DESADV

DESADV, short for Dispatch Advice, is a standardized EDIFACT message used in electronic data interchange to notify a recipient about goods that have been dispatched. It communicates key details of a shipment, including what is being sent, in what quantity, who is sending it, and how it will be transported. DESADV is commonly used in B2B supply chains to provide shipment visibility and to support planning for inbound receipt and receiving operations.

The DESADV message typically includes a header with message identification, sender and receiver information, and references to related documents such as purchase orders. It then presents shipment details, including dispatch date, anticipated delivery date, loading or unloading locations, and transport routing or carrier data. The body of the message contains one or more line items that specify article identifiers, descriptions, quantities, packaging information, and any relevant attributes such as lot or batch numbers and serial numbers. The message may also carry references to related documents and additional instructions for handling or delivery.

DESADV is often issued before the physical arrival of goods to enable the recipient to prepare receiving processes, warehouse staging, and inventory updates. It is compatible with the broader EDIFACT framework and can be implemented in various formats, including traditional EDIFACT syntax or modern XML-based representations. In practice, DESADV is commonly used together with other EDIFACT messages such as ORDERS and RECADV to coordinate ordering, dispatch, and receipt. Its use supports smoother inbound logistics, improved inventory accuracy, and automation in supply chains, while requiring accurate data mapping between trading partners and enterprise systems.