EDIFACT ORDERS — the retail purchase order message explained
In short: The EDIFACT ORDERS message is the standard EDI purchase order: the retailer transmits the supplier a list of ordered items (GTIN, quantities, agreed prices, requested delivery date, destination location GLN). It is the first document in an automated B2B order-to-cash cycle, and the direct equivalent of X12 850.
Key capabilities
- Standard EDIFACT structure: Header (BGM, DTM, RFF), parties (NAD for buyer, supplier, ship-to via GLN), commercial terms (PAT, PAI).
- Lines with GTIN + quantity: Each line: LIN with item GTIN, QTY (ordered quantity), PRI (agreed price), DTM (requested delivery date).
- Keyed on GLN: Ship-to is identified by a 13-digit GLN — the retailer can request delivery to a specific distribution center or direct-to-store.
- Flows straight into your ERP: EDIconnect automatically creates the sales order in SAP, Dynamics, NetSuite, Odoo or another ERP — no manual entry required.
The complete EDIFACT flow: ORDERS → ORDRSP → DESADV → INVOIC
A full retail EDI cycle: the retailer issues ORDERS → the supplier confirms with ORDRSP → at shipment it sends DESADV (dispatch advice with SSCC for every pallet) → at receipt the retailer responds with RECADV (receiving advice) → the supplier closes the cycle with INVOIC (invoice). REMADV follows later from the retailer for remittance.
With EDIconnect Web EDI, all 5-6 messages flow automatically between your ERP and your connected retailers, without manual entry and validated against each retailer's own specification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the EDIFACT ORDERS message?
ORDERS is the standard EDIFACT purchase order message — the European counterpart of X12 850. A retailer sends it to a supplier to order items, specifying quantities, prices and delivery date.
Who sends ORDERS and who receives it?
The buyer (retailer, distributor, manufacturer) sends ORDERS. The seller (supplier) receives it and responds with ORDRSP (confirmation), followed later by DESADV (dispatch advice) and INVOIC (invoice).
How fast must an ORDERS be processed?
It depends on the contractual SLA — typically 24-48 hours until ORDRSP confirmation. Large retailers (Kaufland, Carrefour, Lidl) monitor response times and can penalize delays.
How do I know the retailer received my confirmation?
Through the CONTRL (syntax ACK) plus ORDRSP (functional response) flow. The EDIconnect portal shows the status of every order (received, confirmed, shipped, invoiced).
Can an ORDERS be cancelled?
Yes — the retailer sends an ORDCHG (order change) or, in exceptional cases, an ORDERS with a cancellation function code. EDIconnect updates the order in your ERP automatically.