The Procurement Glossary » Advance Shipping Notice (ASN)

Advance Shipping Notice (ASN)

Procure-to-Pay

Also known as: ASN

Definition

An electronic notice from a supplier detailing a shipment's contents and timing before it arrives.

Explanation

The ASN lets the buyer prepare to receive: it speeds goods receipt, enables cross-docking and improves visibility. Sent via EDI or a portal, it typically lists items, quantities, packaging and carrier details.

Example

The ASN arrives the day before delivery, so receiving pre-books a dock slot and pre-populates the GRN.

Related terms

• Goods Receipt (GRN) — The record confirming that ordered goods have arrived, capturing quantity and condition against the purchase order.
• Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) — A standardised format for exchanging business documents such as orders and invoices computer-to-computer.
• Order Confirmation — A supplier's acknowledgement that it has accepted a purchase order and will supply as ordered, often confirming price and delivery date.
• Expediting — Proactively chasing a supplier to ensure an order is delivered on time, especially when a delay would disrupt operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Advance Shipping Notice (ASN)?

An electronic notice from a supplier detailing a shipment's contents and timing before it arrives. The ASN lets the buyer prepare to receive: it speeds goods receipt, enables cross-docking and improves visibility. Sent via EDI or a portal, it typically lists items, quantities, packaging and carrier details.

Can you give an example of Advance Shipping Notice (ASN)?

The ASN arrives the day before delivery, so receiving pre-books a dock slot and pre-populates the GRN.

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