EDI 944

What are the Essential Components of EDI 944?

EDI 944 transactions need to include several key pieces of information pertaining to an arriving shipment. These include, but are not limited to: 

• Shipment number 
• Manufacturer information, such as vendor number 
• Carrier information 
• Product types and quantities 
• Product tracking details like lot numbers and serial numbers 
• Date and time of shipment receipt 
• Indication of missing or damaged goods 

How do I Use EDI 944?

A “stock transfer” refers to the movement of inventory from a manufacturing plant or other facility, to a remote warehouse or 3PL. Manufacturers regularly send stock to their 3PLs, from which they can be sent to DCs or directly to retailers.

Before sending a shipment of goods to a 3PL, the manufacturer sends an EDI 943 Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice document, letting them know the details of the pending shipment. When the shipment is received into the warehouse, an EDI 944 Receipt Advice is sent to confirm receipt. The 944 document will also include details on the shipment, including any discrepancies, and the condition of the goods (I.e. if there were any damaged or defective products).

After receiving a 944 document from their 3PL, the manufacturer will respond automatically with an EDI 997 Functional Acknowledgement. The products then remain in the 3PL warehouse until the manufacturer needs them moved, at which time they’ll start the final shipment process with an EDI 940 Warehouse Shipping Order.

What are the Benefits of EDI 944?

EDI 944 is important first and foremost to help manufacturers and suppliers account for inventory across their warehouses. By sending information on the product quantity received, as well as indicating any damaged goods, the 3PL can help the manufacturer properly reconcile their inventory numbers. This also helps in planning replenishment shipments for the warehouses, as well as knowing how much stock is in each warehouse available for retailer shipments.

Another benefit of using EDI to send Warehouse Stock Transfer Receipt Advice documents is automation. Using technology like RFID or barcode scanning paired with integrated EDI, an EDI 944 document can be automatically generated as products are scanned during receiving and sent to the manufacturer. This not only ensures the most accurate shipment data possible, but also gives the manufacturer near real-time visibility into their outgoing shipments.