What is ORDERS?
What is ORDERS? It is the EDIFACT message for the purchase order. The buyer sends it from its ERP straight into the supplier’s system.
By Vincent Rosenkranz, Sales & Marketing Manager at BESITEC · Updated 9 Nov 2026
In short. A standardised purchase order in UN/EDIFACT format with items, quantities, prices and delivery address. It starts the EDI flow, followed by confirmation, despatch advice and invoice.
What is the role of ORDERS in the flow?
- ORDERSOrder
- ORDRSPConfirmation
- DESADVDespatch advice
- RECADVGoods receipt
- INVOICInvoice
The supplier takes the data into its ERP without manual entry. Order number and line items reappear later in the despatch advice and invoice.
What is ORDERS made of?
| Segment | Content |
|---|---|
BGM | Document type, 220 for order, and order number |
DTM | Order date and requested delivery date |
NAD | Buyer, supplier, delivery point |
LIN | Line item with item number, often GTIN |
QTY | Ordered quantity |
PRI | Unit price |
CNT | Control totals |
The trading partner’s guideline defines which segments are mandatory.
Confirmation and change
ORDRSP
The supplier confirms, changes or rejects line items, for example quantities or dates.
ORDCHG
The buyer changes an order already sent instead of sending a new one.
Many retailers require confirmation within a fixed time. Without a connection, this quickly becomes a bottleneck at high volumes.
ORDERS FAQ
Do I need an interface to receive an order via EDI?
Not necessarily. For low volumes, WebEDI in the browser is enough. At higher volumes, connecting your ERP pays off.
What does 220 in segment BGM mean?
It is the code for an order. Other codes stand for call-offs or blanket orders, for example.
Are there industry variants?
Yes. EANCOM in retail, delivery schedules such as DELFOR or VDA formats in automotive.
Is there a Peppol format for purchasing too?
Yes. Peppol offers its own order format, mainly in public procurement.
More terms in the glossary
A customer wants to order via EDI?
In 30 minutes, Vincent Rosenkranz, Sales & Marketing Manager, clarifies which messages your partner requires and which route fits you.
