EDI – Simplify Supplier Management and Procurement Autonomously

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) provides the fundamental digital technical framework required to automate an organisations supply chain communication, improve supply chain performance, and give greater data visibility to stakeholders. However, it is estimated that around 41% of organisations still don’t utilise EDI — although the market for EDI solutions is expected to reach approximately £4.25 billion by 2025.

The recent rapid growth can largely be attributed to organisations adopting digital transformation techniques to improve overall business performance, but what is EDI and how can it help Operations teams within Facilities Management and Commercial Cleaning settings?

Significant technological advancements have made integrating EDI for SME’s more attainable than ever before and made larger organisations more agile and receptive to onboarding a wider mixture of suppliers to increase supply chain performance.

With the new age of digital transformation, multiple systems can communicate effectively and efficiently. With leading CRM’s such as Hubspot, Zoho, and Salesforce each offering EDI Plugin solutions for vendor management, there is becoming little reason why SME’s or Operations Directors would not look to adopt this technology.

EDI – What is it exactly?

Wikipedia says it best – “Electronic data interchange is the concept of businesses electronically communicating information that was traditionally communicated on paper, such as purchase orders, invoices, delivery notes, and sales orders.” Organisations now have the ability to procure janitorial equipment, machinery, and manage machine repairs through their own systems such as CRM’s or ERP software, without ever having to leave it. Furthermore, manual processes can be automated, relieving procurement, sales, and operations departments of these routine tasks. 

What would the cost efficiencies increase to if you adopted EDI? How much time and money could your business save by not having employees place manual orders with suppliers, and Accounts teams sending out manual invoices, either by email or post? The answer is likely to be substantial. For an Operations Director or Manager, the answer is simple – “It’s a no-brainer.”

How increasing supply chain visibility is the key to success

The lack of supply chain visibility and performance has always been an overriding supplier risk for operations teams. The global pandemic has highlighted a lack of visibility over suppliers and adaptability when it comes to disrupted working, which often resulted in poor procurement practices. With global supply chains and remote working set to remain for the foreseeable future, supply chain visibility will be essential in providing:

1. Resilient supplier management practices
2. Effective inventory management
3. The ability to nurture understanding relationships
4. The ability to foresee risks

It becomes clear when taking into account the above, how EDI solutions are able to automate manual workflows and allow businesses to be agile. Also, foresee any associated risks in their supply chain.

The Wessex difference

The significant investment for our leading-edge ERP system and infrastructure means we empower operations and procurement teams for facilities management and commercial cleaning companies to be able to take advantage of automating their supply chain through EDI; giving all our customers the ability to simplify ordering, order management and increasing their visibility of our performance.

If you’re looking for a janitorial equipment supplier who can help you scale and grow, we’re here to support you with a range of products and services.