Smarter GS1 EDI Standards for Manufacturers & Logistics Providers
Table of Contents
- What Are GS1 EDI Standards?
- Why GS1 EDI Matters to Manufacturers and Logistics Companies
- GS1 EDI Messages Used in Manufacturing & Logistics
- Compliance: A Must-Have for Major Retail & Distributor Accounts
- How ActionEDI Supports Your Supply Chain
- FAQ
- Next Steps: Book a Demo with ActionEDI
What Are GS1 EDI Standards?
GS1 Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) standards are internationally recognized messaging formats designed to automate business transactions between supply chain partners. These standards ensure consistent communication for orders, invoices, shipping notifications, and other essential documents.
By using GS1 EDI, manufacturers and logistics providers can significantly reduce manual entry, avoid data errors, and improve speed and accuracy in document exchange. These standards are adopted across industries—particularly in retail, healthcare, foodservice, and distribution—making them crucial for businesses looking to scale and stay compliant.
For companies dealing with multiple trading partners, GS1 EDI provides a “common language” that streamlines interactions with suppliers, retailers, 3PLs, and distributors.
Why GS1 EDI Matters to Manufacturers and Logistics Companies
Whether you’re a component manufacturer shipping to OEMs or a logistics provider managing warehousing and freight, implementing GS1-compliant EDI workflows offers key advantages:
- Just-in-Time Fulfillment: GS1 EDI enables real-time, automated order processing—helping manufacturers align production schedules with customer demand and delivery windows.
- Labeling & Documentation Compliance: Use GS1-128 (also known as UCC-128) labels and send electronic Advance Ship Notices (ASNs) that meet large retailer and distributor requirements.
- Seamless ERP Integration: Integrate with your existing systems like QuickBooks, Sage, or NetSuite to ensure data flows from sales order to shipment without manual intervention.
- Cost Control: Reduce operational inefficiencies by cutting out duplicate data entry, minimizing chargebacks from compliance errors, and improving overall fulfillment accuracy.
GS1 EDI Messages Used in Manufacturing & Logistics
Different messages serve specific purposes in the supply chain. Here are the most relevant GS1 EDI standards used by manufacturers and logistics providers:
ORDERS
Streamline purchase order intake across all customers in a uniform, electronic format. Avoid delays and errors caused by phone, fax, or email-based orders.
DESADV (Advance Shipping Notice)
Send structured shipment notifications that inform your trading partner about incoming goods. This is often accompanied by GS1-128 labels that provide carton-level traceability.
INVOIC
Automate invoice delivery and ensure accurate billing data is exchanged instantly. This shortens payment cycles and improves cash flow.
RECADV (Receiving Advice)
Acknowledge received goods and report discrepancies in quantity or condition to help maintain inventory accuracy and improve supplier relationships.
IFTMIN / IFTMAN
Manage transportation instructions and shipping manifests. These messages help logistics providers and freight handlers track outbound shipments efficiently.
Compliance: A Must-Have for Major Retail & Distributor Accounts
If you manufacture goods distributed to retailers like Target or manage shipping for food brands sold at Costco, you already know how strict these organizations are with vendor compliance. They often require:
- ✅ Correct GS1 EDI message formats
- ✅ Proper GS1-128 shipping labels
- ✅ Timely ASN (Advance Shipping Notice) submissions
With ActionEDI, you don’t need a dedicated IT team or third-party consultants. Our GS1-compliant platform takes the complexity out of EDI so you can focus on growing your business.
How ActionEDI Supports Your Supply Chain
ActionEDI is a cloud-based, fully hosted EDI solution built specifically for the needs of small to mid-sized manufacturers and logistics providers.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| GS1-128 Label Generator | Instantly print shipment-ready labels with GS1-compliant barcodes |
| Pre-Built EDI Templates | Easily send common GS1 messages like DESADV and INVOIC |
| ERP Integration | Connect directly with QuickBooks, Sage, NetSuite, and others |
| Unlimited Trading Partners | Scale without extra licensing costs per partner |
| Flexible Options: API, EDI & WebEDI | Choose the integration method that best fits your systems |
We also offer unlimited user access, so your warehouse team, operations staff, and customer service reps can all collaborate without added costs.
FAQ
Can ActionEDI help if we work with multiple warehouses or 3PLs?
Yes! ActionEDI supports multi-location workflows and can route EDI documents to specific warehouses or fulfillment centers automatically.
How fast can I go live with ActionEDI?
Most clients are fully set up in under a week. We offer 24/7 support, no setup fees, and easy onboarding for your trading partners.
What if we already use an ERP system?
Not a problem. ActionEDI integrates with your existing ERP to sync orders, shipments, and invoices—so there’s no need to retype or duplicate data.
Next Steps: Book a Demo with ActionEDI
If you’re looking to improve efficiency, eliminate errors, and ensure GS1 EDI compliance, ActionEDI is the partner you’ve been looking for.
- ✅ Fully cloud-based
- ✅ No setup fees
- ✅ Unlimited trading partners
- ✅ Lightning-fast onboarding
EDI made simple.
