SAP Orders Message Types – Understanding the EDI Equivalents

What are SAP Orders Message Types? 

SAP Orders Message Types refer to the standardized IDoc messages used in SAP ERP systems to manage order-centric business processes. Core message types include ORDERS (purchase order), ORDRSP (order response), and ORDCHG (order change). These correspond closely to ANSI X12 EDI transaction sets 850 (Purchase Order), 855 (Purchase Order Acknowledgment), and 860 (Purchase Order Change Request), respectively.  

Historically, IDocs evolved to facilitate the exchange of structured order data between internal SAP systems and external trading partner’s SAP systems, enabling automation, accuracy, and compliance in global supply chains. While the IDocs revolution never arrived and IDocs did not achieve the lofty goal of supplanting EDI (X12 and EDIFACT) as a primary data carrier between and among partners, it has achieved a place as a respected data carrier within many organizations, and many more do use it to communicate outside of the organization though transformation, made easier by way of these ‘Interim Documents’ or IDocs. 
 

How Does PartnerLinQ Use SAP Orders Messages? 

PartnerLinQ integrates seamlessly with SAP’s IDoc framework to harmonize ORDERS, ORDRSP, and ORDCHG.  PartnerLinQ understands SAP’s IDoc framework natively allowing for speedy integration into PartnerLinQ’s Centralized B2B Communication System, Transformation Engine and Message Processing Center.  PartnerLinQ’s ERP integration Framework which connects directly with more than 100 enterprise systems, adapts to SAP IDoc messages automatically alongside built in abilities to incorporate equivalent EDI standards. This enables end-to-end Order-to-Cash automation across ERP, OMS, WMS, and carrier systems. PartnerLinQ’s unified model supports real-time visibility into orders, responses, and changes, ensuring accurate acknowledgments, faster cycle times, and compliance with trading partner mandates. 
 

What Responses to SAP ORDERS messages are expected or sent? 

SAP ORDERS messages correspond to incoming purchase orders (X12 850) and in similar fashion the SAP ORDRSP messages act as order responses (X12 855), confirming acceptance, rejection, or modifications. The SAP ORDCHG message (X12 860) communicates purchase order changes. Downstream transactions such as DESADV (Delivery/Advance Ship Notice), INVOIC (Invoice), and RECADV (Receiving Advice) mirror the X12 856, 810, and 824 transaction sets respectively, providing a comprehensive order lifecycle view. 
 

What does the SAP ORDERS message support? 

Accepting an SAP ORDERS (Purchase Order) transaction message from your trading partner is typically insufficient for complete EDI compliance. Most trading partners will expect other EDI transactions in response to or following an SAP ORDERS (Purchase Order), message such as: 

PartnerLinQ extends ORDERS the SAP ORDERS message beyond the ordering process an into the ORDRSP, and ORDCHG transaction, and by supporting SAP DELFOR (Delivery Forecast), DESADV (Despatch Advice / Advance Ship Notice), and INVOIC (Invoice) message types. DELFOR provides forward-looking shipment schedules (similar to X12 830 Planning Schedules), DESADV aligns closely with X12 856 Advance Ship Notice, and INVOIC mirrors X12 810 Invoice to finalize billing. By integrating these IDocs into PartnerLinQ’s unified framework, trading partners can synchronize forecasts, shipments, and invoicing for greater transparency, compliance, and speed. 
 

What are the Key Features of SAP ORDERS messages? 

PartnerLinQ has a unique ability to harmonize SAP IDoc, EDIFACT and ANSI X12/EDIFACT standards in a single integration layer, minimizing transformation and reporting throughout internal systems. 

• Automates order-to-cash processes from initial order to invoicing
• Provides full visibility into order lifecycle, shipment, and billing
• Supports global trading partner compliance with configurable workflows
• Reduces manual data entry, errors, and reconciliation costs  
   

What is the Purpose of SAP ORDERS messages? 

