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EDI Issues:

Functionals vs Formals

 

Many of our suppliers have been confused regarding the differences between a Functional acknowledgement (997) and a Formal acknowledgement(855, 865). This document will describe each of them and how Bell uses them.

 

What is a functional acknowledgement (997)?

A functional acknowledgement is an electronic receipt for an EDI transmission. It is usually generated automatically when an EDI transmission is received. Bell expects functionals generated at the set level. A functional serves only as a receipt of a transmission, not acceptance or rejection of an order.

 

What is a formal Acknowledgement (855, 865)?

A formal acknowledgement is an EDI transaction which formally acccepts or rejects an order previously sent. Bell expects to receive formal acknowledgements on all purchase orders and purchase order changes which are sent to suppliers.

• A purchase order (850) would generate a purchase order formal acknowledgement(855)
• A purchase order change (860) would generate a purchase order change formal acknowledgment(865)

If a formal acknowledgement is not received within three business days, the order appears on the "unacknowledged EDI report" provided to the buyers for handling.