{"id":2644,"date":"2020-03-15T09:13:41","date_gmt":"2020-03-15T09:13:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brightpearl20.wpengine.com\/secrets-of-the-advanced-shipping-notice-or-edi-856\/"},"modified":"2025-11-17T17:30:25","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T17:30:25","slug":"secrets-of-the-advanced-shipping-notice-or-edi-856","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/blog\/secrets-of-the-advanced-shipping-notice-or-edi-856","title":{"rendered":"Secrets of the Advanced Shipping Notice or EDI 856"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b><i>Key Takeaways<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/i><i><\/i><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An <\/span><\/i><b><i>advanced shipping notice (ASN)<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, also known as <\/span><\/i><b><i>EDI 856<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, provides retailers and distributors with early shipment details to streamline receiving.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ASNs improve <\/span><\/i><b><i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/supply-chain\">supply chain<\/a> visibility<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, reduce errors, and enable just-in-time <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/inventory-management-system\">inventory management<\/a>.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typical ASNs include shipment dates, quantities, carrier details, and tracking numbers.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Automated ASNs through EDI help eliminate manual data entry, ensuring faster, more accurate fulfillment.<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using ASNs supports <\/span><\/i><b><i>customer satisfaction and operational efficiency<\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> across the retail supply chain.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the modern retail environment, it\u2019s essential for retailers and distributors alike to have accurate, up-to-the-minute information about where their orders are. They need visibility about orders so that they can maintain oversight at all times, ensuring maximum accountability and transparency.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This also means that, where applicable, they need ways to keep consumers and clients up to date about where their packages are at any given time &#8211; whether that&#8217;s at a distribution center or on a pallet on the way to their house &#8211; thus helping to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/customer-experience\/retail-promotions-best-practice\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drive up standards of customer service<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintaining visibility of orders requires the exchange of various documents between buyers and sellers, including via <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/order-fulfillment\/edi-introduction\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">electronic data interchange<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (EDI). But there\u2019s one kind of document that\u2019s more important than any other in this regard &#8211; the advanced shipping notice (ASN). An advanced shipment notice is sent by a vendor to a retailer or buyer in order to notify them that a particular delivery has been sent out, and is on its way to its intended destination.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3663 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image7.jpg\" alt=\"Cargo shipment port\" width=\"910\" height=\"605\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image7.jpg 910w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image7-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image7-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 910px) 100vw, 910px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Needless to say, this is very important when it comes to keeping people updated about the progress of orders. As it informs them a when something is pending delivery and as soon as a shipment has been dispatched, it allows them to keep their own records in order, as well as improving the overall <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/shipping-fulfillment-software\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">efficiency of the supply chain<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and helping firms to meet customers\u2019 needs more effectively. This is, for everyone concerned, the ultimate be-all and end-all.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/bookdemo\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4572 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/bp-cta5.png\" alt=\"Data-driven infographic\" width=\"793\" height=\"274\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/bp-cta5.png 793w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/bp-cta5-300x104.png 300w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/bp-cta5-768x265.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 793px) 100vw, 793px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But if you\u2019re a lay person, an ordinary consumer as it were, you might still be a little puzzled about what an advance shipping notice actually means. Certainly, for most people, the jargon will be unfamiliar &#8211; though more or less all online retailers provide dispatch notices once an order has been shipped to a customer. ASN logistics notifications work on more or less the same principle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s take a closer look at what the ASN is and what it does.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3658 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image2-1.jpg\" alt=\"Top view of two people with laptop and paper form\" width=\"800\" height=\"522\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image2-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image2-1-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image2-1-768x501.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is an Advanced Shipping Notice?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, as we\u2019ve already outlined, an advanced shipment notification (yes, there are a few variants on the exact terms!) is a logistical tool which notifies retailers or individual buyers whenever an order has been shipped. This is the simple ASN definition. There are various terms by which the ASN is known &#8211; whether as an outboard shipping notice, or manifest, or EDI 856 &#8211; but the principle is fundamentally the same. Like a bill of lading, it includes a range of important details about the order, which we\u2019ll come on to discuss later.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might assume that shipping products is simple (it\u2019s not always obvious just how much work goes into doing it, and how many people are involved throughout the process). Even with the best trading partners there are a lot of things that can go wrong.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s not just a case of items going missing in transit; something all of us have no doubt experienced at some point. Fragile or perishable items, for example, have to be marked as such so that they\u2019re stored and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/order-fulfillment\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">shipped properly<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is another reason why the humble advanced shipping notice plays such an important role in international logistics. Were it not for these simple notices, keeping us informed about where our orders are at key points along the supply chain, the whole apparatus of global commerce would be much more dysfunctional than it actually is.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3661 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image5-1.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of handshake and a delivery truck\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1238\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image5-1.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image5-1-300x193.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image5-1-1024x660.