SAP 3PL Integration with EDI
Connect SAP to your third-party logistics providers, the proven way.
Talk to a 3PL Integration Expert3PL Integration for SAP
CONTAX is one of the leading experts in using EDI to integrate third-party logistics providers (3PLs) with SAP, and has probably already worked with your 3PL.
SAP is well set up for EDI with 3PLs: standard IDocs, SAP's internal document format, cover every business transaction you need. Your EDI translator maps the fields in each EDI document to the right fields in the IDocs, and back. CONTAX has integrated hundreds of 3PLs using standard mapping templates and best practices, adapted to your business, so we can save you time and money. We plan, implement and support your 3PL integration from start to finish.
Which Transactions to Implement
Four core transactions, plus the ones that are often overlooked but incredibly valuable.
Shipping
- Shipment notifications: sent to the 3PL from a delivery in SAP
- Goods issues: received from the 3PL to post the goods issue in SAP
Receiving
- Receipt notifications: sent from the purchase order or inbound delivery
- Goods receipts: received from the 3PL to post the receipt in SAP
Often Overlooked
- Stock transfers, for example to damaged status
- Inventory advice (846) to find discrepancies
- Material and customer master data sent when key fields change
- EDI acknowledgements, always included
A Typical 3PL Integration Project
From the first planning meeting to a smooth go-live.
-
Plan
- Requirements meetings with your 3PL
- Transactions, data and timeline agreed
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Map
- EDI translation software chosen
- EDI files mapped to IDocs and back, then unit tested
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Test
- Integration testing and UAT with your 3PL
- A full list of scenarios run end to end
-
Go Live
- Move to production
- Close daily monitoring with your 3PL
SAP 3PL Process Flows
3PL Process Flow Diagrams
Diagrams of the SAP and EDI process flows for integrating a 3PL.
Download the DiagramsSAP 3PL Integration FAQ
How complicated is it to integrate a 3PL with SAP using EDI?
SAP is well set up for it. Standard IDocs handle every transaction you need, so the work is mostly mapping the EDI documents to the IDoc fields in your EDI translator. CONTAX has standard templates for this mapping that are easily adapted to your business.
Which transactions should we implement?
Always the four core transactions: outbound shipment notifications, goods issues, inbound receipt notifications and goods receipts. Stock transfers, the 846 inventory advice and master data updates are often overlooked but very valuable, and EDI acknowledgements are always included.
What does a typical 3PL integration project look like?
Planning meetings with your 3PL to agree transactions, data and timeline; choosing EDI software; mapping EDI files to IDocs; unit testing; integration testing and UAT with the 3PL; then go-live followed by a period of close daily monitoring.
What software do we need?
You need EDI middleware to translate between EDI and IDocs. If you don't have any, Arcus, CONTAX's fully managed cloud EDI service for SAP, includes it.
More SAP EDI Solutions
Arcus Cloud EDI
Fully managed cloud EDI for SAP, priced per document.
SAP EDI Integration
SAP-side EDI setup, mapping, testing and support.
SAP EDI Basics
A practical guide to EDI, IDocs and partner profiles in SAP.
EDI 820 Remittance Advice
Automated cash application and lockbox in SAP.
EDI 846 Inventory Advice
Keep SAP and your 3PL in sync on inventory.
SAP Factoring Automation
Credit approvals from your factor, straight into SAP.
Integrate Your 3PL with SAP
Chances are we've already worked with your 3PL. Tell us who it is.