EDI for Order Process Automation Saves!

We know the Distribution Industry

DCS has compiled a list of distributor companies that are currently EDI-active. View our list to see if any of these companies are a key customer of yours. Contact Data Communication Solutions (DCS) today and we can ask the company’s I.T. department (not the buyer) for their EDI guidelines to get the process started.

As a GS1 member, DCS knows your industry and it’s specific requirements. We bring you the most up-to-date knowledge with our weekly blog post, best paired with our years of experience.

DCS Can Help You Get More Time to Closely Scrutinize Orders for Correct Prices and Discounts

Aggressive distributors are taking the next step in developing their automation just as larger ones did a few years ago. EDI can offer significant improvements when orders immediately appear in the Sales Order Management module for scrutinization and approval. Your objectives of speed and cost control can be achieved with the addition of an EDI interface to your system. After EDI customers are automated, the blizzard of emails, spreadsheets and faxes can be stopped. As a plus, shipment notices and invoices are automated so you are paid faster.

Overview

EDI automation allows capping head counts and re-focusing staff on other challenges. In addition, large companies want you to move goods as quickly as if they were stored in their own warehouse. You need to ship, inventory, and replenish promptly and accurately. This means routine, high volume communication should be automated using the same processes as current EDI. You can finally replace those labor intensive web forms for even better results.

Here’s how automated EDI works for customers:

  • Customer Orders automatically enter the Sales Order Module, where they are suspended pending Customer Service approval. The most common corrections before approval are to part-numbers, prices and ship-to addresses.
  • Inbound Forecasts (830) can also be loaded. This means all methods of receiving Customer Orders come to the same point for Customer Service approval (The near weeks of forecasts and releases can be set to automatically create Sales Orders that are ready for Customer Service to approve).
  • Order Acknowledgements (Confirmation, 855) quickly tell customers you can fill. The prompt confirmation may deter them from seeking other bids.
  • Shipment Notices (ASN, 856) flow out automatically when the order is closed. Flags may be set to ensure missing data that could cause a chargeback must be sent. The ASN speeds customer’s check-in process.
  • Invoices (810) are also automatically sent to help speed payment.
  • Inventory Reports (846)  from customers improve your demand forecasting when you have accurate and timely usage and inventory reports (cycle and full count).
  • Secure Internet data transmission using AS2 or FTPS to eliminate pricey EDI network monthly fees.

Conclusion

Your business is unique, so alignment of your time tested methods needs to be done carefully and may require expert assistance. DCS has experience with most of the 300 U.S. companies conducting EDI and hundreds using XML. We work with your existing EDI system and network. We have integrated using GXS BizLink™, Sterling Commerce’s Gentran™, Altova’s Mapforce,™ and others. The first step is to set a team to highlight the benefits to each organization. Second, with our DCS Process,™ your EDI improvement will be thorough and economical.

DCS EDI consultants are ready to help you capture a larger share of the market and reduce cost. Other significant saving comes from fewer:

  • Costly last minute order changes
  • Disrupting expedited shipments
  • Surprise deductions from your invoices

Whether you are new to EDI or a veteran, DCS EDI consultants can help with our extensive experience with other distributors. We will provide you with a no-cost assessment, providing with an outline and estimated costs on how to meet your EDI challenges.

Your first step is easy; email us for a no-cost assessment.