EDI Profi and Penny — supplier connection to the hard-discount chains
In short: Profi (over 1,700 stores in Romania) and Penny (over 350 stores, part of the REWE group) are among the most active hard-discount chains requiring EDI from their suppliers. EDIconnect offers pre-configured connections to both specifications, live in 2-3 weeks.
Key capabilities
- Pre-configured specification: All messages required by Profi and Penny (ORDERS, ORDRSP, DESADV with SSCC, INVOIC) are ready for go-live.
- AS2 managed for you: Certificates, endpoints, MDNs — no need for your own AS2 server, EDIconnect acts as your AS2 hub.
- Automatic GS1-128 labels: SSCC and GS1-compliant labels for Profi and Penny distribution centers, printable straight from the portal.
- Anti-chargeback alerts: Real-time alerts if a DESADV or INVOIC falls outside either retailer's SLA window.
Profi and Penny — how they differ from Kaufland/Carrefour
Profi runs one of the most extensive small-format store networks in Romania and works with a very large number of local suppliers, including small ones. Its EDI specification is close to the European GS1 standard, with an emphasis on correct SSCC and DESADV for the cross-docking flow. Penny (REWE Group) aligns its specification with international REWE standards — slightly stricter, with mandatory PRICAT for certain categories.
EDIconnect maintains separate templates for Profi and Penny, covering each one's quirks, and lets you reuse the same setup for Lidl, Kaufland, Carrefour and Auchan — all included in the same subscription.
Frequently asked questions
Which EDI documents do Profi and Penny require?
Both chains require, at minimum, ORDERS (order receipt), ORDRSP (confirmation), DESADV (shipment advice with SSCC), and INVOIC (invoice). Penny (REWE group) additionally requires PRICAT (catalogue) and INVRPT (inventory) for certain categories.
What transport method do they use?
Both chains use AS2 directly or through a VAN (SEEBURGER, GXS/OpenText). EDIconnect manages the transport layer for you.
How long does onboarding take?
2-3 weeks from contract to the first production PO: account setup, partner configuration (Profi/Penny GLN), item mapping (GTIN), and end-to-end testing.
What chargebacks do they apply?
Common categories: missing or late DESADV (before the truck arrives), invalid SSCC, quantities mismatching the DESADV, and INVOIC discrepancies. EDIconnect prevents 90%+ of these through pre-transmission validation.
Do I need an integrated ERP for EDI with Profi/Penny?
Not necessarily. You can start with the EDIconnect portal (CSV/Excel import of orders and invoices) and integrate your ERP later as volume grows.