Is inaccurate or missing information leading to delays and disrupting your shipping process?

Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN) Shipping Label plays a crucial role in ensuring seamless logistics operations. The function of an ASN is to inform the customer when shipping takes place and give physical details regarding the shipment so that the customer can be ready to receive delivery.

The concept of ASN Shipping Label can be traced back to the need for businesses to enhance communication and transparency in the shipping process. With international trade increasing and supply chains becoming more complicated, there was a growing need for ways to keep everyone informed regarding shipment information. The ASN became a solution and acted as a forward-looking document regarding incoming deliveries.

This blog will discuss the importance of ASN shipping labels, their various features, and benefits, and how MetaShip packing and shipping solution integrated with Business Central helps logistics.

To know more about how shipping integration helps logistics read our blog.

What is an ASN Shipping Label?

An advanced shipping notice, or ASN, is a record that gives advanced notice of detailed information about an impending delivery.

ASN shipping labels convey important information regarding the content of the shipment, such as item descriptions, quantities, and estimated arrival times. These labels are mainly employed in business-to-business transactions, especially in supply chain management, where accurate coordination among suppliers, distributors, and retailers is needed.

What is included in an ASN Shipping Label?

Not only does a notice of an advanced ship inform the buyer when the shipment will arrive, but it also verifies other information that assists the buyer in preparing for the delivery, allowing the receiving costs to be minimized (according to Supply Chain Digest the cost saving potentially is typically believed to be around 40% to 50%).

Key components included in ASN are:

• ASN Number: A unique identifier assigned to the shipment for tracking and verification.
• Supplier Information: Sender details, including company name, address, and contact information.
• Receiver Information: The destination address, including the warehouse or retailer receiving the shipment.
• Order Details: At least the reference or purchase order number to create shipping label.
• Delivery information: It includes the booking reference, time, and delivery date.
• Location Data: Global Location Numbers (GLNs) to specify all trading partners involved in the transaction (carrier, buyer, and supplier where applicable) and the delivery location should be specified in all ASNs.
• Pallet codes: The purchaser should be notified of how many pallets.
• Physical characteristics: It includes what type of package will be utilized, such as pallet size.
• Barcode (GS1-128 or Other Standard Format): A scannable code containing shipment details for quick processing.
• Product details: It consists of a list of the products that should be provided some businesses also provide case size even though this is not required. GTINs, or Global Trade Item Number and the unique number that represents products, should also be provided for each product line.
• Routing Instructions: Specific handling or routing requirements from the sender to the recipient.

Why ASN Shipping Labels Matter

ASN Shipping Labels assist companies in automating receiving, minimizing mistakes, and meeting retailer and distributor specifications. Companies may easily create shipping label and handle ASN labels using MetaShip within Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, facilitating smooth logistics operations.

The Benefits of Using ASN Shipping Labels

MetaShip ASN shipping labels offer a broad list of benefits to the companies engaged in the supply chain. The advantages stretch to both suppliers and retailers/distributors, resulting in seamless operations and governing the logistics process through adherence to compliance.

Let’s break down these advantages in detail, firstly how ASN labels advantage suppliers, then the advantages they provide to retailers and distributors.

For Suppliers:

1. Automated Label Generation – Reduces manual data entry and ensures error-free ASN Shipping Labels.
2. Faster Order Processing – Streamlines packing and shipping workflows, reducing fulfillment time.
3. Compliance with Retailer Requirements – Meets ASN label standards required by retailers to prevent chargebacks.
4. Improved Shipment Visibility – Provides tracking and shipment details for better logistics coordination.
5. Cost Savings – Reduces labor costs by automating label printing and data management.
6. Seamless ERP Integration – Works directly with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for real-time shipping updates.

For Retailers/Distributors:

1. Faster Receiving & Inventory Management – ASN labels allow for quick barcode scanning and matching with purchase orders.
2. Reduced Errors & Mis-shipments – Ensures shipments arrive with accurate item details, minimizing discrepancies.
3. Enhanced Supply Chain Visibility – Provides real-time shipment tracking, improving warehouse efficiency.
4. Improved Compliance & Standardization – Ensures all inbound shipments follow standardized label formats for easy processing.
5. Better Demand Planning – ASN data allows distributors to prepare for incoming stock in advance, reducing bottlenecks.
6. Reduced Handling Time – Streamlined processes mean shipments can move from dock to inventory shelves faster.

MetaShip’s shipping automation assists suppliers as well as retailers in having a seamless, error-free supply chain and enhancing operational performance.

How MetaShip Simplifies ASN Shipping Label Management

MetaShip packing and shipping solution helps companies to generate, customize, and print shipping labels, including ASN labels, directly from their ERP system with the integration of Dynamics 365 Business Central. By controlling its shipping automation and tracking abilities, businesses can achieve streamlined logistics operations with fewer manual tasks.

For logistics looking to enhance their shipping processes, controlling ASN Shipping Labels through MetaShip offers an all-in-one solution in this competitive market. With automated packing, tracking, and compliance-friendly shipping labels, MetaShip is your automated solution for your logistics to make their business processes work smoothly.

Ready to transform your shipping processes? To learn more and have a personalized demo contact us today to MetaOption how MetaShip can streamline your ASN Shipping Label process workflow!