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image5-1-768x495.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image5-1-1536x990.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>How Does an Advanced Shipping Notice Work?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As we\u2019ve established, an ASN is issued to a buyer or retailer by a vendor to let them know that a shipment is on its way to their chosen delivery point. Ordinary consumers, generally speaking, probably haven\u2019t heard the official term \u2018advanced shipping notice\u2019 before. They will, however, be familiar with the general idea. Shipment notification emails, for example, are more or less considered obligatory in e-commerce, whenever an order is sent out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, an advance ship notice will generally include more information than a simple statement that an item has been dispatched to a customer or client. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/warehouse-management-system\">Warehouse<\/a> management systems (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/warehouse-management\">WMS<\/a>) allow companies to include specific details of when the item was shipped (date and time) and perhaps the location from where it was sent. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>It is also likely to include information on the nature of the item and the quantity of items which are included in the shipment (as well as their weight). This allows customers to check that the ASN against their original <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/order-management\/purchase-order-template\">purchase order<\/a> and make sure everything is present and correct once the items arrive Given the number of orders retailers and other businesses make every day, this is a very useful reminder to have.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike a shipping label, an ASN should arrive in advance of the delivery. This means it can provide an estimated time of arrival so that the recipient knows roughly when to expect delivery. Again, this is can help businesses with their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/order-management-software\">order management<\/a>, especially if they&#8217;re constantly making and receiving bulk orders!<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3657 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image1-3.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration on a delivery rider\" width=\"615\" height=\"615\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image1-3.jpg 615w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image1-3-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image1-3-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image1-3-140x140.jpg 140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>What Does an Advanced Shipping Notice Include?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While formats vary by business, a standard ASN document (or EDI 856 file) usually includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Purchase order reference number<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Date of dispatch and estimated arrival date<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Product descriptions and quantities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carrier details and tracking number<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Packaging or pallet information (if applicable)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An ASN can be sent in multiple formats\u2014commonly XML or EDI\u2014depending on system requirements. When processed through Brightpearl\u2019s integrated system, ASN data can automatically update inventory and confirm delivery, improving supply chain accuracy and reducing human error.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/bookdemo\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4572 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/bp-cta5.png\" alt=\"Data-driven infographic\" width=\"793\" height=\"274\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/bp-cta5.png 793w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/bp-cta5-300x104.png 300w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/bp-cta5-768x265.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 793px) 100vw, 793px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the ASN\/advanced shipping notice has been issued, the recipient knows that their order is on its way and can update their supply chain management system accordingly. Of course, as we\u2019ve already observed, lots of things can go wrong with shipments, and delays &#8211; which could have all sorts of potential causes &#8211; are a common occurrence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, having an ASN EDI makes it easier to highlight any discrepancies and to confirm delivery of each item as it arrives (through the easy use of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/ecommerce-guides\/understanding-barcodes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">barcode<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> scan receiving), thereby minimizing the risks involved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3659 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image3-2.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration on world map with a delivery man\" width=\"910\" height=\"609\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image3-2.jpg 910w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image3-2-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image3-2-768x514.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 910px) 100vw, 910px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Why Are Advanced Shipping Notices So Important?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ASN logistics documents are hugely important for a number of reasons. For a start, they provide easy visibility of the progress of a particular order. It notifies customers or retailers of when they can expect their order to reach them, and barcode scanning allows for quick receipt and sorting of items. This can facilitate easier start-to-finish flow-through and ultimately store allocation, thus enhancing overall efficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those retailers which make use of just-in-time (JIT) inventory methods find ASN documents particularly important, because they order products as they\u2019re required and just at the time they\u2019re needed (hence the name). Having an ASN to hand means that they can easily <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/ecommerce-guides\/10-reasons-accurate-inventory-tracking-matters\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">keep track of items<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as and when they\u2019re being shipped, and they can be notified of any delays.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An ASN also provides final confirmation that an order has been fulfilled. This means that open-to-buy budgets and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/inventory-management-system\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inventory systems<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be updated so as to reflect the current order situation. The ASN can also be used, once items arrive, to check that everything that should have been included in the order is present. All it takes is for each item to be scanned as it\u2019s loaded off pallets, and checked against the shipping notice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Order management can be a very complex business, especially when there are regular orders involving large quantities of items being made. This affects retailers and consumers alike: take the Christmas shopping rush, for example. With both shops and shoppers ordering items often at short notice, they need to be sure that those items will reach them at the right time. ASNs help to provide an additional level of confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another point worth noting here is that where buyers and sellers are both using EDI systems, the exchange of ASNs can take be done entirely through automation. There\u2019s no need for faxes, manual data entry, or even emailing. An ASN without EDI, however, may not be as effective, because the information may be more prone to inaccuracies and human error.