ORDERS

Purchase Order Message. The EDIFACT message that materialises a firm order between a buyer and a seller.

Definition

The ORDERS message, per UN/EDIFACT directory D.96A, is defined as "a message issued by a buyer to a seller, giving instructions to supply goods or services". It is the pivot of the EDI Order-to-Cash cycle: everything that follows (ORDRSP, DESADV, INVOIC) references the ORDERS by number.

Main structure:

1. Header — UNH, BGM (PO number), DTM (order date, requested date), NAD (buyer, seller, ship-to, bill-to).
2. Line item detail — LIN (item), PIA (alternative codes), IMD (description), QTY (quantity), PRI (unit price), MOA (line amount).
3. Footer — UNS, CNT (control counters), MOA total, UNT.

Origin

ORDERS is one of the three founding messages of UN/EDIFACT version 1 published in 1987 (alongside INVOIC and CONTRL). Directory D.96A archives the specification dated 27 November 1995. The GS1 EANCOM subset imposes a restricted, mandatory framework for retail. In automotive, the Galia/Odette subset offers JIT and JIS variants.

Example in context

Buyer orders 24 cartons of still water from its main supplier, delivery D+3, GLN-to-GLN. The full message page covers the entire trace: ORDERS D.96A.

Related terms

• ORDRSP — the order response.
• DESADV — the associated despatch advice.
• INVOIC — the final invoice.
• BGM — the segment that opens the message.