EANCOM is a subset of the Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce, and Transport generally referred to as the EDIFACT standard. EANCOM was derived from the broader EDIFACT standards. The EAN message was created from a subset of the segments from the EDIFACT standards and the COM refers to communication. EANCOM is therefore an acronym which stands for European Article Number Communication. GS1 spearheaded the development and creation of the EANCOM standards.  GS1, supported by other national member organisations, originally created the subset for use in the retail and consumer goods industry.  

EANCOM messages are used as the digital replacement to traditional paper-based business critical documents. EANCOM was designed to streamline electronic data interchange (EDI) processes. They encapsulate the necessary information to facilitate seamless communication and transaction processing between trading partners. It has become the foundation for efficient EDI across various industries. It offers standardised communication protocols, message structures and message flows in line with EDIFACT standards.  EANCOM was developed to enhance operational proficiency and collaboration between industry participants.  

EANCOM EDIFACT messages deliver a standardised format for electronic document exchange. EANCOM enables B2B organisations to exchange business documents electronically. EANCOM allows for the smooth deliver of business communications through the trading partner cycle. Using the EANCOM message set documents such as purchase orders, invoices, and shipping notices can be exchanged seamlessly. EANCOM messages are structured in line with predefined data elements and segments. This standardised structure facilitates the efficient communication and integration between disparate business solutions. All parties within process can exchange messages effectively, regardless of their preferred technology solution.  EANCOM messages are now maintained by global standards organisation, GS1. The EANCOM subset has been been adopted by a variety of industries including retail, healthcare and construction. 

EANCOM was originally engineered for the consumer goods/retail industry. However, over time the popularity of EANCOM has grown tremendously and it has now achieved widespread adoption.  Due to its detailed message set tailored for business-to-business transactions, EANCOM has now been adopted by other sectors such as healthcare and construction. It’s efficiency and effectiveness makes it the perfect tailored solution for business-to-business transactions. TrueCommerce offers EDI solutions which utilise and uphold EANCOM standards for small, medium and large organisations.  

EANCOM messages are equivalent of traditional paper business documents. Within the EANCOM standard, certain message types are widely used across a variety of industries. These include: 

ORDERS – Order ORDRSP  

Order Response / Confirmation DESADV – Despatch Advice (ASN)  

INVOIC – Invoice RECADV – Receipt Advice  

CREADV – Credit Advice  

RECADV – Receipt Advice 

PAYMUL - Payment 

PRICAT – Price Catalogue 

INVRPT – Inventory Report 

SLSRPT – Sales Report

EANCOM ensures smooth communication between all parties during the sales process. The EANCOM framework provides a seamless exchange of information and transactions within the sales cycle of messages. The functionality of EANCOM messages extends beyond mere document exchange; they encompass the entire trade transaction process.  

The EANCOM standard include the functions needed to cover a full trade transaction. EANCOM message allow the trade transaction to happen. For example:  

• Messages facilitating trade transactions, such as invoices and purchase orders
• Messages to logistics providers regarding the transfer of goods
• Messages relating to financial advice for trade transactions, such as banking systems 

These messages flow through the EANCOM framework. Each step within the EANCOM framework contributes to the seamless execution of trade processes. EANCOM enhances overall efficiency and accuracy in business transactions.

At present there are currently three versions of EANCOM. Each version caters to different needs and evolving standards within the consumer goods industry. In fact, EANCOM is often recognised for its adaptability and flexibility.

The three versions of EANCOM are: 

• D93A
• D96A
• D01B