7 - What is an ASN?
GET UPSTREAM VISIBILITY WITH ADVANCED SHIPMENT NOTICES (ASN)
Welcome back to our 3PL fulfillment series! Today, we'll discuss the crucial role of Advanced Shipping Notices (ASNs) in warehouse management for e-commerce businesses partnering with a 3PL provider.
Understanding ASNs
An Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN) is a notification sent by a supplier or e-commerce seller to their 3PL partner. The ASN informs the 3PL of an inbound shipment of inventory. It provides essential details, including the expected arrival date, carrier, and quantities of various SKUs.
ASNs and Warehouse Management
ASNs play a vital role in warehouse management, particularly for 3PL fulfillment operations. Key benefits of using ASNs include:
Enhanced inventory visibility: ASNs allow 3PL providers to update their Warehouse Management System (WMS) in advance, offering real-time inventory status.
Streamlined receiving process: Detailed information from ASNs helps 3PL providers plan and allocate resources effectively for a seamless receiving process.
Improved accuracy: ASNs enable 3PL providers to cross-check received quantities against expected quantities, ensuring accurate inventory records.
Better communication: The ASN process fosters strong communication and collaboration between e-commerce sellers and 3PL partners, optimizing the entire fulfillment process.
Leveraging ASNs for Success
E-commerce sellers should keep the following best practices in mind:
Provide accurate information: Ensure your ASN includes all necessary details, such as carrier information, estimated arrival date, and accurate SKU quantities.
Send ASNs promptly: Notify your 3PL provider of incoming shipments as early as possible to minimize potential delays.
Use a standardized format: Adopt a standardized format, such as the widely used EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) format, for your ASNs.
Establish a communication process: Work with your 3PL provider to establish a process for managing and resolving discrepancies or issues that arise during the receiving process.
In conclusion, ASNs play a vital role in the successful management of inventory in 3PL fulfillment operations. By providing detailed, accurate, and timely information about incoming shipments, e-commerce sellers can optimize their partnership with their 3PL provider and enhance the overall efficiency of their fulfillment processes.