Outsourced warehousing · 3PL
3PL warehouse integration
For companies that outsource logistics: the stock in your ERP matches what is actually in the warehouse, and delivery instructions go straight into the picking system.
- 3PL WMS
- ERP
- Central warehouse
- Cross-docking
The challenge
The outsourced warehouse becomes a blind spot.
Outsourcing logistics to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider brings flexibility, but stock in the external warehouse is not visible in your ERP in real time.
Receiving differences are found too late, and delivery instructions are passed on by phone or email.
EDI messages in the flow
- PRODAT
- Product master data synchronised automatically.
- PARTIN
- Parties and GLN addresses, identical in both systems.
- DESADV
- Advance shipping notice (ASN): the warehouse knows what is coming and plans for it.
- RECADV
- Receiving advice, with differences flagged (shortages, damage).
- INSDES
- Delivery instruction, straight into the picking system.
- INVRPT
- Periodic stock report for automatic reconciliation.
- IFCSUM
- Transport summary, with the shipments consolidated on the same trip.
And on every warehouse event
- Shipment confirmation with SSCC, for immediate invoicing
- Notifications on every stock adjustment: damage, relabelling, status changes
How it works
From order to proof of delivery.
When goods enter the warehouse, your ERP announces what is coming, and the WMS confirms the receipt and reports stock every day. When goods leave the warehouse, your ERP sends the delivery instruction, the warehouse prepares the shipment and issues the shipping notice, and the TMS arranges transport and sends your ERP the transport summary and status updates. Finally, the carrier’s app confirms delivery (POD) to both the TMS and the ERP.
Goods inbound to the warehouse
- Customer ERP
- Warehouse WMS
-
ERP → WMS:
ORDERS · DESADV -
WMS → ERP:
RECADV -
WMS → ERP:
INVRPT · daily
Goods outbound from the warehouse
- Customer ERP
- Warehouse WMS
- Dispatch TMS
- Carrier mobile app
-
ERP → WMS:
INSDES -
WMS → ERP:
DESADV -
WMS → TMS:
DESADV -
TMS → mobile app:
IFTMIN -
TMS → ERP:
IFCSUM -
TMS → ERP:
IFTSTA -
mobile app → TMS:
POD -
mobile app → ERP:
POD
How ZenB2B handles it
Your ERP, the 3PL’s WMS and the TMS, in the same conversation.
We connect your ERP directly with your 3PL’s WMS and the TMS that runs the transport, using standard EDI messages. Each side uses its preferred format (EANCOM, XML, API, CSV); ZenB2B translates, routes and monitors every flow.
We spent years inside the operations of a European 3PL, so we know what the warehouse needs to receive and ship on time. See also ERP, WMS and TMS integration.
What you gain
- Visibility of outsourced stock INVRPT stock reports arrive regularly from the warehouse WMS into your ERP.
- Receipts confirmed automatically RECADV confirms, line by line, what actually entered the warehouse.
- Delivery instructions without phone calls INSDES goes from your ERP straight to the WMS, and the warehouse replies with the DESADV.
FAQ
Questions about 3PL integration
Do you also work for 3PL providers, not just their clients?
Yes. We connect 3PL providers with their clients (suppliers, retailers, e-commerce) for receipts, shipments and stock reports.
What if the warehouse can’t receive EDIFACT?
We map to whatever the WMS can accept: XML, CSV, REST API or files over SFTP. On your side, the flow looks the same.
More solutions
More EDI flows
Retail EDI
EANCOM orders, despatch advice and invoices with Kaufland, Lidl, Carrefour, Auchan, Mega Image, Profi, Metro and Penny.
DIY retail EDI
EDI flows for Hornbach, Dedeman, Leroy Merlin and Brico Dépôt, including PRICAT price catalogues.
Transport and logistics EDI
IFTMIN transport orders, status updates, QR-code delivery confirmation and Romanian e-Transport (UIT).
EDI for automotive suppliers
DELFOR/830 planning schedules reach your system, and DESADV/856 shipping notices are sent to each customer’s specific requirements.
Web EDI
A web portal for partners without an EDI system: orders, despatch advice and invoices, in the browser.
Order-to-cash
Order, delivery, invoice and payment linked document by document, with automatic reconciliation.
ERP, WMS and TMS integration
ZenB2B as the hub between your internal systems and external partners: SAP, Blue Yonder, WinMENTOR and more.
Multi-channel EDI for manufacturers
Retailers, distributors, e-commerce, 3PLs and carriers, in one EDI hub.
Invoicing from EDI
EDI orders and deliveries become invoices in SmartBill, Oblio, FGO or your ERP, consolidated in one place and ready for e-Factura.
Let’s take the hassle out of your EDI.
Tell us which partners and systems you need to connect. A specialist from our team will contact you within one business day for a direct, transparent technical assessment.