What is an EDI INVOIC message?

When is the EDI INVOIC message sent?

As it is the request from the seller to the buyer for the payment of goods or services, the EDI INVOIC message can be typically sent in response to a Receiving Advice (EDIFACT RECADV) message where the buyer has confirmed goods collection or to a Purchase Order (EDIFACT ORDERS) message. The INVOIC identifies the previously agreed charges between the seller and the buyer and seeks payment for them.

What information is contained in the EDI INVOIC message?

Some of the specific information relating to the goods or services includes the following:

• Products or services description
• Product or services prices
• Invoice number
• Invoice date
• Product quantities
• Product or services discounts
• Overall invoice totals
• Product shipment date

What does the EDI INVOIC message look like?

The EDI INVOIC message is an electronically generated file that consists of structured data with a header, some detail, and then a summary section. All these message elements are structured in specific positions within the file to be machine readable. The header for example will contain information such as the type of message (INVOIC) being sent, the detail section will include the product line items, the product quantities and product prices, whilst the summary section contains the invoice totals. Further EDI INVOIC message structure definition can be found at UN Directories for EDIFACT.