Different Qualifiers in Reference Identification (REF) Segment

In EDI X12, the REF segment (Reference Identification) is used to convey identifying information like account numbers, invoice numbers, customer codes, and other references that relate to the transaction set.

Each REF segment uses a qualifier to indicate what kind of reference is being provided.

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Common REF Qualifiers and Their Meanings

Qualifier	Meaning
IA	Internal Vendor Number
BT	Batch Number
CO	Customer Order Number
DP	Department Number
DO	Delivery Order Number
IV	Seller’s Invoice Number
PO	Purchase Order Number
RE	Release Number
SI	Shipper’s Identifying Number for Shipment
TN	Transaction Reference Number
MR	Master Reference (Bill of Lading, etc.)
PK	Packing List Number
ZZ	Mutually Defined
CN	Carrier’s Reference Number
VR	Vendor ID Number
SY	Social Security Number
L1	Letters or Notes Number
2U	Coupon Redemption Number
A8	Secondary Vendor Number
RZ	Returned Goods Authorization Number
AN	Associated Purchase Orders
ST	Store Number
VN	Vendor Order Number
CR	Customer Reference Number
C4	Change Number
UC	U.P.C. Case Code

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Example of a REF Segment

REF*PO*123456~

• PO = Purchase Order Number
• 123456 = The actual PO number

REF*IA*SUPP001~

• IA = Internal Vendor Number
• SUPP001 = The supplier's internal ID

 

EDI 867 – Product Transfer and Resale Report

EDI 867 – Product Transfer and Resale Report is a transaction set used in X12 EDI standards to report on sales and product movement, particularly in supply chains that involve distributors, resellers, and manufacturers.

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Purpose of EDI 867

EDI 867 is used to send detailed information about:

• Product transfers
• Sales transactions
• Resale activity
• Inventory movement

It allows manufacturers and suppliers to gain visibility into what is happening after the product leaves their hands.

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Typical Use Cases

Use Case	Description
Distributor to Manufacturer	Reports quantity sold/resold and inventory levels
Retail Chain to Supplier	Reports movement and sales from distribution centers to stores
Utility Industry	Reports usage information (e.g., electricity, gas)

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Typical Data Shared

• Product number and description
• Quantity sold/transferred
• Dates of movement or sale
• Locations (store, warehouse, distributor)
• Price or cost info (optional)
• Reseller or end-customer info

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Who Uses EDI 867?

• Manufacturers (e.g., consumer goods, electronics)
• Distributors and wholesalers
• Retailers
• Utility providers (for consumption data)

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Benefits

• Better demand forecasting
• Improved inventory management
• Enables channel sales tracking
• Supports vendor-managed inventory (VMI)