FTP Configuration for EDI Transactions
This guide provides detailed steps to configure FTP channels for managing EDI-based transactions, including order, inventory, and shipment data flows, etc.
Introduction
Item DI (Data Intelligence) serves as a centralized hub for data transfer across item applications, enabling seamless integration between systems through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). In this context, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) acts as the communication channel for transmitting EDI documents, ensuring efficient and secure data exchange.
Key Concepts
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
A standard protocol for transferring files between systems on a network. It facilitates the exchange of EDI files between the item system and external servers.
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)
A standardized method for exchanging business documents electronically, eliminating the need for manual data entry.
Terms
Business Roles
| Role | Definition |
|---|---|
| Retailer | A business entity that sells goods directly to end consumers. |
| Title (Owner) | Refer to the ownership of goods in a transaction in WMS, indicating the party responsible for the goods at a specific point in the supply chain. |
| Supplier | An entity that provides goods or services to retailers or other buyers. |
| Vendor | In the context of WMS, a vendor typically refers to suppliers responsible for providing goods; in item FMS, the term vendor often refers to subcontracted carriers that handle logistics or transportation services. |
| Channel | Refer to the pathway, medium or platform (e.g., retail, e-commerce) where data flows between systems using EDI or other methods. |
System Components
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Inbound | Data coming into the system from external sources, such as data download (purchase orders) from customers or suppliers. |
| Outbound | Data sent from the system to external recipients, such as shipment notifications or invoices to customers. |
| Flow | The methods of data transfer, which includes default flow and customized flow. |
| Path Setting (FTP) | Configuration of file directories on FTP servers where EDI files are stored or retrieved for data transmission, ensuring efficient data retrieval. |
EDI Standard File Codes
The standardized codes identify specific types of EDI documents, facilitating consistent communication between trading partners.
EDI Standard Document Types
| EDI Code | Document Type | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| 832 | Product Information | Product details such as price, description, sales catalog, etc. |
| 846 | Inventory Update | Sync inventory-related files and report current inventory levels. |
| 856 | Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN) | Inform recipient shipping details for the upcoming delivery in advance. |
| 810 | Invoice | Provide settlement voucher and billing details. |
| 210 | Motor Carrier Freight Details and Invoice | Used by carriers to provide detailed freight charges and invoices to shippers for transportation services rendered. |
| 997 | Functional Acknowledgment | Confirm receipt of an EDI message and notify the sender if files were received or errors exist. |
| 204 | Motor Carrier Load Tender | Used to offer a shipment to a carrier, providing details about the load and requesting acceptance. |
Warehouse Document Types
| EDI Code | Document Type | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| 943-RN | Receipt Notice | Warehouse stock transfer shipping advice. |
| 944-RC | Receipt Confirmation | Warehouse stock transfer receipt advice. |
| 945-DC | Delivery Confirmation | Warehouse shipping advice. |
| 940-DN | Delivery Order | Warehouse shipping order. |
| 930 | Transfer of Ownership | Currently used for the transfer of property rights. |
| 754 | Routing Instructions | Provide routing and delivery instructions for shipments, usually sent by shippers to carriers. |
| 753 | Routing Request | Request shipment routing details from a trading partner, sent by shippers to carriers. |
| 734 | Receipt Confirmation | Record and confirm receipt of goods, sent by receivers to confirm successful delivery. |
FTP Channel Settings Overview
The FTP Channel Settings module facilitates automated data transmission by providing configuration interfaces for seamless integration with customer servers. It allows users to upload various types of EDI files (e.g., orders, inventory, and shipment data) and enables the system to download data directly from customer servers. Additionally, the module supports customized configurations, including Path Settings, data flow types, and file templates, ensuring flexibility and precise data management tailored to specific workflows.
FTP Channel Connection
Before the FTP configuration, please make sure you have connected the customer's FTP channel to item systems. For detailed step-guide, please refer to FTP Channel Connection (opens in a new tab).
Settings and Corresponding EDI Codes
For a better understanding of each setting, please refer to the following tables that map the system settings to their corresponding EDI document types and provide a brief description of each.
| Setting | EDI Code | Document Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Download Inbound Request | 943-RN | Receipt Notice | Download warehouse shipping advice to initiate stock transfers. |
| Return Inbound Information | 944-RC | Receipt Confirmation | Retrieve confirmation of goods received from the warehouse. |
| Download Outbound Order | 940-DN | Delivery Order | Download shipping orders for outbound deliveries to warehouses. |
| Shipment | 945-DC | Delivery Confirmation | Capture warehouse shipping confirmation for completed orders. |
| Sync Inventory | 846 | Inventory Inquiry/Advice | Sync inventory levels between systems for accurate stock tracking. |
| Inventory Planning Schedule | 930 | Property Rights Transfer | Transfer ownership or rights over inventory items between entities. |
| Download Product Information | 832 | Product Information Catalog | Import product details such as pricing, descriptions, and availability. |
| Push Invoice to Customer | 810 | Invoice | Send invoices to customers for completed transactions. |
| Functional Acknowledgment | 997 | Functional Acknowledgment | Confirm receipt of EDI messages, highlighting any errors or successful transmission. |
| Routing Instructions | 754 | Routing Instructions | Provide carriers with detailed shipment routing and delivery instructions. |
| Advance Ship Notice (ASN) | 856 | Advanced Shipping Notice | Notify recipients of shipment details for upcoming deliveries. |
| Send BOL | N/A | Bill of Lading | Generate and sends shipping documentation to carriers for transportation. |
| Request for Routing (Amazon) | 753 | Routing Request | Send requests for routing and logistics planning to trading partners, typically carriers. |
| Shipment Receipt Information | 734 | Shipment Receipt Confirmation | Confirm the receipt of shipments by the intended recipient, typically at the delivery endpoint. |
| Motor Carrier Freight Details and Invoice | 210 | Motor Carrier Freight Details and Invoice | Process and manage freight details and invoices received from motor carriers, ensuring accurate freight charge reconciliation and timely payments. |