With EDI, manufacturing operations are able to reduce manual data entry, improve
order accuracy, lower costs and enhance operational efficiency. However, these benefits
only touch the surface. A truly effective EDI solution goes beyond administrative
benefits to enhancing the entire business operation and workflow, from order to
shipment and every step in between.
Advantages of EDI for Manufacturers
Manufacturers of machinery, electronics, materials, soft goods, hard goods, food
products, and more all rely on EDI every day to streamline their workflow and enhance
the exchange of information with customers and suppliers alike. EDI gives them the
information they need, with greater accuracy and timeliness, to plan and forecast,
manage inventories, procure materials, fulfill orders, replenish stock and more.
Operational Efficiency – the Internal View
With EDI data flowing in and out of the organization, the manufacturer has the ability
to move information throughout the entire operation with minimal manual intervention,
and with greater speed and accuracy. That means inbound customer and supplier data
is readily available to the back-end business and ERP system, as well as the warehouse
management system (WMS).
Once information is available throughout the organization, manufacturers can shorten
the entire order-to-income cycle, while improving inventory control and order accuracy.
Enhanced Trading Partner Relationships – the External View
EDI enables manufacturers to increase supply chain visibility and responsiveness
at every step of the order-to-ship cycle, and at every step in the supply chain.
This is because the flow of information, parts and finished goods is faster and
more accurate.
Every type of manufacturing environment can benefit from EDI, including make-to-order,
make-to-stock, assemble-to-order or job shops. Regardless of the approach, customers
demand timely and accurate delivery, often on a just-in-time basis. The truly effective
EDI solution can help reduce time to market and cut costs, by making information
on inventory, orders and shipments available on a just-in-time basis as well.
Talk to one of our EDI Experts to learn how 1EDISource can help you implement a complete
and cost-effective EDI solution for your manufacturing business.
Looking to get your suppliers EDI-compliant? 1EDISource
makes it easy with EDI SmartXchange
for Suppliers, a web-based EDI exchange portal that can help you achieve
100% compliance.