Distribution integration
United Hardware EDI integration and automation
A guide for suppliers connecting with United Hardware, covering the documents exchanged, the main program rules, testing and ERP integration.
Overview
Understanding United Hardware integration
Who this is for: Suppliers that sell to United Hardware, and the EDI, logistics and finance teams that support them.
United Hardware has merged with Do it Best. Contact ECOM for the latest information on its EDI program. United Hardware is a Minnesota-based hardware wholesaler serving independent retailers. Suppliers that trade with United Hardware electronically exchange documents such as the 850 purchase order, 856 ship notice/manifest, 810 invoice, 852 product activity data and 997 functional acknowledgment. This page summarizes how that exchange works from the supplier's side, so your team can scope the work before mapping starts.
The program uses X12 4010. Order types include retail service center, member store and drop-ship (direct to customer). Each order type can change which documents apply and how locations, labels and invoices are handled, so it helps to confirm which ones you will supply before you build anything.
Most of the effort goes into keeping your ERP, warehouse and shipping data consistent with what each document says. Ship notices, labels and invoices need to agree with the original order, and any rule that applies only to one order type needs its own handling in your maps. United Hardware sets its own requirements and can change them, so treat your account contact and current guide as the final word.
Program summary
What United Hardware asks of suppliers
A summary in ECOM's own words. Requirements vary by program and change over time, so confirm the details with United Hardware during setup.
Please note: United Hardware has merged with Do it Best. Contact ECOM for the latest information on its EDI program.
- Standard
- X12 4010
- Order types
- Retail service center · Member store · Drop-ship (direct to customer)
Orders and acknowledgments
- Orders can ship to a retail service center, to a member store, or directly to the customer as a drop shipment.
Ship notices
- The ship notice number must appear on the bill of lading.
- A bill of lading number is expected for shipments to a retail service center or member store; it is optional for drop shipments direct to the customer.
Invoices and payment
- Drop-ship invoices are identified as drop-ship, and every invoice line carries the UPC.
- Some drop shipments to member stores need an authorization number, and the member order number should be included on the invoice.
Items and catalogs
- Some suppliers receive 852 product activity data.
Testing
- Testing covers three scenarios: a basic order, an order with the full business requirements, and one ship notice that combines two orders.
- Each test order has four items, and test invoice totals must match the order within a small tolerance.
Workflows
Typical United Hardware business workflows
A typical flow built from the documents below; your own program may differ.
Order to invoice
- 1Receive 850 purchase order
- 2Label and send 856
- 3Send 810 invoice
Direct to customer order
- 1Receive the direct order
- 2Confirm the order
- 3Ship to the customer
- 4Send 856 with tracking
- 5Send the invoice
Documents and APIs
United Hardware documents by program
Documents used in United Hardware's EDI program, seen from the supplier's side. Which ones apply depends on your program, so confirm the list with United Hardware.
Scroll sideways to see every column. With a keyboard, select the table and use the left and right arrow keys.
| Document | Name | Direction | Status | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 850 | Purchase Order | You receive from United Hardware | Program document | Places an order for goods. |
| 856 | Ship Notice/Manifest | You send to United Hardware | Program document | Describes a shipment before it arrives. |
| 810 | Invoice | You send to United Hardware | Program document | Bills for what shipped. |
| 852 | Product Activity Data | You receive from United Hardware | Program document | Shares sales and on-hand activity by item. |
| 997 | Functional Acknowledgment | Both directions | Program document | Confirms each file was received and readable. |
Connectivity
How companies connect
AS2 or SFTP
Direct internet connections such as AS2 or SFTP are common ways to exchange EDI documents. Confirm the options with United Hardware.
General guidance
EDI service provider
Many suppliers connect through an EDI provider or network that manages the connection with United Hardware.
General guidance
Challenges
Common integration challenges
Keeping order types apart
Different order types can need different maps, locations and labels, so identify each United Hardware order type before mapping.
Documents that agree
Ship notices, labels and invoices need to match the order and each other, or they can cause receiving and payment problems.
Changes over time
Requirements change. Keep a process for picking up new United Hardware rules and retesting affected documents.
Automation options for United Hardware suppliers
Four ways to automate. One foundation.
ECOM helps you automate them, meet United Hardware's labeling and ship notice requirements, and see what needs action. United Hardware sets its program's rules; ECOM confirms which options fit yours.
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Fully Automated EDI/API
Automate trading partner transactions and ERP integration through our iPaaS, SaaS, and EDI Team as a Service offerings.
Learn more about Fully Automated EDI/API -
WebEDI
Receive orders and manage trading partner transactions through a browser-based portal, without requiring direct ERP integration.
Learn more about WebEDI -
SmartConvert
Convert documents received through email or in PDF, Excel, Word, JPG, PNG, and other supported formats into structured data for automated processing, reducing manual data entry.
Learn more about SmartConvert -
WebConnect
Automate repetitive order processing and transaction tasks in third-party portals such as SAP Ariba, Coupa, and other customer or supplier portals, reducing the work customer service representatives must log in and complete manually.
PRISM Supply Chain Automation Foundation
One platform beneath every option. Use one, or combine them for different partners and documents.
Compliance and actionable visibility
Connect order processing, shipping documentation, trading partner requirements, and performance monitoring through one coordinated workflow. These capabilities help teams improve shipment accuracy, reduce manual work, address compliance risks, and respond to exceptions before they affect customers.
Connect United Hardware documents to your ERP
ECOM can connect United Hardware documents with ERP and warehouse systems, so ship notices and invoices are generated from your own order and shipping data.
Next step
Get help with your United Hardware program
Each request goes to an ECOM EDI specialist with United Hardware's name attached, so the reply starts from your program.
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Review United Hardware's requirements
Send us United Hardware's guide or your program details; we explain the documents, rules and options for meeting them.
Request a requirements review -
Connect United Hardware to your ERP
Orders in, ship notices and invoices out, from the ERP and warehouse systems you already run.
Discuss ERP integration -
Testing and certification
Build, test and certify each United Hardware document, then go live with monitoring from the first file.
Plan testing and certification -
Shipping labels and ASNs
Labels and ship notices that match United Hardware's rules, to help avoid receiving problems and compliance deductions.
Review shipping compliance
United Hardware integration FAQs
Which EDI documents does United Hardware use?
The documents in this guide are the 850, 856, 810, 852 and 997. Which ones apply depends on your program, so confirm the list with United Hardware during setup.
Which X12 version does United Hardware use?
This guide reflects X12 4010. Versions can differ by document and can change, so confirm the release for each document before you build your maps.
How long does United Hardware EDI setup take?
Timing depends on your systems, the number of documents and the partner test plan. Mapping and testing each document is usually the largest part of the work.
Is ECOM a United Hardware-approved provider?
This page is an integration guide and does not indicate an approval or partnership with United Hardware. ECOM can help you build and test your connection.
Accuracy
This guide describes United Hardware's program in ECOM's own words as of November 2026. United Hardware sets its own requirements and can change them at any time; your United Hardware implementation guide, supplier portal or account contact is the authoritative source for your program.
United Hardware is a trademark of its owner. Its mention does not imply endorsement of, or a partnership with, ECOM Specialist.
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Request United Hardware integration assistance
Tell us about your United Hardware program, documents and ERP. We will outline the connection, mapping and testing plan.