How to Convert Target EDI to Excel Spreadsheet

Why Convert Target EDI Files to Excel?

Target sends purchase orders (850), requires advance ship notices (856), and processes invoices (810) all in EDI format. Converting these to Excel/CSV makes it easy to:

• Import orders into your warehouse management system
• Track compliance with Target's Perfect Order Program
• Reconcile shipments against POs to avoid short-ship penalties
• Generate accurate ASNs with correct SSCC labels
• Analyze order patterns and fill rates

Target's Perfect Order Program (May 2025)

As of May 4, 2025, Target implemented the "Perfect Order Program" for all domestic suppliers. Understanding your EDI data is critical to avoid compliance fees:

• ASN Availability: $0.75 per carton fee if ASN not received before in-yard time
• ASN Accuracy: Shipment data (BOL number) and item attributes must match the 850 PO exactly
• Fill Rate: 95% required; 5% COGS penalty on unfilled items (effective August 2024)
• SSCC Labels: Must match ASN data perfectly or cartons won't scan at receiving

Target EDI Transaction Types

EDI 850 - Purchase Order

Target sends 850 POs with order details. Key fields to extract:

• PO Number (BEG03)
• Order Date (BEG05)
• Requested Ship Date
• Ship-To DC Location (N1*ST)
• Item Numbers and Quantities (PO1 segments)
• Case Pack Quantities (critical for ASN accuracy in 2025)

EDI 856 - Advance Ship Notice (ASN)

You must send 856 ASNs to Target for 100% of shipments. Critical compliance points:

• Timing: ASN must arrive before your truck reaches the DC yard
• BOL Number: Must be in correct format in correct EDI segment (new 2025 requirement)
• SSCC Barcodes: Carton and pallet SSCCs in ASN must match physical labels exactly
• Item Attributes: Case pack and barcode data must match the original 850 PO

Real Cost Example: One supplier was fined $750 on a single shipment (1,000 cartons × $0.75) because SSCC labels didn't match the ASN due to a label template error.

EDI 810 - Invoice

Send invoices electronically. Must reference the original 850 PO number and match shipped quantities from your 856 ASN for proper three-way matching.

How to Convert Target EDI to Excel/CSV

Method 1: Manual Conversion (Not Recommended)

EDI files are text-based with segments separated by tildes (~) and elements by asterisks (*). You could manually:

1. Open the .edi file in a text editor
2. Find each PO1 segment (line items)
3. Copy data element by element into Excel
4. Repeat for every line item and every file

Problem: This takes 15-30 minutes per file and is error-prone. One wrong number in an ASN can cost you $0.75 per carton.

Method 2: Use PlainEDI Converter (Recommended)

PlainEDI converts Target EDI files to CSV instantly with all critical fields extracted:

• Upload your 850, 856, or 810 file
• Get instant CSV with PO numbers, item details, quantities, ship-to locations
• Import directly into Excel, Google Sheets, or your WMS
• Verify ASN accuracy before sending to Target

Critical Target Compliance Tips

1. Verify Case Pack Quantities

Target's new 2025 ASN Accuracy requirement checks that your 856 ASN item attributes match the 850 PO. If Target's PO says "case pack of 12" and your ASN says "case pack of 6," you'll fail compliance even if total units are correct.

2. Check BOL Number Format

The BOL (Bill of Lading) number in your 856 ASN must be in the correct EDI segment with proper formatting. Converting your 850 PO to CSV first helps you reference the correct PO when building your ASN.

3. Generate Correct SSCC Labels

SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) labels must match what's in your 856 ASN exactly. Target's receiving systems scan these barcodes automatically. Mismatched SSCCs = cartons won't scan = $0.75 per carton fee.

Best Practice: Clean/service barcode printers annually. Ensure quiet zone (white space) on barcodes is 5× the width of the narrowest bar.

4. Meet 95% Fill Rate

Since August 2024, Target requires a 95% fill rate. Converting 850 POs to Excel helps you track which items you can't fulfill so you can adjust inventory before the deadline.

5. Send ASN Before In-Yard Time

Your 856 ASN must reach Target's system before your truck arrives at the DC. Late ASNs = $0.75 per carton. Converting POs to CSV helps you prep ASNs faster.

Example: Converting Target 850 PO to CSV

Now you can import this CSV into your warehouse system, verify you have 200 units in stock, and prepare your 856 ASN with the correct case pack and barcode data.

Avoid Common Target EDI Mistakes

• Wrong SSCC on labels: Always double-check SSCC barcodes match your 856 ASN before printing labels. One supplier lost $750 from this mistake on 1,000 cartons.
• Late ASNs: At $0.75/carton, a 500-carton shipment with a late ASN costs $375. Send ASNs as soon as shipment is packed.
• Case pack mismatches: New 2025 requirement. If PO says 12-pack and you ship 6-pack cases, you fail ASN Accuracy even if total units match.
• Missing BOL in ASN: BOL number must be in correct EDI segment format or you fail Shipment Accuracy metric.
• Short shipping without notice: If you can't fulfill 95% of items, communicate early. Silent short ships trigger COGS penalties.

Convert Target EDI Files Now

Related Resources

• All Target EDI converters
• Understanding EDI 850 Purchase Orders
• EDI 856 ASN format guide
• How to Read Walmart EDI 850 Files