Discover how Data Communication Solutions helped a footwear manufacturer and distributor stabilize its SPS Commerce environment. Frequent transaction failures, limited visibility into errors, and a lack of internal EDI expertise were creating disruption across the order to cash process. The company knew their EDI operations were not performing as expected but lacked the time and technical knowledge to determine why. DCS brought the expertise and proactive approach to provide real results to the client, including:
- Identifying the root causes behind recurring SPS Commerce transaction failures
- Improved exception visibility and troubleshooting processes
- Strengthened ERP and EDI controls to prevent recurring errors
- Equipped internal teams with the knowledge to manage EDI more effectively
Challenge
Despite operating on a fully implemented SaaS EDI platform through SPS Commerce, the client experienced frequent transaction failures, limited visibility into root causes, and minimal exception reporting. These challenges led to increasing frustration for internal staff, since they didn’t have the EDI knowledge to identify root cause or guide SPS Commerce on how to correct.
They knew their EDI wasn’t flowing the way it should, but they didn’t have the time or expertise to figure out why. A new employee who had previously partnered with DCS recognized the pain points and recommended they reach out to Data Communication Solutions for help.
Solution
Following initial discovery discussions, DCS structured an EDI professional services engagement consisting of a 32-hour SPS Commerce optimization review. The engagement was designed as one day per week over a four-week period, providing a focused yet flexible framework for analysis and improvement. The objective focused on three priorities: pinpoint root causes of errors, coordinate corrections with SPS Commerce, and educate the client on their system. DCS resources evaluated transaction failures and recurring errors, identified root causes spanning both the ERP system and SPS Commerce environment, enhanced reporting and exception visibility, delivered corrective and preventive recommendations, and educated internal stakeholders. This targeted approach reflects DCS’s methodology of integrating technical troubleshooting, process optimization, and practical knowledge transfer to drive measurable results.
Root Causes Identified
ERP Process & Data Validation Issues
The optimization review showed that many of the client’s EDI problems were caused by issues within their ERP system. Unnecessary documents were being sent to SPS Commerce, incomplete or invalid data was passing internal checks, and process logic was sometimes triggering transactions too early. These problems created a steady flow of faulty documents entering the EDI process, leading to repeated failures and rework.
SPS Commerce Exception & Support Constraints
The ERP issues were exacerbated by challenges within the SPS Commerce environment. The client had limited visibility into exceptions, experienced delays and confusion when interpreting errors, and had limited ability to guide SPS in change requests and updates.
Together, these factors amplified operational disruption and obscured true root causes.
Results
DCS provided immediate, measurable improvements across the client’s EDI operations. Recurring transaction errors were significantly reduced, and DCS helped clearly distinguish ERP-related issues from true EDI problems so the appropriate resources could take ownership. Exception visibility improved, resolution cycles accelerated, and interactions with SPS Commerce became more effective and productive.
Notably, the results exceeded the client’s initial expectations. Although the client initially anticipated ongoing EDI managed services, the rapid improvements and knowledge transfer DCS delivered through a focused, short-term engagement enabled the team to confidently manage their EDI operations on their own. The company emerged with greater confidence in managing its SPS Commerce environment, stronger controls to prevent ERP-generated EDI failures, and a markedly more stable and efficient EDI process.
Business Impact
What began as a request for long-term outsourcing evolved into a targeted, high-impact engagement. By combining EDI professional services with specialized SPS Commerce support, DCS identified underlying data issues, reduced recurring errors, improved exception management, and optimized key processes while transferring critical knowledge to the internal team.
The result was a more self-sufficient organization with improved transaction accuracy and reliability, reduced time spent troubleshooting EDI failures, and a shorter, more streamlined order-to-cash cycle. A modest investment in EDI consulting services delivered outsized returns in efficiency, stability, and overall confidence in their SaaS EDI operations.
Struggling to Understand and Manage your SaaS EDI Solution?
If you’re struggling with an opaque hosted system, DCS can help identify and resolve your issues while empowering you to solve your own future problems. Connect with DCS for a complimentary assessment to learn how a short, targeted engagement can have lasting impact.
Services Provided by Data Communication Solutions
Whether clients require full-service management or targeted expertise, DCS helps organizations stabilize, optimize, and gain control of their EDI environments.
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