Table of contents
Overview
The EDI ANSI X12 846 – Inventory Balance Report is an electronic transaction used to communicate current inventory levels between trading partners. Suppliers, distributors, or third-party logistics providers (3PLs) use this transaction to report stock availability, on-hand quantities, and inventory status to manufacturers, retailers, or other stakeholders.
With TraceLink’s digital supply network, the EDI ANSI X12 846 enables real-time inventory visibility across distributed supply chain nodes—enhancing demand planning, replenishment accuracy, and service level performance.
Key Use Cases
- Receive inventory availability updates from 3PLs, CMOs, and distribution centers.
- Monitor stock levels at remote or outsourced inventory locations.
- Enable vendor-managed inventory (VMI) and collaborative replenishment programs.
- Improve demand forecasting and order planning based on actual inventory positions.
- Support ATP (Available-to-Promise) and CTP (Capable-to-Promise) calculations in ERP systems.
Data Elements Included
An EDI ANSI X12 846 – Inventory Balance Report transaction includes:
- Transaction Set Purpose Code: Indicates whether the report is original, updated, or a cancellation.
- Inventory Location Information: Identifies the facility, warehouse, or 3PL reporting the inventory.
- Item Identifiers: SKU, GTIN, NDC, or internal product codes.
- Quantity On Hand: Current physical inventory available.
- Quantity Available for Sale or Use: Adjusted for allocations, holds, or reservations.
- Lot/Batch Numbers or Serial Numbers (if applicable): For traceability in regulated industries.
- Inventory Status Codes: Indicates if inventory is available, damaged, quarantined, or expired.
- Date/Time Stamp: Reflects when the inventory snapshot was taken.
Benefits of EDI ANSI X12 846 – Inventory Balance Report
- Enhances visibility into real-time inventory positions across external and internal locations.
- Enables proactive inventory planning and replenishment decisions.
- Improves ATP/CTP accuracy for order fulfillment and customer service.
- Reduces stockouts and overstocking through better alignment with actual inventory.
- Supports serialization, lot tracking, and compliance in regulated industries.
- Facilitates collaborative inventory management with 3PLs and CMOs.
How TraceLink Supports EDI ANSI X12 846 – Inventory Balance Report
TraceLink’s Opus Platform enables accurate, real-time inventory reporting through:
- Seamless integration with ERP, WMS, and 3PL systems to automate inventory data exchange.
- Multi-location inventory visibility, including contract manufacturers, external warehouses, and global distribution hubs.
- Support for serialized and lot-based inventory, critical for pharmaceutical and regulated products.
- Inventory dashboards and analytics for tracking trends, availability, and potential shortages.
- Secure, traceable data exchange ensuring compliance and audit-readiness.
Explore More EDI ANSI X12 Capabilities
- EDI ANSI X12 850 – Purchase Orders: Automate order placement and reduce procurement errors.
- EDI ANSI X12 856 – Advance Ship Notice: Provide shipment details and packaging structure ahead of delivery.
- EDI ANSI X12 810 – Invoices: Streamline billing and reduce disputes with electronic invoicing.
- EDI ANSI X12 947 – Inventory Adjustment: Communicate inventory changes due to receipts, issues, damage, or cycle counts.
- EDI ANSI X12 830 – Forecast Planning Schedule Response: Share long-term demand forecasts to improve supplier planning and supply continuity.
Need Help Implementing EDI ANSI X12 846?
Contact Us to learn how we help manufacturers, distributors, and 3PLs gain real-time inventory visibility, improve planning accuracy, and enable collaborative supply chain execution through automated inventory balance reporting.
