Distribution integration
Vistar EDI integration and automation
A guide for suppliers connecting with Vistar, covering the documents exchanged, the main program rules, testing and ERP integration.
Overview
Understanding Vistar integration
Who this is for: Suppliers that sell to Vistar, and the EDI, logistics and finance teams that support them.
Vistar is a distributor of candy, snacks and beverages within Performance Food Group. Suppliers that trade with Vistar electronically exchange documents such as the 850 purchase order, 855 purchase order acknowledgment, 860 purchase order change, 856 ship notice/manifest and 810 invoice. 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 5010. Order types include drop-ship (direct shipment), distribution center and store, and traceability items. 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. Vistar sets its own requirements and can change them, so treat your account contact and current guide as the final word.
Program summary
What Vistar asks of suppliers
A summary in ECOM's own words. Requirements vary by program and change over time, so confirm the details with Vistar during setup.
- Standard
- X12 5010
- Order types
- Drop-ship (direct shipment) · DC and store · Traceability items
Orders and acknowledgments
- Orders are acknowledged within 48 hours, or two business days.
Testing
- Test plans include catch-weight items, traceability, remittance and item data.
Workflows
Typical Vistar business workflows
A typical flow built from the documents below; your own program may differ.
Order to invoice
- 1Receive 850 purchase order
- 2Send 855 acknowledgment
- 3Label and send 856
- 4Send 810 invoice
- 5Receive 820 remittance
Drop-ship order
- 1Receive the direct order
- 2Acknowledge with 855
- 3Ship to the end customer
- 4Send 856 with tracking
- 5Send the invoice
Documents and APIs
Vistar documents by program
Documents used in Vistar's EDI program, seen from the supplier's side. Which ones apply depends on your program, so confirm the list with Vistar.
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 Vistar | Program document | Places an order for goods. |
| 855 | Purchase Order Acknowledgment | You send to Vistar | Program document | Confirms, changes or rejects an order. |
| 860 | Purchase Order Change | You receive from Vistar | Program document | Changes an existing order. |
| 856 | Ship Notice/Manifest | You send to Vistar | Program document | Describes a shipment before it arrives. |
| 810 | Invoice | You send to Vistar | Program document | Bills for what shipped. |
| 812 | Credit/Debit Adjustment | You receive from Vistar | Program document | Records credits, debits and deductions. |
| 820 | Payment Order/Remittance Advice | You receive from Vistar | Program document | Explains what a payment covers. |
| 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 Vistar.
General guidance
EDI service provider
Many suppliers connect through an EDI provider or network that manages the connection with Vistar.
General guidance
Challenges
Common integration challenges
Keeping order types apart
Different order types can need different maps, locations and labels, so identify each Vistar 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 Vistar rules and retesting affected documents.
Automation options for Vistar suppliers
Four ways to automate. One foundation.
ECOM helps you automate them, meet Vistar's labeling and ship notice requirements, and see what needs action. Vistar 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 Vistar documents to your ERP
ECOM can connect Vistar 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 Vistar program
Each request goes to an ECOM EDI specialist with Vistar's name attached, so the reply starts from your program.
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Review Vistar's requirements
Send us Vistar's guide or your program details; we explain the documents, rules and options for meeting them.
Request a requirements review -
Connect Vistar 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 Vistar document, then go live with monitoring from the first file.
Plan testing and certification -
Shipping labels and ASNs
Labels and ship notices that match Vistar's rules, to help avoid receiving problems and compliance deductions.
Review shipping compliance
Vistar integration FAQs
Which EDI documents does Vistar use?
The documents in this guide are the 850, 855, 860, 856, 810, 812, 820 and 997. Which ones apply depends on your program, so confirm the list with Vistar during setup.
Which X12 version does Vistar use?
This guide reflects X12 5010. Versions can differ by document and can change, so confirm the release for each document before you build your maps.
How long does Vistar 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 Vistar-approved provider?
This page is an integration guide and does not indicate an approval or partnership with Vistar. ECOM can help you build and test your connection.
Accuracy
This guide describes Vistar's program in ECOM's own words as of November 2026. Vistar sets its own requirements and can change them at any time; your Vistar implementation guide, supplier portal or account contact is the authoritative source for your program.
Vistar is a trademark of its owner. Its mention does not imply endorsement of, or a partnership with, ECOM Specialist.
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Request Vistar integration assistance
Tell us about your Vistar program, documents and ERP. We will outline the connection, mapping and testing plan.