EDI Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become EDI capable?
You need the ability to exchange EDI data over the Internet using AS2. You can either design and implement your own EDI program or use a third party EDI provider. Ace Hardware can provide a list of recommended third party providers if needed.
How do I begin EDI trading with Ace Hardware?
You need to complete, sign, and return both the EDI Agreement and Trading Partner Profile to Ace Hardware. Upon receipt, Ace Hardware will process the forms and one of our EDI Recruiters will contact you to explain the testing process and time frame.
Whom do I contact if I want to add another EDI document?
Contact Ace Hardware’s Finance Department by email.
Whom do I contact with other questions.
Please call or email the Ace Vendor Care Center for the following questions or issues at 630.990.2777.
- The SKU number on the Purchase Order transmitted by Ace Hardware is incorrect.
- What are the terms I should send on my invoice?
- Questions about business cycles, payment terms, dates, etc.
Please call or email Production Services for the following questions or issues at 630.990.6700:
- Questions about the Ace EDI X12 layouts or versions.
- Transmission problems.
- Lost data.
- Technical EDI questions regarding segments, elements, delimiters, ID changes, etc.
- AS2 issues, interconnect problems.
- Require a DUNS Number Listing.
For a listing of the RSC Warehouse EDI Duns numbers, visit E-Tools > Finance & Invoicing.
What method does Ace support for EDI over the Internet?
We support AS2 with HTTP and HTTP/s.
What type of certificate do I need for sending my EDI data to Ace over the Internet using AS2 HTTP or HTTP/s?
You need a certificate that will provide data encryption and signing abilities. You can get this certificate from a Certificate Authority such as Verisign, or Ace will accept a self-signed certificate that you create yourself on your EDIINT software product.
Where can I find information about EDIINT (EDI over the Internet) software products?
Ace requires that you use a product that has been certified by the Drummond Group. Please visit their website for a list of certified software products.
What do I need to do for an ID change?
We require this to be done in writing by email on your company’s letterhead. Please include your current (old) ID, the new ID, the effective date of change, and the contact person.
What is a detailed 997 Acknowledgment?
Ace Hardware requires the AK1, AK2, AK5 and AK9 segments be returned for 850 POs transmitted via EDI (for more details and an example, see 850 / 997 Requirement).
I have not received a 997 for the document I sent?
If you have not received a 997 for the document you transmitted within 24 hours of the original transmission, please call or email Production Services at 630.990.6700.
I've been told that I am in parallel for 810-invoices. What do I need to do?
Send the invoices via EDI to the Ace test Qualifier/ID, ZZ/ 7089906600, and continue to send the paper invoices to Ace Hardware’s Invoice Processing Department. Additionally, please copy Ace Hardware’s Finance Department by email on these invoices. For any additional questions, contact the Ace Vendor Care Center by email or at 630.990.2777.
I'm in parallel status on the 810 invoice document and would like to know how I am doing?
Contact Ace Hardware’s Finance Department by email.
How do you tell the difference between warehouse (RSC) and store/drop ship invoices?
Check the N103 element. A code 9=RSC, a code 6=drop ship.
Do I need to send both RSC and store / drop ship invoices via EDI?
Yes, you need to send RSC and store /drop ship via EDI.
Do I need to send 856 Advance Ship Notices for store orders?
Ace requires 856 Advance Ship Notices for all 850 Purchase Orders transmitted via EDI. If the purchase order was not transmitted via an EDI 850 Purchase Order (such as the purchase order was placed via phone, fax, or email), Ace does not require an 856 Advance Ship Notice.
Where do I find the RSC location?
In order to locate the Duns + 4 numbers for each RSC, go to E-Tools > Forms.
Can I send credit memos via EDI?
If you are not already set up to send credit memos via EDI, please contact Ace Hardware’s Finance Department via email for the credit mapping layout.
What is Ace Hardware’s logical document progression?
Vendors that have an Ace Hardware RSC Stock Program, Acenet Direct Program, or have orders from the Spring or Fall Convention must complete the following flowchart to be considered EDI compliant and prevent any future non-compliant debits that may be instituted by Ace Hardware:
For vendors who supply merchandise through Ace Hardware’s Drop Ship Only Program where purchase orders are not received via an EDI 850 Purchase Order (such that the order was placed via phone, fax, or email) must complete the following flowchart to be considered EDI compliant and prevent any future non-compliant debits that may be instituted by Ace Hardware:
After successfully becoming EDI compliant, the following documents are available:
