How to nail your next buyer meeting: A supplier’s guide
As a growing supplier, securing a buyer meeting with a major retailer is a significant milestone. However, turning that opportunity into a long-term partnership requires preparation and a deep understanding of what buyers seek. Once you’ve met with the buyer, things...
ERP migrations: 4 challenges for suppliers
It’s challenging for a supplier to go through an ERP change or migration, especially when you work with a large volume of major retailers. The process is complex and requires a strategic approach to manage various aspects, including integration, change management,...
The basics of working capital financial products: enhancing cashflow
It can be challenging to keep adequate cash in the bank, especially when you're growing rapidly or experiencing sales volatility. Working capital management is essential to running your business efficiently and paving the way for growth. What is working capital?...
Tackling omnichannel order management with Shopify EDI integration
Have you ever wondered, “Is Shopify EDI-capable?” If you’re a Shopify user, it’s clear you’re serious about putting your business on the path to success. But wouldn’t it be even easier to profit if all your sales and order data could be stored and accessed in one...
Become an inventory optimization expert
Today’s supply chain is full of disruptions that are often completely out of suppliers’ control. With unexpected delivery and procurement obstacles, it can be difficult to secure the right amount of on-hand inventory, resulting in overstocked or understocked...
Five signs it may be time to switch to a full-service solution
If you feel like your current EDI solution is lacking when it comes to things like scalability, pricing or support, it may be time to switch providers. But what does that mean exactly? How do you know when it’s time to retire a solution you’ve been relying on? Let’s...
The ultimate EDI guide for Acumatica
Staying ahead of tomorrow’s retail demands means mastering efficiency and accuracy. This is where Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) can shine, revolutionizing how businesses exchange information. It streamlines communication, minimizes errors and speeds up transaction...
Diving into supply chain disruptions
Supply chain disruptions are often unpredictable and can be costly to the supplier—not only in terms of money, but also due to the valuable time and resources required to overcome these obstacles. In today’s competitive, global supply chain, suppliers continue to face...
Sync up for success: tips to tackle peak season
As we approach another holiday shopping season, retailers and their third-party logistics partners (3PLs) are gearing up for the annual surge in demand. In a recent webinar hosted by Supply Chain Now, the SPS team shared valuable insights on how 3PLs can prepare for...
4 proven strategies businesses are using to drive growth in 2024
We recently wrapped up our IN> events for the first half of the year in Dallas and Atlanta, where we engaged with supply chain leaders to discuss industry and market insights. When we asked attendees about their biggest business priority, the answer was clear:...
How to become an omnichannel 3PL company
Consumers migrated to eCommerce during the pandemic, but brick-and-mortar retail continues to prove its enduring appeal. Now more than ever, logistics firms must transform into omnichannel 3PL companies. Here are a few highlights from our recent webinar with Supply...
Five considerations for Microsoft Dynamics 365 EDI
If you’re a Microsoft Dynamics 365 user through-and-through, you’re already used to a certain level of support, the latest technology and product accessibility. Don’t you wish all your tech was as simple? Whether you’re a tried-and-true Dynamics AX user or have been...
Solving the excess inventory dilemma
Excess inventory is a common challenge many suppliers face, often arising from unexpected shifts in demand, inaccurate forecasts or sudden changes in market trends. Whether it's a result of unseasonal weather, supply chain disruptions or unpredictable events like a...
Everything you need to prepare for a Microsoft cloud migration
If you’ve heard the recent news that Microsoft will be limiting the support for Dynamics GP and you’re one of the companies still running Great Plains, you may be scrambling to understand your options. Luckily, this rumor isn’t precisely true. While Microsoft has...
How smarter, simpler ordering can boost sustainability for grocers
Manual ordering processes often lead companies to continual overstocking or understocking, resulting in wasted product and lost revenue. A lack of quick insight into current stock and trending consumer products can lead to revenue loss, customer dissatisfaction and...
What is omnichannel fulfillment?
Today, 21% of retail sales are completed online. By 2026, it’s expected that number will jump to 25%. For suppliers, it can be challenging to meet the omnichannel supply chain requirements set by retailers who expect them to support various management models and sales...
Strategic inventory control: 7 metrics that matter
By setting key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor inventory management, businesses are empowered to make better strategic decisions. Tracking the right metrics enables companies to improve cash flow, reduce operating costs and offer an exceptional customer...
