What exactly is notification and how important is it for the recipient?

Notification (also known as advice note or shipping notification) is precisely the announcement of the delivery to the recipient. The forwarding agent provides the recipient with advance information about the upcoming delivery by e-mail, telephone or text message.

The notification consists of

• Order number of the recipient
• Item number
• Article weight
• Article quantity
• Volume
• Time of delivery to the incoming goods department or date for collection (delivery date)

Wikipedia defines despatch advices as follows:

A shipping notification is the announcement of a warehouse or goods delivery. The shipping notification is sent by the supplier to the recipient of the goods before the goods are delivered. Despatch advices are often used in supply chains in which it can be very important for the recipient of the goods to be informed of the timely or delayed receipt of the goods in order to be able to take precautions if necessary.

Source: Avis (logistics) - Wikipedia

Notification procedure

The forwarder or supplier usually notifies shipments with shipping notices one day before delivery. Notification of collection or delivery is usually given in writing or by telephone 30 days before the delivery date. Some freight forwarders provide notification of delivery at goods receipt one hour before delivery.

The freight forwarder only hands over the delivery documents (delivery bill) to the recipient upon delivery. The recipient should then check the quantity and quality of the goods directly upon delivery.  

Notification ensures optimal use of resources and supply chains. If the supplier notifies incorrectly, the recipient cannot control the organization and the process in the warehouse or department in good time. In order to be able to notify correctly, the supplier should coordinate precisely with the recipient.

Conclusion

A shipping notification (advice note) in logistics is advance information and is only used to announce the goods to the recipient. In the case of delivery, the notification is sent one day in advance and possibly also by telephone one hour directly before delivery. In the case of collection, the notification is sent 30 days in advance in writing.  

Other terms for notification

In payment transactions: payment advice note when paying an invoice.