What is an EDIFACT SLSRPT Message?

The EDIFACT SLSRPT (SaLeS data REPort) message is used to inform trading partners of a wide range of sales data, such as product identification, pricing, location, and quantities for a specified period. This information enables the recipient to adjust their future production and planning requirements. It follows the EDI message standard UN/EDIFACT and is a message type for the retail industries' electronic purchasing process.

This message is used to distribute sales data for one or more locations for a specified period. It is usually sent from a seller to their supplier, but this could also be generated via a sales coordinator or distribution center and sent directly to the manufacturer or third party supplier working on behalf of the partners involved.

The messages are generated via the seller’s ERP system and then converted into the specific EDIFACT SLSRPT version, which the trading partner has agreed upon. Once received, this data can then be imported into the trading partners system, and the data can be used to influence all future production and planning.

Sales Data Reports contain a wide range of segments and data specific to EDIFACT SLSRPT logic. The Sales Data Report message is sent, received, and processed by an EDI solution. The solution can be an EDI Cloud Service or EDI software for in-house usage. It is vital to follow the defined EDIFACT SLSRPT standards to avoid errors and pave the way how the document reaches the supplier.

For each product referenced within the SLSRPT, the data could include:

Point of Sale (PoS)
Start and end dates, stating when this item is for sale
Product ID and any other codes
Item price
Sold, and other quantity values
Any promotional information

Once a trading partner receives a new SLSRPT message, their EDI system will check the file's contents against their recognized specification and send back an acknowledgment that the file has been received and is syntactically correct. If the received file is complete, it can be imported into their ERP system and aid their future planning.

EDIFACT SLSRPT Example in the EDI Workflow

EDI documents sent between trading partners follow a set sequence, dependent on the industry they are trading within.

The flow below shows an EDIFACT standard SLSRPT, together with other message types in a retail scenario:

When using other EDI formats, equivalents for the SLSRPT can be found. For example, if trading partners were using the ANSI X12 format, which is common in the NAFTA region, they would send out an 852 Product Activity Data file.

Typical problems can occur due to missing or faulty master data. In the case that an EDIFACT SLSRPT message is not expected in the supplier’s ERP system this will result in an issue that needs manual correction:

SKU/product codes are not recognized between customer and trading partner
New location codes are currently not known

Reduce employee workload

Better quality of data, due to direct computer to computer communication

Less paper-based waste and administrative overhead

Complete supply chain transparency

Closer integration of supplier and point of sales (PoS) in the retail industry

Better accuracy to all planning and forecasts

SEEBURGER makes all opportunities available for you: In the SEEBURGER Cloud as EDI Cloud Services, operated on site in your own data center or in public cloud environments (e.g., Google, Azure, AWS, etc.). When you look into replacing your legacy EDI solution technology, you should evaluate your options to operate cost-effectively and in a stable way.