New EDI Messages in the Supply Chain
The progressive digitalization of the logistics industry and the supply chain includes many new parties in any given transaction. This has given way to the creation of new EDI messages to guarantee the smooth flow of communications between partners and to avoid any gaps in communication.
The implementation of the UN/EDIFACT (United Nations/Electronic Data Interchange For Administration, Commerce and Transport) standard has long been established as a trustworthy standardized system for communications between the many different parties that make up the supply chain.
In the multimodal transport world, the exchange of EDIFACT messages requires specific messages that correspond to concrete scenarios. The specific and concrete business scenarios are documented in the Business Requirements Specification (BRS). The BRS is a guideline for the development of standards that serve the needs of the logistics sector.
EDI messages adapted to the logistics context help exchange information in the different parts of the supply chain.
New EDI Messages for Multimodal Transport
IFTMBF (International Forwarding and Transport Message Firm Booking)
The “Firm Booking Message” is a unique shipping message that does not require a confirmation. The agent that books the transport service confirms the service and greenlights the transport. It is considered a commitment from the issuer to the logistical provider who executes the operation.
IFTMBC The “International Forwarding and Transport Message Booking Confirmation” is a booking confirmation message
This message is sent by the agent performing the logistical services which would include shipping goods to the agent who solicited the service. The message does not need to be an acceptance, it can also be a rejection or a pending acceptance. It can also be applied in other supply chain environments like container terminals, shipping agents, shipping companies, depots, and many others.
IFTMIN The “International Forwarding and Transport Message – Instructions” is a message containing instructions
This message is sent by the agent that orders the transport service or expedites the goods. The shipping instructions and the accorded conditions for the shipper are included in this message. The instructing message is the only message that results in a real contract.
IFTMCS The “International Forwarding and Transport Message Contract Status” reports the status of the instructing contract
This message is sent by the party that conducts the transportation for the agent that manages the transport of merchandise. It includes all the details, terms and conditions pertinent to the service. This message is normally sent after receiving the instruction message (IFTMIN)
IFTSTA the Transport Status Message contains logistical updates about the merchandise
It contains information about the shipment status and any change to it. It can be sent as the result of a request for shipment, or it can be programmed for predetermined times.
The implementation of the Business Requirements Specification (BRS) through these EDI messages will enable companies to optimize their logistical processes. These messages can be applied to national and International logistics and are not industry specific. EDICOM can help implement your BRS project and adapt it to your company’s individual needs.
