01
Pallet Level — SSCC-18
Each pallet has a unique SSCC barcode — the top level of the hierarchy
EDIFACT Despatch Advice Message
Despatch Advice DESADV
The electronic despatch advice — sent by the supplier when goods leave the warehouse, giving the buyer advance notice of exactly what is on its way, in which packaging, and when to expect delivery.
Key Segments & Structure
Common EDIFACT DESADV message segments
| Segment | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UNH | Message Header | M |
| BGM | Beginning of Message — Despatch advice type and document number | M |
| DTM | Date/Time — Despatch date and expected delivery date | M |
| RFF | References — Purchase order, delivery, or contract reference | C |
| NAD | Name and Address — Supplier, buyer, ship-to, and delivery party | M |
| TDT | Transport Details — Carrier, vehicle, and transport mode | C |
| CPS | Consignment Packing Sequence — Defines the packaging hierarchy | M |
| PAC | Package Details — Pallets, cartons, cases, or other logistic units | C |
| PCI | Package Identification — Marks, labels, and package information | C |
| GIN | Goods Identity Number — SSCC, serial, or logistic unit identifier | C |
| LIN | Line Item — Product identification, GTIN, SKU, or buyer item code | M |
| PIA | Additional Product Identification | C |
| QTY | Quantity — Despatched quantity for each product line | M |
| MEA | Measurements — Weight, dimensions, volume, or temperature | C |
| UNT | Message Trailer | M |
Message Overview
What is a DESADV message?
The DESADV (Despatch Advice), also called the Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN), is an EDI message sent by the supplier to the buyer immediately after goods are dispatched from the warehouse. It tells the buyer exactly what was shipped, in what quantities, how it was packaged (pallets, cartons, SSCCs), which carrier is delivering it, and the expected arrival time.
DESADV is critical for warehouse receiving efficiency — it allows buyers to pre-book dock slots, allocate resources, and in some cases enable cross-docking without physical check-in of every item. GS1 retail mandates make it a requirement for suppliers to most major retailers globally.
Information commonly included
- Despatch advice and shipment reference number
- Original purchase order reference
- Shipped products and despatched quantities
- Pallet, carton, case, and package hierarchy
- SSCC and GS1 logistic unit identifiers
- Carrier and transport information
- Despatch and expected delivery dates
- Batch, serial, expiry, or temperature details
Logistics Structure
Packing Hierarchy
DESADV represents the relationship between the shipment, pallets, cartons, cases, and individual products.
02
Carton or Case Level
Each case on the pallet also has its own SSCC or NVE label
03
Item Level — GTIN
Individual selling units identified by GTIN with their quantity
04
GS1-128 Labels
Physical labels on each unit encode SSCC and GTIN for scanning at receipt
Common Applications
DESADV Message Use Cases
Supermarket DC pre-allocates receiving docks and staff based on incoming DESADV
Retail Distribution Centre
Supermarket DC pre-allocates receiving docks and staff based on incoming DESADV
Cross-Docking
3PLs route pallets directly to outbound trucks without manual scan-in
Drop Ship and Direct Delivery
Supplier ships direct to store — DESADV links delivery to the original PO
Pharmaceutical Cold Chain
Batch numbers, expiry dates, and temperature info embedded in DESADV for compliance
DESADV Message FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Important information about Advanced Shipping Notices, SSCC identification, and DESADV transmission.
What is the difference between DESADV and an ASN?
They are the same document. DESADV is the UN/EDIFACT name for the message, while ASN (Advanced Ship Notice) or ASN 856 is the ANSI X12 terminology. Both serve the same purpose: notifying the buyer that goods have shipped.
What is an SSCC and why is it used in DESADV?
SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) is a GS1 18-digit number that uniquely identifies a logistic unit (pallet, carton). In DESADV, SSCCs create a scannable link between the physical delivery and the electronic data, enabling automated goods receipt at the buyer's warehouse.
When must DESADV be sent?
Industry best practice and many retail trading partner requirements specify DESADV must be transmitted before or at the time of physical despatch — typically within a window of 1–4 hours before the truck leaves the supplier's warehouse.
Odoo Shipping and EDI Automation
Looking to automate ASN/DESADV generation from your Odoo warehouse module?
Generate DESADV messages directly from validated Odoo deliveries, including shipped quantities, packaging hierarchy, SSCC labels, carrier details, and expected delivery information.
See Vraja's Odoo Shipping & EDI Integration Services