What you need to know about FSMA 204
Imagine you’re running a natural food store, filled with organic produce and specialty items your customers love. Business is going well, but as you look ahead, you see the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) mandates coming into effect in 2026. These new FDA rules...
How online retailers keep return cost low
An estimated 30 percent of all products ordered online are returned—that’s three to four times the return rate of products bought in-store. In 2023, consumers returned $817 billion worth of products—that's over 16% of total retail sales for the year. Returns may be...
Discover why lack of data is a top supplier challenge in 2024
In early 2024, SPS Commerce partnered with Supply Chain Dive to survey 150 suppliers about the challenges they faced in the past year, and how prepared they feel for future disruptions. The survey also asked them what steps they have taken or plan to take in order to...
Understanding Sell-Through Rate
Sell-through rate is an essential piece of the supply chain puzzle. Understanding this metric isn't just about crunching numbers; it's about wielding a powerful tool to elevate your inventory management process and improve your overall business success. If your...
Everything you need to know if you’re running Microsoft Dynamics AX
With Microsoft’s decision to sunset AX, many companies are struggling to decide what they need to do next to plan a successful migration. Here’s what you need to know when you’re planning a migration, whether you’re looking for more capabilities or just need more...
Brands struggle to optimize for eCommerce
When it comes to online sales and distribution channels, shipping pallets and cases of products off to retailers isn’t the only option for suppliers anymore. Vendors normally send their products to a retailer for in-store and online sales, but more and more, suppliers will handle the fulfillment on their behalf and drop ship the item to the consumer.
Integrating EDI into your SAP S/4HANA solution
When you’re an enterprise company, you need a strategy to manage the complexity of your business. Your team needs to be as effective as possible to keep up with all incoming demands, but you don’t want to exhaust current resources or focus on the wrong items. As you...
Key considerations for an SAP cloud migration
You’ve just selected SAP S/4HANA as your new ERP system–now what? SAP cloud migration is always a daunting task, especially when you’re dealing with a collection of EDI integrations to manage with various trading partners. What if we told you that there’s an easier...
All-in-one: wholesale, marketplace, and eCommerce order fulfillment
Orders come into a supplier’s business through a variety of wholesale, distributor, and direct-to-consumer sales channels, including: Wholesale and distribution channels like Target, Walmart, Costco, etc. eCommerce platforms such as BigCommerce, WooCommerce and...
4 strategies to conquer lean inventory challenges
Retailers are navigating the post-pandemic landscape with a shift toward lean inventory management, aiming to maximize inventory efficiency. This adjustment places suppliers in a tricky spot, walking a fine line between insufficient production and excessive stock....
Revitalize your supply chain
Consumers have more choices than ever, with an enormous number of channels to shop from and an endless stream of products. With so much choice and flexibility, how do you stay relevant and profitable? According to the 2023 MHI Annual Report of over 1,000 supply chain...
Automated Data Speeds Up 3PL Warehouse Operations
Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) excel at warehouse operations. They do it fast. They do it right. They are the experts. This is the service that their customers pay for. But, does part of a 3PLs’ ability to quickly fulfill orders fall on their customer’s...
Accurate Data Key to 3PL Order Accuracy
The saying “garbage in, garbage out” certainly applies to the retail supply chain. Wherever incomplete or errant data is found, so are mistakes, delays and additional costs. SPS recently surveyed nearly 200 third-party providers (3PLs) about data. The responses showed...
Acumatica Summit 2024: A recap
The SPS Commerce team headed to Las Vegas for another year to gather with everyone in the Acumatica community. The show was wonderful as always and was filled with customer and partner conversations, great breakout sessions and an amazing after party at The Sphere....
6 Advantages of Integrating Your Infor ERP System with SPS Commerce
For larger businesses, implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system can add layers of complexity onto an already-complex process. Understanding your ERP system’s full capabilities can take months, and finding the best ways to leverage those capabilities...
Capture buyer’s attention with retail sell-through data
Vendors know that buyers are busy people. They’re buying thousands of products for a single store or focusing on one department across a regional or national chain of stores. And, unfortunately, they don’t have a lot of time to converse with individual vendors, especially those who fall in their second or third tier according to sales volume.
