Electronic data interchange notification of shipment of goods is commonly known as what?

• A. ABC classification
• B. Advance ship notice (ASN)
• C. Andon
• D. Backhaul

Answer: (B)

The Advance Ship Notice is the electronic notification sent ahead of a shipment to inform the receiving organization exactly what is coming, who it’s from, and how it will be delivered. Through electronic data interchange, the supplier provides details such as the shipment date, carrier, quantities, item descriptions, packaging units, and the purchase order numbers tied to the shipment. This allows receiving to plan staffing and dock space, verify expected items against the purchase orders, and update inventory and receiving records before the goods arrive, which reduces receiving errors and cycle time.

Other terms refer to different concepts: ABC classification is about prioritizing items by value or usage, Andon is a signaling or alert system used on the shop floor, and backhaul refers to using a return leg of a trip to haul freight. These do not describe the pre-shipment notification, which is specifically the Advance Ship Notice.