What is the primary purpose of an advanced shipping notice?

The primary purpose of an advanced shipping notice (ASN) is to prepare the recipient for an incoming shipment. An ASN provides important details about the shipment, such as the contents, packaging, expected arrival date, and any tracking information. This advance information allows the recipient to allocate resources, such as labor for unloading and processing the shipment, and to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to receive the goods efficiently. By receiving this notice in advance, the recipient can manage their operations more effectively, minimizing delays and disruptions upon arrival of the shipment.

Other options might seem relevant but do not capture the main objective of an ASN. For instance, while inventory counting may benefit indirectly from such notices, it is not the primary reason for issuing one. Likewise, updating customers on order changes might relate to communication in the supply chain but does not encompass the specific function of an ASN. Documenting inventory levels is important in inventory management but is not the focus of an ASN, which is to alert the receiver about forthcoming deliveries.