Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for Customers
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the computer-to-computer exchange between two companies of standard business documents in electronic format.
EDI Enhancements & Expectations
The Rail Industry Guidelines are updated each year upon publication of the ASC X12 version/release. Each publication of the Rail Industry Guidelines corrects problems encountered in actual operation and provides for a richer exchange of information. Trading partners within the rail industry are expected to upgrade to one of the two most current version/releases.
The annual upgrade process is simple as the number of version/releases that each trading partner must handle at one time is restricted. Union Pacific supports the upgrade schedule as part of its commitment to continuous improvement.
EDI Data is Secure
A sender's message goes to the receiver without being "read" by anyone else. By using a VAN, a company can have all messages sent to the VAN mailbox, eliminating direct computer-to-computer contact between sender and receiver. The use of authorization codes and passwords can also limit the activity performed by any outside party.
EDI is a Modest Upfront Investment
Almost all organizations already have the necessary hardware to perform EDI. While software costs can be substantial in a full-blown implementation of EDI, off-the-shelf software packages can be purchased for many EDI applications, with minimal in-house development required.
Involve your Audit and Legal Team with EDI Implementation
Trading Partner Agreements specify the legal conditions for paperless transactions, and EDI auditability is ensured by developing EDI systems with built-in controls for proper transaction handling.
Additional EDI Details
The Data Interchange Standards Association (DISA) operates as the secretariat for ASC X12 organization and acts as an educational resource for EDI. To order the X12 standards or Rail Industry Guidelines, contact the Washington Publishing Company.
There are several sources to learn about EDI, including: periodicals, commercially available training programs, EDI conferences and trade shows, software and network suppliers, and the experience of companies already participating in EDI. Transentric can provide consultation or other services to meet all your EDI needs for Union Pacific and your other trading partners.
EDI Specifications
EDI 404 Shipping Instructions (Bill of Lading)
Input by customer via EDI software and transmitted to the first road haul road listed in the routing. Union Pacific's EDI system creates an acknowledgment and transmits this back to the customer to confirm receipt. This first road haul is responsible for transmitting EDI to all other carriers listed in the routing.
EDI 417 Rail Carrier Waybill Interchange
Waybill created and transmitted via EDI to all additional carriers listed in the route via the first road haul carrier.
EDI 418 Rail Advance Interchange Report
EDI form transmitted when a carrier interchanges a rail car to another carrier.
How to be Successful with EDI
- Standardized integration applications with connectors and APIs.
- Work with a specialized EDI solution provider (Transentric can provide consultation or other services to meet all your EDI needs for Union Pacific and your other trading partners).
- Flexible platform that allows quick and easy adjustments.
EDI Contacts
Purchase Orders / 850 (Material)
Supply Chain Department
1400 Douglas Street, STOP 0780
Omaha, NE 68179
Email: EDI_Supply_Support@up.com
Invoices/410
Accounts Payable - Material Support Group
1400 Douglas Street, Stop 1740
Omaha, NE 68179
Email: upmaterialinvoices@up.com
Phone: 877-712-4687
Transentric
Customer Support Group
Email: Support@Transentric.com
Electronic Rail Bill Messaging/404
1400 Douglas Street, Stop 0840
Omaha, NE 68179
Email: NCSCEDITECH@up.com