An electronic data interchange (EDI) system powers the communication of business transactions between suppliers and trading partners.
A warehouse management system (WMS) helps companies manage all aspects of the warehouse — from the moment goods arrive to the moment they depart.
When these two systems are integrated, good things happen.
Here’s how to get the most out of your EDI-WMS integration.
Prioritize Data Accuracy
In warehousing, EDI plays a critical role in communicating order information for shipping and receiving products. Downplaying data accuracy can lead to delays in processing orders, miscommunication, and ultimately, a decrease in customer satisfaction. Establishing strict protocols for automated data entry and implementing regular quality checks to maintain accuracy and reliability will keep your EDI-WMS integration humming.
Strive for Continuous System Maintenance
Disruptions to the flow of information between your EDI platform and your WMS (think technical issues, bugs, and system failures) will cause disruptions to your business. Regular maintenance to both systems keeps everything at peak performance.
Pro Tip: If you’re handling EDI in-house, maintenance is on you. If you’re trusting it to a full-service provider like eZCom, system maintenance is one less thing for you to worry about.
Did You Know?
eZCom recently announced a new integration with Ryder eCommerce by Whiplash, one of the industry’s leading WMSs. Available to eZCom customers with a Lingo account, Whiplash can help suppliers dramatically increase warehouse efficiency and reliability and gain real-time insight into their fulfillment operation. The Lingo-Whiplash integration provides a complete solution to manage eCommerce data, inventory, orders and fulfillment across both direct-to-consumer and retail.
With this integration, you’ll gain access to built-in validation checks that will help you avoid costly chargebacks, reduce slowdowns, ensure accurate shipment routing and maintain compliance with your retail trading partners.
Plus, you’ll be able to leverage Whiplash and Lingo for your wholesale orders. When a wholesale order comes in, Lingo will automatically push it to Whiplash for fulfillment. Whiplash then provides Lingo with the order number, UPC, carton number and package weight. No more manual data entry!
Learn more about Whiplash at whiplash.com.
Train Employees for Success
Set your employees up for success with regular training sessions to ensure everyone is up-to-date with new features, updates or changes to both your WMS and EDI systems. A clear understanding of capabilities and how the systems talk to each other will help your team save time. And time is money.
Maximize EDI 940 Functionalities
The EDI 940 is the Warehouse Order document. It authorizes a shipment from the warehouse to a trading partner. This document might include:
- Supplier/manufacturer identification
- Required delivery date
- Item numbers, descriptions, and quantities
- Ship-to information
- Any special shipping requirements
When automated, this document improves communication and data accuracy with your WMS.
Prioritize Support
Managing your EDI-WMS integration is a lot easier when you have the right expertise on demand. Here at eZCom, our customers have access not only to our U.S.-based support team but also our development team and integration experts.
To learn more about the Lingo-Whiplash integration, email sales@ezcomsoftware.com or call 201-731-1800, Option 1.
If you need to streamline and automate your data – reach out and we will be happy to listen and help build the perfect solution for your brand