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3662 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image6.jpg\" alt=\"A fast moving delivery van\" width=\"728\" height=\"485\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image6.jpg 728w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image6-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Advanced Shipping Notice Example<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A typical ASN example looks like this:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vendor: ACME Electronics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buyer: RetailerCo<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Order #: 12345<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dispatch Date: Oct 24, 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expected Delivery: Oct 26, 2025<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carrier: FedEx, Tracking # FE123456789<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Items:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20x HDMI Cables<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10x 4K Monitors<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This data, transmitted through EDI 856, gives RetailerCo full visibility before the shipment arrives, ensuring faster check-in and order reconciliation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Definition of Shipping Terms<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few definitions of commonly-used shipping terms to help you, if you\u2019re not already familiar, to understand the process better:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Aggregate shipment:<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Multiple shipments from different sellers to a single recipient condensed into a single shipment.<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Advanced shipping notice: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A notice issued when a vendor or seller dispatches items to a recipient (whether a retailer or an individual consumer).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Claim: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A demand made by a client or customer on a transportation company, demanding recompense for the loss of goods, or damage sustained while in transit.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Delivery receipt: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A receipt signed by a recipient to confirm that a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/shipping-and-fulfillment-guide\">shipment has been delivered,<\/a> and also confirming the condition of the goods upon delivery.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Freight: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The term applied to any goods being transported, regardless of the methods involved.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Just-in-time: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A type of inventory control which aims to eliminate or at least minimize the need for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/warehouse-management-system\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">warehousing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, thus making it all the more essential for goods to reach their recipients on time.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Logistics: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The management of shipments as they make their way from their point of dispatch to their point of final delivery.<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Origin: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The location from where the shipment begins its journey or from where the goods involved were originally manufactured or sourced.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3660 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image4-2.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of a delivery man processing delivery icon in green background\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1344\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image4-2.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image4-2-300x210.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image4-2-1024x717.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image4-2-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/image4-2-1536x1075.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conclusion<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hopefully this guide has provided you with a better idea of what purposes the advanced shipping notice serves. Were it not for these simple documents, it would be much harder for retailers and ordinary consumers to keep track of the things they buy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/bookdemo\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4572 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/bp-cta5.png\" alt=\"Data-driven infographic\" width=\"793\" height=\"274\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/bp-cta5.png 793w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/bp-cta5-300x104.png 300w, https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/bp-cta5-768x265.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 793px) 100vw, 793px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They make it easy for vendors and recipients to keep tabs on shipments as they\u2019re in progress. Because of ASNs and the information contained in them, then, it\u2019s far easier than it used to be to make sure that people get what they want, when they need it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discover how <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightpearl.com\/\">Brightpearl<\/a> helps retailers and distributors streamline advanced shipping notices for faster, error-free fulfillment.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h3><b>FAQ: Advanced shipping notice<\/b><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><b> How does an advanced shipping notice work?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; The vendor sends an ASN to the buyer after shipment dispatch, detailing order contents, carrier, and expected arrival date. This helps streamline warehouse operations and receiving.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> What is included in an ASN or EDI 856?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Typical details include shipment date, items shipped, quantities, carrier, and tracking numbers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> Why is an ASN important in supply chain management?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Why is an ASN important in supply chain management?<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>What\u2019s the difference between a shipping label and an advanced shipping notice?<br \/>\n<\/b>&#8211; A shipping label travels with the package, while an ASN is sent in advance to inform the recipient and update inventory systems.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Takeaways: An advanced shipping notice (ASN), also known as EDI 856, provides retailers and distributors with early shipment details to streamline receiving. ASNs improve supply chain visibility, reduce errors, and enable just-in-time inventory management. Typical ASNs include shipment dates, quantities, carrier details, and tracking numbers. Automated ASNs through EDI help eliminate manual data entry, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":3666,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[115],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2644","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-retail-operations"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.6.1 (Yoast SEO v27.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is an Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN) and How It Works | Brightpearl<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn what an advanced shipping notice (ASN) or EDI 856 is, how it works, and why it\u2019s essential for supply chain visibility and order accuracy.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, 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