportation sectors. By integrating EDIFACT standards into transport, shipping, and supply chain management systems, companies can enjoy streamlined processes, enhanced data accuracy, and improved operational efficiency. Whether you’re looking at freight forwarding, customs clearance, or managing transport management systems (TMS) and warehouse management systems (WMS), EDIFACT provides the structure and reliability needed for success.

Ready to harness the power of EDIFACT in your operations? Contact us today to learn more about implementing EDIFACT solutions and transforming your logistics and transportation processes with industry-leading EDI technology.

Tatyana Vandich

Tatyana Vandich is a seasoned marketing professional with a focus on technology and business solutions. She regularly contributes to the EDI2XML blog, sharing insights on EDI, data integration, and digital transformation to help businesses improve operational efficiency.

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