Three Takeaways from SuiteWorld 2023
SPS Commerce was thrilled to attend and participate in SuiteWorld 2023 in October. This year’s event in Las Vegas celebrated "25 years of NetSuite”, and the innovation on display showed an exciting peek at what’s to come. As long-term partners with Oracle NetSuite,...
Built-for-NetSuite partner discussion: RF-SMART and SPS Commerce
SPS Commerce has recently partnered with RF-SMART to bring our joint customers more efficiency when they process their orders through NetSuite. We talked with Kevin Gaul, product manager at RF-SMART, and our own Siobhan Finders, senior product manager at SPS to learn...
5 common problems distributors face
In today’s evolving supply chain landscape, distributors face mounting pressure from both vendors and customers to deliver exceptional service, error-free order processing and seamless communication. Without streamlined processes, businesses often resort to...
The importance of data analytics in the automotive aftermarket
A growing industry with complex needs The automotive aftermarket is experiencing exponential growth, driven by the need to keep up with competitors and meet the ever-evolving needs of its customer base. Supply chain issues, economic uncertainty and a lack of...
What is Assortment Planning?
Here are the top things you should know when it comes to assortment plannings: What is assortment planning? Why is assortment planning important? Where does assortment planning fit in your overall process? Key factors to consider when developing an assortment plan How...
8 vital strategies for suppliers to earn an “A” with retailers
Suppliers play a pivotal role in shaping the customer experience, providing the data retailers need to align with customer demands. While Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the backbone of B2B transactions, suppliers need a deep understanding of retailer...
Achieve eCommerce growth through the ShipHawk and SPS Commerce partnership
In the fast-paced world of eCommerce, efficient processes and workflows are essential for success. One critical aspect of online business that often poses a significant challenge is EDI order processing. Every trading partner presents unique specifications, and...
Unpacking four key shipping challenges
At first glance, shipping seems like a straightforward process. Pick the right product from your inventory, pack it securely, book a shipment with a carrier, label the package and send it to the customer. But there’s much more to shipping than meets the eye. Shipping...
The power of accurate product attributes
Success in today's retail landscape requires retailers to launch products in digital channels and deliver an exceptional experience for customers, wherever they’re shopping. The slightest error in data or a launch delay can send customers running to your competitors....
Three common challenges 3PLs face and how to solve them
As a third-party logistics provider (3PL), you're no stranger to supply chain complexity. Your customers rely on you to help them meet the unique requirements of their customers and selling channels. Here are three strategies to optimize omnichannel fulfillment and...
Solve the item data dilemma
Businesses need accurate, comprehensive item data to thrive in today’s omnichannel environment. If you’re a buying organization (such as a retailer, grocer or distributor), you need item data to determine which products to carry, issue precise orders, streamline...
The true costs of inefficient vendor onboarding
The typical process for onboarding a new vendor or supplier can take weeks, if not months. Though it sounds like a long, annoying process, the truth is that it’s a much bigger issue. Whether you’re a supplier who is complying with retailer requirements, or a retailer...
FSMA 204 compliance: why you should start now
In the complex landscape of the food supply chain, the upcoming FSMA 204 mandates from the FDA have gained considerable attention. These mandates bring new challenges and requirements for grocers and food distributors to ensure food safety and traceability. Everyone...
Effective category management through comprehensive item data
In the ever-changing retail landscape, it’s essential to have accurate and thorough product data for successful category management. With shifting consumer preferences and the need for precise inventory control, retailers are realizing the crucial role of high-quality...
EDI compliance brings value for buying organizations
As a retailer, distributor or wholesaler, you might work with dozens or hundreds of suppliers. Each one of your trading partners offers tens to hundreds of individual products and SKUs. Each brand, supplier or manufacturer has their own system and format for their...
How EDI service providers help unlock success
Like many technologies, EDI services are not one-size-fits-all solutions. In fact, the best EDI services can be customized to your business needs. In this article, we will cover: What is an EDI service provider? Benefits of EDI services Questions for evaluating EDI...
Streamline operations with SPS Commerce for QuickBooks
The global supply chain is constantly evolving, and businesses need comprehensive tools to stay ahead of the game. SPS Commerce and QuickBooks share over 6,000 joint customers, and are excited to bring them a powerful, integrated solution to simplify their operations....
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