Vendor Self-Serve Shipment Updates FAQ Xvantage for Associates

Summary:

This FAQ article answers common questions about the Vendor Self-Serve Shipment Updates feature in Xvantage™. The feature enables eligible vendors to submit pre-shipment information and Advanced Shipping Notices (ASNs) directly through the Vendor Portal, reducing manual follow-up, improving shipment visibility, and providing customers with more timely shipment updates.

What is Vendor Self-Serve Shipment Updates?
Who is eligible to use this feature?
What shipment information can vendors submit?
What information can be included in an ASN?
How a vendor uses it?
What are the benefits of this feature?
Can vendors update multiple order lines in a single submission?
Can customers view the submitted shipment information?
Do associates need to contact vendors to collect shipment information?
Can vendors create multiple ASNs for the same order?
How does this feature improve the shipment update process?
Does this feature require API integration?
Are there any learning resources available for this feature?

Question 1: What is Vendor Self-Serve Shipment Updates?

Answer: Vendor Self-Serve Shipment Updates is a self-service feature that allows vendors to submit pre-shipment information and Advanced Shipping Notices (ASNs) directly in the Xvantage Vendor Portal.

Question 2: Who is eligible to use this feature?

Answer: This feature is designed for smaller-scale vendors that do not have API connectivity to send order shipment information.

Vendor Business Managers (VBMs) do not need to take any action. The PSS organization proactively contacts eligible vendors regarding the feature.

Question 3: What shipment information can vendors submit?

Answer: Vendors can provide the following pre-shipment details for individual order lines:

Confirmed quantity
Estimated ship date
Estimated delivery date

Vendors can also create and submit Advanced Shipping Notices (ASNs).

Question 4: What information can be included in an ASN?

Answer: An ASN can include:

Items & quantities
Carrier & code
Tracking number
Number of cartons
Ship-from address
Serial numbers

Question 5: How do vendors submit shipment updates and ASNs?

Answer: Vendors can follow the below steps:

Find the order. Go to Orders & Quotes > Vendor Orders and search by IM order number.
Open the order. The header holds Submitted ASNs and + ASN.

Submit pre-shipment info. Tick the lines, set the confirmed quantity and pick the estimated ship and delivery dates. Select Submit shipment info.

Add items to the ASN. Lines get a green Added tag.

Add shipping details. Carrier Name, code, tracking number, Number of cartons and ship-from address information.

Review and submit. Check it, then Submit ASN.

Question 6: What are the benefits of this feature?

Answer: The feature helps streamline shipment communication between vendors, associates, and customers by:

Allowing vendors to submit shipment updates directly in the Vendor Portal
Eliminating the need for system integration
Reducing manual follow-up between associates and vendors
Making shipment information available in Xvantage™
Providing customers with greater shipment visibility
Supporting updates across multiple order lines in a single submission
Allowing multiple ASNs to be created for the same order

Question 7: Can vendors update multiple order lines in a single submission?

Answer: Yes. Vendors can submit pre-shipment information and ASN updates for multiple order lines in one action.

Question 8: Can customers view the submitted shipment information?

Answer: Yes. Submitted shipment information is stored in Xvantage and made available to customers.

Question 9: Do associates need to contact vendors to collect shipment information?

Answer: No. Vendors can submit shipment information directly through the Vendor Portal, reducing the need for associate follow-up.

Question 10: Can vendors create multiple ASNs for the same order?

Answer: Yes. Multiple ASNs can be submitted for a single order when required.

Question 11: How does this feature improve the shipment update process?

Answer: The feature simplifies shipment management by giving vendors direct control over pre-shipment updates and ASN submissions.

Before	After
Associates reach out to vendors manually for pre-shipment details and ASN information.	Vendors submit the details themselves, whenever they are ready.
Customers wait for accurate, timely shipment information and contact associates for it.	Submitted information is shown to customers on Xvantage, so fewer inquiries reach associates.
Updating line by line takes time for vendors with large numbers of orders.	Pre-shipment info and ASNs can be submitted for many lines in one go.

Question 12: Does this feature require API integration?

Answer: No. Vendors can submit pre-shipment information and ASNs directly through the Vendor Portal without API integration.

Question 13: Are there any learning resources available for this feature?

Answer: A demo video is available that demonstrates how vendors can submit pre-shipment information and Advanced Shipping Notices (ASNs) in the Vendor Portal. Review the video to familiarize yourself with the workflow and user experience.

Note: The demo video is intended for internal Ingram Micro use only and should not be shared externally.

Demo video: