ASN / DESADV (Advance Shipping Notice)
Quick answer
EDI shipping notice sent before goods physically arrive at the retailer - describes pallet, batch, quantity.
Key takeaways
- Header: ASN number, date, supplier GLN + destination GLN, order reference
- For each pallet: SSCC, size, weight
- For each line: GTIN, batch, expiry, quantity, unit of measure
- Totals: pallet count, case count, value
Definition
ASN (Advance Shipping Notice) - called DESADV in EDIFACT - is the electronic message sent by the supplier to the retailer before the goods physically arrive at the dock. It fully describes the shipment: order number, pallets (with SSCC), items on pallet (with GTIN, batch, expiry), quantities.
Why it is mandatory
Modern receiving at a hypermarket (cross-dock or DC) operates on ASN: scan pallet SSCC, retailer system instantly knows what is on the pallet. Without ASN, receipt drops to manual inspection = extra hours, missed slot, penalty.
Typical DESADV content
- Header: ASN number, date, supplier GLN + destination GLN, order reference
- For each pallet: SSCC, size, weight
- For each line: GTIN, batch, expiry, quantity, unit of measure
- Totals: pallet count, case count, value
Critical timing
- Carrefour, Auchan: ASN at least 2 hours before ETA
- Lidl, Kaufland: ASN at least 4 hours before
- Mega Image, Profi: ASN at least 1 hour before, strict VAN transmission
All require ASN sent before the truck departs, not after. CRMconnect emits DESADV automatically within 5 minutes of WMS shipment marking.
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Frequently asked
Can I send ASN after the truck has left?+
Technically yes, but most modern retailers invalidate ASNs received after ETA. Result: penalty + manual receipt.
How do I handle quantity differences between ASN and reality?+
Do not modify the ASN after sending - emit a corrective ASN (1 message) or wait for the discrepancy receipt and post a GRN at the retailer.
Where CRMconnect fits
Related terms
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)
Structured exchange of commercial documents between B2B partners, without emails or manual data entry.
LogisticsSSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code)
Unique 18-digit code identifying an individual transport unit - pallet, case, container.
LogisticsOTIF (On-Time In-Full)
Share of orders delivered on time AND complete. Critical KPI for modern retailer relationships.
OperationsNIR / Goods Receipt Note (GRN)
Internal document confirming the physical receipt of goods in the warehouse - the pivot between supplier delivery note and invoice.