VDA Messages

VDA allows the transmission of two different types of delivery requests:  LAB (delivery request/VDA 4905 standard) and FAB (detail delivery request/VDA 4915 standard).  The LAB transmits the schedule for production and procurement, while the FAB controls the shipment of the supplier.  The equivalent ODETTE message is the DELINS message.  However, the FAB request does not exist in ODETTE mode.  Both LAB and FAB messages can be issued for one item/delivery point.  A client also has the option of sending only an LAB for an item/delivery point.

VDA Versus ODETTE

The structure and processing is similar between VDA and ODETTE messages.  Both messages contain the same type of information which is transmitted in a fixed format and in defined fields, as opposed to EDIFACT messages.  However, the organization and format of the fields within these messages is completely different which makes it necessary to have separate program logic to process these messages. 

The VDA 4913 message is equivalent to the ODETTE AVIEXP message.  The VDA4906 message is equivalent to the ODETTE INVOIC message. 

FAB/LAB Processing in VDA

In order to distinguish between FAB and LAB releases, all FAB releases (delivery and offset releases) are nature type 1, while LAB releases can be of nature type 0 (immediate requirement and/or backorder), 2 (production release), 3 (material/procurement release), or 4 (planning release).  When a new VDA delivery request is transmitted, it completely replaces the former delivery request.  Specifically, a new LAB replaces the old LAB and a new FAB replaces the old FAB for an item/delivery point.  An FAB covers a horizon of 5 to 15 days whereas a LAB covers the customer demand for a horizon of up to 6 to 12 months.  For more information about FAB and LAB delivery requests, please refer to the Delivery Requests key concept in this module.