EDI 850

An EDI 850 is a type of X12 EDI document called a Purchase Order. It provides the same function as a paper or electronic purchase order and contains the same information. However, unlike paper purchase orders, EDI 850s are designed to be interoperable with EDI systems at remote organizations so that the exchange of invoice information can be handled automatically by computer systems.

An EDI 850 is typically the first of a series of documents exchanged between a purchasing party and a fulfilling party. After confirming the order details, the fulfilling party may send an EDI 855 (Purchase Order Acknowledgment) or an EDI 810 (Invoice).