EDI 846

What are the Essential Components of EDI 846?

An EDI 846 document provides key details about current or forecasted inventory. Common data elements include:

• Inquiry date and time
• Retailer and vendor identification
• Product identifiers (SKU, UPC, GTIN, etc.)
• Unit of measure
• Quantity on hand and quantity available

Suppliers can also include:

• Forecasted restock or replenishment dates
• Inventory levels by location or warehouse
• Notices of discontinued or back-ordered items

This information ensures both parties have accurate, timely insight into product availability across the supply chain.

How do I Use EDI 846?

The EDI 846 is bi-directional, meaning either the buyer or the seller can send it.

When sent by a retailer:

• Used to request information about supplier stock levels.
• Often transmitted multiple times a day to keep eCommerce listings up-to-date.
• Helps avoid overselling and ensures product availability is visible to customers in real time.

When sent by a supplier:

• Used to share current inventory, expected replenishment, or discontinued items.
• Automatically updates retailer systems or websites with accurate stock status.
• Supports smoother drop-ship and omnichannel fulfillment.

What are the Benefits of EDI 846?

The EDI 846 Inventory Inquiry/Advice provides clear, real-time visibility of stock levels for both buyers and sellers.

For retailers

The EDI 846 makes it easy to request or receive up-to-date product availability information from suppliers. This helps keep eCommerce storefronts accurate, reducing overselling and improving customer experience.

For suppliers

Sending regular EDI 846 updates lets trading partners know which items are available, out of stock, or discontinued. It also provides insight into stock movements to support better demand planning and replenishment.

Because EDI 846 transactions can be fully automated, retailers no longer need to email or call suppliers for updates or manually re-enter data into their systems. Automated inventory updates save time, improve communication, and ensure data accuracy across every connected platform.

With TrueCommerce EDI, you can automate EDI 846 messages directly within your ERP or eCommerce environment, maintaining accurate, real-time inventory visibility across your entire supply chain.