Table of contents
Overview
The SOM ESM Sales Shipment transaction (Transaction Code: TL XML) is an XML-based message used to record the shipment of serialized pharmaceutical products.
Triggered at the point of shipment, this transaction provides a digital, traceable confirmation that serialized units are authorized for distribution to downstream partners. It captures key shipment details and serialization data, enabling secure and auditable data exchange between internal systems, trading partners, and regulatory bodies.
Built on TraceLink’s TL XML schema, the SOM ESM Sales Shipment transaction integrates seamlessly with Enterprise Serialization Management (ESM) systems, ERP, WMS, and logistics systems to automate compliance and streamline fulfillment workflows.
Key Use Cases
- Record serialized product shipments with ESM platforms.
- Ensure DSCSA and global track and trace compliance by improving control over shipments.
- Provide serialized shipment data to downstream partners for verification and receipt.
- Trigger downstream processes such as invoicing, customs clearance, and product verification.
- Maintain traceable, auditable records of serialized shipments.
- Integrate with ERP, WMS, and regulatory systems for end-to-end compliance.
Data Elements Included
A TL XML – SOM ESM Sales Shipment transaction includes:
- Transaction Type: SOMESMSalesShipment
- Serialized Product Identifiers (EPCs): Serialized GTINs (SGTINs) or container codes (SSCCs) of the shipped items.
- Sales Order Reference: Identifier linking the shipment to the originating order.
- Shipment ID: Unique identifier for the shipment (e.g., ASN or delivery number).
- Event Timestamp: Date and time when the shipment was initiated.
- Read Point: Physical or system location where the shipment was recorded (e.g., warehouse, ERP).
- Business Location: GLN or internal site code of the shipping facility.
- Destination Party: GLN or identifier of the receiving customer or trading partner.
- Disposition: Typically "shipped" or "in_transit" to indicate movement.
- Carrier and Tracking Info (optional): Logistics provider and tracking number.
- Transaction ID (optional): Unique identifier for audit and reconciliation.
- Digital Signature (optional): Ensures data integrity and non-repudiation.
- Comments or Notes (optional): Free-text field for additional shipment context or exceptions.
Benefits of TL XML – SOM ESM Sales Shipment
- Identifies and confirms serialized products that are shipped.
- Ensures compliance with DSCSA, global track and trace, and internal quality standards.
- Provides traceable, auditable shipment records for regulatory inspections.
- Automates data exchange with partners and internal systems.
- Reduces manual entry errors and accelerates fulfillment and invoicing.
Business Process: TL XML – SOM ESM Sales Shipment
The SOM ESM Sales Shipment transaction fits into the serialized order fulfillment and compliance workflow as follows:
- A customer order is created.
- Serialized units are picked, packed, and staged for shipment.
- SOM ESM Sales Shipment (TL XML) is triggered.
- Shipment data is transmitted to TraceLink and downstream systems for tracking and verification.
- Products are shipped, and receiving parties use the data for confirmation.
- TraceLink logs the transaction for traceability, compliance, and audit readiness.
How TraceLink Supports TL XML – SOM ESM Sales Shipment
TraceLink’s OPUS Platform, powered by B2N Integrate-Once™, supports secure and compliant shipment processing by:
- Capturing serialized shipment events from ESM platforms.
- Automatically generating TL XML-compliant shipment messages.
- Transmitting serialized shipment data to trading partners and compliance systems.
- Providing real-time dashboards and audit logs for monitoring shipment status.
- Supporting exception handling for partial shipments, returns, or re-shipments.
- Ensuring secure communication through digital signatures and encryption protocols.
Explore More Serialization & Compliance Capabilities
- SOM Product Release: Digitally authorize serialized product release.
- SOM Market Release: Approve product distribution into specific countries.
- SOM Void Shipment: Cancel previously approved shipments.
- SOM Receipt: Confirm serialized product receipt and verification.
- SOM ESM Sales Shipment: Record serialized shipment events using EPCIS standards.
Need Help Implementing TL XML Transactions?
Contact Us to learn how our OPUS Platform and B2N Integrate-Once™ model can help you automate SOM-cleared shipments, ensure serialization compliance, and enable secure, interoperable data exchange across your life sciences and healthcare supply chain.
