What the 864 is
The EDI 864 — the X12 Text Message — is free-form notices partners still send. Parsed and surfaced, not lost. It travels in both directions for most trading programs.
When it's sent
The 864 travels outside the core 850 → 855 → 856 → 810 chain — it supports the programs that surround it.
Key segments
The 864 follows the standard X12 segment layout for its functional group. Partner companion guides add the specifics — EDISQ's certified maps carry those rules per partner, so you never read the implementation guide yourself.
Sample 864
A representative 864 interchange — fixed-width ISA envelope, functional group, and control totals:
1ISA*00* *00* *ZZ*ACMESUPPLY *ZZ*RETAILPARTNER *260101*1200*U*00401*000000001*0*P*>~ 2GS*TX*ACMESUPPLY*RETAILPARTNER*20260101*1200*1*X*004010~ 3ST*864*0001~ 4REF*ZZ*SAMPLE 864 DOCUMENT~ 5DTM*097*20260101~ 6SE*4*0001~ 7GE*1*1~ 8IEA*1*000000001~
Partners that require it
Trading partners in the EDISQ catalog that trade the 864:
FAQ
What is an EDI 864?
The EDI 864 is the X12 Text Message. Free-form notices partners still send. Parsed and surfaced, not lost.
Who sends the 864?
The 864 flows in both directions. EDISQ handles it automatically on both sides of the exchange.
How do I automate the 864?
Enable your trading partner in EDISQ, connect your ERP, and the certified map handles the 864 end to end — first 25 documents each month free.