Kimber Manufacturing Streamlines Vendor Managed Inventory with DCS’s EDI Expertise

The Challenge

Kimber Manufacturing, Inc., a leading manufacturer based in New York, needed a reliable solution to process 852 Data Activity for Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) with their trading partner, Cabela’s. As a longtime customer of Data Communication Solutions (DCS) since 2013, Kimber turned to us for expert assistance in optimizing their EDI processes.

The challenge was ensuring Kimber’s system processed only one order per Ship-To code (e.g., Store, Distribution Center) due to ERP and EDI Translator “out-of-the-box” limitations. During testing, data followed a simple 1-to-1 ratio for items and quantity types. However, once live, the production data arrived with a complex 1-to-many ratio. This discrepancy required a sophisticated mapping solution to accurately process and categorize quantities.

The DCS Solution

To resolve these challenges, DCS developed a robust inbound and outbound EDI process tailored to Kimber’s needs.

Inbound Process: The Cabela’s 852 document is routed through a custom staging database built by DCS, where data is separated based on quantity type. Triggers put in place launce the process to generate files in a precise order:

• QA (Current) Quantity
• QP (Ordered/In Transit) Quantity
• QS (Sold) Quantity
• QT (Adjusted) Quantity

The chart below illustrates Kimber’s inbound process:

Outbound Process: Once the VMI tables are verified, BizManager (with BizLink) triggers the records flagged for update. A custom mapping solution, created using GXS/OpenText BizLink Mapper, then generates the X12 855 (Purchase Order Acknowledgment). Upon receiving the 855, Cabela’s system automatically generates a purchase order for Kimber, seamlessly initiating the standard order process.

The chart below illustrates Kimber’s outbound process:

The Result

Prior to this implementation, Cabela’s frequently sent multiple order changes and cancellations due to inaccurate inventory counts. Thanks to DCS’s solution, Kimber now receives accurate purchase orders aligned with real-time VMI data, significantly improving efficiency and reducing errors.

“The role DCS played was exceptionally demanding,” says Yuval Markus, Kimber’s project manager. “To make it work, the developer exercised both remarkable technical skills and highly creative thinking. Working tirelessly, she kept our spirit up in the duration of the process and delivered with great marvel.”

Since 1991, DCS has been providing customers with solid EDI solutions to a wide-range of industries throughout United States and Canada. DCS works with the leading EDI systems to help you overcome your EDI challenges. DCS consultants have successfully installed, mapped, and operated nearly all EDI systems. Our services include EDI development, EDI Managed Services, support, and training. Contact us today to start a conversation.