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Target EDI: The Complete Supplier
Compliance Guide
Target EDI: The Complete Supplier
Compliance Guide
Get EDI compliant with Target without the routing headaches. Live in 2 to 4
weeks.
What Is Target EDI?
Target operates over 1,900 stores across all 50 U.S. states plus a major eCommerce operation through Target.com and same-day delivery via Shipt. All suppliers shipping to Target must be fully EDI- compliant, whether shipping to distribution centers, direct-to-store, or fulfilling online orders.
Compliance is tracked through Partners Online (POL), Target’s supplier portal.
Target uses the ANSI X12 EDI standard and supports both AS2 and VAN connectivity.
If you are new to EDI, start with our Beginner’s Guide to Implementing EDI before diving into Target-specific requirements.
What Target Requires: EDI Documents at a Glance
| DOCUMENT | NAME | DIRECTION | PURPOSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDI 850 | Purchase Order | Target → You | Order details |
| EDI 855 | PO Acknowledgement | You → Target | Confirms receipt and acceptance |
| EDI 856 | Advance Ship Notice | You → Target | Shipment contents and tracking |
| EDI 810 | Invoice | You → Target | Billing document |
| EDI 810 | Inventory Inquiry | You → Target | Stock availability updates |
| EDI 997 | Functional Acknowledgement | Either | Confirms document receipt |
Elevate supports all Target document types and maps them during onboarding. Your documents are configured to Target’s exact specifications, so you pass testing the first time.
Get Approved as a Target Vendor
This happens between you and Target's merchandising team before any EDI work begins. Once your products are accepted, you will go through Target's vendor onboarding process.
Register on Partners Online (POL):
This is Target's supplier portal where you access EDI specifications, compliance scorecards, routing guides, and vendor communications. You will need an internal team member to set up the account.
Get Your GS1 Identifiers
Target requires GS1-compliant UPC/GTIN codes on all products and GS1-128 barcodes on shipping cartons and pallets. Register at gs1us.org if you do not have these yet. Register at gs1us.org if you do not have these yet.
Connect with Elevate
This is where we take over. When you sign up with Elevate, our team sets up your AS2 or VAN connection to Target (Target supports both), maps all required EDI documents to Target's specifications, configures your account for your specific product categories and fulfillment model, and handles all communication with Target's EDI team.
Test and Certification
Target requires formal testing before you go live. We submit test documents, validate against Target's requirements, work through any issues, and get you certified. Most suppliers complete testing within 1 to 2 weeks.
Go Live
Orders start flowing. Elevate monitors your document traffic, catches errors before they become chargebacks, and keeps your maps updated whenever Target changes their specs. Pay special attention to Target's routing guide, as routing violations are the costliest chargeback with Target.
Commerce or TrueCommerce.
Target Chargebacks and Compliance
Top risk: Routing violations. Target has very specific freight routing requirements. Using the wrong carrier or deviating from the routing guide can trigger chargebacks that exceed the margin on the order itself. Always follow Target's routing guide precisely.
Elevate’s real-time document monitoring catches mismatches and errors before they become chargebacks and notifies you in time to act on them. We work with you to correct those errors and make sure correct data is being sent next time. We also update your maps when Target changes specifications, at no extra cost.
How Elevate Protects You from Chargebacks
Real-time Monitoring
We watch your 997 and 824 messages and catch rejections before they become chargebacks.
Automated ASN Generation
No manual error in the most chargeback-prone document
Proactive Compliance Updates
We update your maps when Target changes specs, at no extra cost.
ERP Integration
Data flows from your backend system directly. No re-keying, no human error.
Still Have Questions About How to Get EDI Compliant with Target?
Our team has helped multiple suppliers get Target-compliant. Let us walk you through it.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Both. Target offers more connectivity flexibility than Walmart. Elevate configures whichever method works best for your infrastructure.
A: With Elevate, typically 2 to 4 weeks including testing. This timeline does depend on Target getting back to us in time for testing and go-live.
A: Target’s supplier portal for EDI specs, compliance scorecards, routing guides, and vendor communications. All Target suppliers need POL access.
A: Routing violations. Using the wrong carrier or shipping method triggers freight chargebacks that can be very significant. Always follow Target’s routing guide precisely.
A: Yes. Elevate supports multiple trading partners from a single dashboard. Each retailer’s requirements are configured separately. You manage everything in one place.
A: $750 one-time partner setup fee, monthly platform fees starting at $50. No long-term contracts, no hidden compliance fees.
A: Retail Link is Walmart’s supplier portal for compliance monitoring, sales data, and item management. Yes, all Walmart suppliers need access. It works alongside your EDI system. Elevate handles document exchange, Retail Link gives you visibility into performance.
A: Yes. We handle migrations from SPS Commerce, TrueCommerce, and other providers with minimal disruption. We coordinate onboarding, replicate your existing EDI flows, and test everything before cutting over so your trading relationships are never disrupted.