The purpose of SAP Orders Message Types is to electronically transmit purchase orders, responses, and changes between SAP systems and trading partners using standardized IDocs or EDI aligned transactions messages which accelerates order processing, minimizes errors, and ensures alignment between buyer and seller systems.  
 

What Information is Included in an SAP ORDERS message? 

Key data elements found within the SAP Orders Message incudes purchase order details (items, quantities, pricing), delivery instructions, change indicators, schedule lines, shipment information (DESADV), and invoicing data (INVOIC).  

• Purchase Order Number (Aligns with the BEG03 in the X12 850)
• Order Type Code (Aligns with the BEG02 in the X12 850)
• Items, quantities, and pricing (Aligns with the PO1 in the X12 850)
• Dates (Aligns with the DTM in the X12 850)
• FOB terms, carrier details, allowances, and charges (Aligns with the FOB in the X12 850) 
   

What are the Essential Components of the SAP ORDERS message? 

‘Essential Components’ in the context of an SAP ORDERS message are the minimum EDIFACT segments and data structures required to: 

• Create or change a sales order or scheduling agreement
• Identify the trading partners and document intent
• Define at least one orderable line item
• Support downstream logistics, pricing, and confirmation workflows 

While not inclusive of or intended to represent every segment of an order they do provide the structural backbone of an ORDERS message that SAP expects. 

• Message header (metadata) (UNH/ST)
• Date/Time references (DTM)
• Party information (N1-N4 or NAD)
• Order detail segments (PO1/LIN)
• Line item details (quantities, parts, schedules)
• Totals and trailer segments (CTT/UNT) 

What are the Common Segments included with the SAP ORDERS message? 

• ST/UNH – Transaction Set Header
• BEG/BAK/BGM – Order Header and Acknowledgment Segments
• REF/RFF – References
• DTM – Date/Time Segments
• N1-N4/NAD – Buyer, Seller, Ship-to Information
• PO1/LIN/QTY/PRI – Item Details
• CTT/UNT – Totals and Trailers 

What Status Codes are used with the SAP ORDERS message? 

What Reason Codes are used with the SAP ORDERS message? 

An ORDERS transaction from SAP requests, changes, or cancels an order. Reason codes communicate exceptions such as discontinued items, pricing discrepancies, or schedule changes, providing context for partial acceptances or rejections, used to explain why an order or line is being changed or cancelled.  SAP, though based on the UN/EDIFACT ORDERS transaction does not use or reference a universal ‘Reason Code list.’ Reason codes conveyed through specific EDIFACT qualifiers and elements are. in SAP, mapped to internal reason / rejection / change codes depending on the internal process (sales order, scheduling agreement, forecast, etc.) and would typically be managed thought an ORDRSP, not ORDERS document. 
 

Practical PartnerLinQ Takeaway 

ORDERS supports “reason communication,” not standardized reason codes where meaning is derived from: 

• BGM message function
• Segment qualifiers
• FTX explanatory text
• SAP-side configuration and mapping 

This is exactly where PartnerLinQ normalization and semantic mapping adds value—turning loosely structured EDIFACT intent into consistent, analytics-ready business signals across trading partners. 
 

What Use Cases does the SAP ORDERS message support? 

• Buyer issuing purchase orders (ORDERS / 850)
• Supplier confirming via ORDRSP / 855
• Supplier sending shipment notices via DESADV / 856
• Supplier invoicing via INVOIC / 810
• Forecasting with DELFOR / 830 
   

What are the Benefits of the SAP ORDERS message? 

• Streamlined OTC lifecycle
• Reduced disputes and returns
• Improved forecasting and replenishment
• Enhanced auditability and compliance 
   

How efficient is the SAP ORDERS message? 

SAP Orders Message Types and their EDI Equivalents speed up transaction processing and decision-making across ERP and partner systems.  
 

How Compliant is the SAP ORDERS message? 

SAP Orders Message Types and their EDI Equivalents support global standards and integration guidelines. Most trading partners will expect other EDI transactions in response to, supporting, or following an SAP ORDERS (Purchase Order) transaction message such as those identified in the table below: 

What is the Format of the SAP ORDERS message? 

