EDI-846
Inventory Inquiry
What is an EDI 846?
EDI 846, also known as Inventory Inquiry/Advice, is an EDI transaction set used by both buyers and sellers to exchange up-to-date inventory level information. It is especially valuable in drop shipping environments where retailers manage the eCommerce storefront instead of using a merchant/manufacturer portal or API-based integration.
The EDI 846 follows the X12 standard developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), ensuring a consistent format for inventory reporting in the U.S.
Retailers often use EDI 846 to request real-time inventory status from suppliers, while sellers use it to provide availability updates, report discontinued items, and forecast restocking dates.
Key Components of EDI 846
Inquiry Date & Time
The exact date and time when the inventory inquiry or update is generated.
Retailer & Vendor Identification
Unique IDs, names, and contact details to identify both the requesting and responding parties.
Product Identifiers
Codes such as SKUs, UPCs, GTINs, or manufacturer part numbers used to uniquely identify each product.
Units of Measure
The measurement standard for the product (e.g., each, box, case, kilogram).
Inventory Quantity Data
Current stock quantities available for sale or allocation.
Forecasted Restocking Dates
Dates when out-of-stock products are expected to be replenished.
Inventory by Location
Stock availability data segmented by warehouses, distribution centers, or store locations.
Discontinued Item Indicator
A flag or code identifying products that are no longer available for order.
How is EDI 846 Used?
EDI 846 is bi-directional—it can be sent by either the buyer or the seller:
- From Retailer to Supplier:
Retailers send EDI 846 inquiries to check stock levels, ensuring accurate product availability on their eCommerce sites. - From Supplier to Retailer:
Suppliers send EDI 846 updates to inform retailers about in-stock items, out-of-stock products, discontinued items, and restocking schedules.
This transaction is often sent daily or multiple times per day to maintain real-time stock visibility, particularly for eCommerce and drop shipping operations.
Benefits of Using EDI 846
Using EDI 846 streamlines communication, improves accuracy, and boosts operational efficiency. Key benefits include:
Real-Time Inventory Accuracy
Ensure your eCommerce storefront reflects the latest stock availability.
Reduced Manual Work
Automate stock inquiries and updates, eliminating phone calls, emails, and manual data entry.
Faster Decision Making
Get instant visibility into available, out-of-stock, and discontinued products for better purchasing decisions.
Improved Forecasting
Leverage restocking dates and location-specific data to optimize order planning.
Better Supplier-Retailer Collaboration
Maintain clear, consistent communication for smoother supply chain operations.
EDI 846 Integration with Odoo by Vraja Technologies
At Vraja Technologies, we help businesses fully automate their inventory updates with EDI 846 integration inside Odoo ERP. Our solution enables:
- Automatic creation and processing of EDI 846 messages
- Real-time synchronization of stock levels across all sales channels
- Integration with EDI 850, 855, and 856 for a complete order-to-delivery workflow
- Secure, standards-compliant EDI transmission
Whether you manage multiple warehouses, a 3PL network, or drop ship operations, we ensure your inventory data is accurate, timely, and 100% traceable.