How 846 Works
EDI 846 Inventory Inquiry/Advice
The 846 Inventory Inquiry/Advice is used by a manufacturer or supplier to notify a trading partner of on-hand inventory that may be purchased such that a trading partner can take advantage of an opportunity for special buys on overstocked inventories.

What makes up the EDI 846?
Elements could include vendor number, products, and number in stock, identical to a paper inventory inventory/advice document.
How EDI 846 is used?
The 846 Inventory Inquiry/Advice is transmitted to the trading partner by the supplier to notify the trading partner of the inventory levels and whether there is overstock or if the supplier is understocked.
Benefits of EDI 846
- Allows better management of e-commerce drop shipping
- Communicates to the buyer when product will be available next if currently out of stock, which allows the buyer to better plan warehouse and store ordering
- Allows the buyer to manage details such as items out of stock, quantity available, or remove items on their website
- Supports the ability to order non-stock items/special orders