Target Vendor EDI Setup: A Complete Supplier Guide

Target is one of the most organized retailers when it comes to supplier onboarding — but their EDI setup still requires careful attention to detail. Here’s how to navigate it.

Target’s Vendor Portals

Partners Online (POL): Target’s primary supplier portal for EDI registration, purchase orders, and compliance documentation.

Target’s EDI Portal: Where you submit your connection request and manage your EDI profile.

Required EDI Transactions

• 850: Purchase Order
• 855: PO Acknowledgment
• 856: ASN (must arrive before the shipment)
• 810: Invoice
• 997: Functional Acknowledgment

Connection Methods

Target supports both AS2 and VAN connections. Most suppliers use AS2 for direct, fast transmission.

Certification Process

Target runs a structured certification program:

1. Register in their vendor portal
2. Submit test 856 and 810 transactions
3. Target’s EDI compliance team reviews and approves
4. Go live with a "shadow" period (live transactions reviewed before full compliance enforced)

ASN Timing Requirement

Target requires the 856 ASN to arrive at their system before the physical shipment arrives at the DC. For inbound shipments with short transit times, this means sending the ASN same-day as pickup.

Common Target Compliance Issues

• ASN sent after shipment arrival
• Missing item-level detail in 856
• Invoice quantities not matching PO quantities

Spring Systems handles Target certification for suppliers regularly — we can have you live in as few as 5 business days.