SAP Orders Message Types and their EDI Equivalents follow EDI message structures which can be mapped to SAP segments for seamless exchange.  
 

How Accurate is the of the SAP ORDERS message? 

SAP Orders Message Types and their EDI Equivalents go a long way to ensure standardized order, shipment, and invoice data across systems. 
 

What are the Limitations of an SAP ORDERS message?

SAP Orders Message Types and their EDI Equivalents require careful mapping between SAP and EDI systems to handle partner-specific requirements, conditional changes, and custom fields. 
 

Are Guidelines & Sample Files for an SAP ORDERS message available? 

Yes. PartnerLinQ provides sample SAP ORDERS message Transaction and implementation guides are available through its Support and Guideline Management Team. 

Sample SAP ORDERS message implementation guides illustrate both inbound and outbound flows, segment layouts, and valid data examples and support testing and partner onboarding. Customized specification documents for use in on boarding and technical development are available upon request.  

PartnerLinQ provides: 

• SAP ORDERS message transaction implementation guide
• Sample payloads
• Qualification and testing maps
• Error handling and best-practice notes 

Contact our experts. 
 

What are the Basic Questions for Integration of the SAP ORDERS message? 

1. Are ORDERS/ORDRSP/ORDCHG inbound or outbound?
2. Are SAP-specific IDoc extensions in scope?
3. Are there Samples and Specs available?
4. Are there other parties interested in this same transaction?
5. What transactions might these interested parties also be a party to?
6. What type of connection will be used for exchanging the EDI Files? example: AS2 or VAN connection?
7. Are orders inbound or outbound?
8. Does the party use a VAN today?
9. Are they Inbound to the client or outbound from the client to another party?
10. What types of Orders are in scope? example; Stand Alone, Dropship, or direct-to-consumer, blanket, or Bulk?
11. How are changes and cancellations managed?
12. Are Functional Acknowledgments (997/CONTRL) exchanged?
13. Will there be one-time address added to the ERP from the EDI file?
14. Do these one-time addresses need to go anywhere else, like a CRM system?
15. Are forecasts handled via DELFOR? 
     

What is the Business Level Workflow of an SAP ORDERS message? 

1. Buyer creates an order in SAP ERP.
2. ORDERS IDoc generated and transmitted
3. PO translated to X12 EDI 850 format (Optional)
4. PO translated to EDIFACT ORDERS format (Optional)
5. Secure transmission via AS2, VAN, or SFTP
6. Seller receives and validates, acknowledges
7. Supplier responds with ORDRSP / 855.
8. Changes communicated via ORDCHG / 860.
9. Delivery planned and sent via DESADV / 856. 

10. Invoice issued via INVOIC / 810. 
     

    

     

What are the Best Practices for using an SAP ORDERS message? 

• Align IDoc segments to partner EDI guidelines (EDIFACT ORDERS/X12 850).
• Use structured codes and avoid free text.
• Incorporate Functional Acknowledgments and MDNs for automation.
• Validate pricing, delivery, and forecast data proactively.
• Respond promptly with EDIFACT ORDRSP/X12 855 Order Acknowledgments. 
   

What Transactions are associated with the SAP ORDERS message? 

• ORDERS (X12 850 Purchase Order)
• ORDRSP (X12 855 Purchase Order Acknowledgment)
• ORDCHG (X12 860 Purchase Order Change)
• DESADV (X12 856 Advance Ship Notice)
• INVOIC (X12 810 Invoice)
• DELFOR (X12 830 Planning/Forecast)
• PRICAT (X12 832 Price/Sales Catalog)
• REMADV (X12 820 Payment Advice) 
   

Appendix: Mapping Table – Odette ↔ X12 ↔ EDIFACT ↔ SAP IDoc 

References 

• What is Electronic Data Interchange   
• Integrated vs Stand-Alone EDI Solution   
• Why Do Most EDI Practices Struggle to Onboard New Trading Partners