Get EDI capable without all the work and cost
Are you researching EDI alternatives? If you’ve heard that you need EDI, SPS Commerce can help. Our Fulfillment solution is a modern, cost-effective way to connect with all your trading partners. We help you avoid the time and expense of managing EDI yourself.
What are some common EDI alternatives?
If a retailer has asked you to do EDI, here are some options:
Continue manual order processing
If you want to receive orders manually (i.e., by phone, fax or email), you will need to ask your retail partner for an exemption to their EDI requirements. Even if they do grant an exemption, it is likely to be temporary.
Buy EDI software, a managed service or APIs that you maintain yourself
Some companies purchase and implement their own technology (such as EDI software, a managed service or APIs). This option requires significant IT expertise and resources on an ongoing basis.
Compare your EDI alternatives
Choosing an EDI solution is about more than technology. You also need expert staff to manage your EDI operations and a process for connecting with retail trading partners. Here’s how common EDI alternatives address the people, process and technology aspects of EDI, as well as the related costs for each type of solution.
Manual order processing
Do-it-yourself EDI or APIs
Full-service EDI
People
In-house team of technical experts needed
In-house team of technical experts needed
Outsourced team handles ongoing EDI tasks
Process
Relies on time-intensive, error-prone processes such as emails and phone calls
Expert team needed to build and maintain trading partner connections
Outsourced team takes ownership for trading partner connections and any changes
Technology
Does not include technology
Each technology component must be installed and maintained by a technical team
Includes all the technology needed for full EDI compliance, as well as a team to install and maintain it
Cost to your business
$$$$$
Significant investment in dedicated staffing
$$$$$
Significant investment in technology tools and staffing (typically involves hidden fees)
$$
Predictable, all-inclusive fees include technology and full-service team
A full-service EDI solution such as SPS Commerce Fulfillment frees your team from time-consuming EDI tasks, so you can focus on what matters most to your business.
Get EDI advantages without the hassle of traditional EDI systems
Full-Service Order Automation Helps Gemplers
Prior to partnering with SPS, Gempler’s was working with another EDI provider, who left the work of vendor compliance up to them. They were only able to onboard a few of their suppliers on their own. SPS not only spearheaded outreach to vendors, but also handled the project management. With the full-service approach and expertise of SPS, Gempler’s has seen greater success in meeting their business goals.
Want more information on what to look for in a modern EDI system? Download our free RFP document!
Hear what companies like yours say about our EDI advantages
“We like how it is a bridge between so many retailers and us. It’s taken the intimidating aspect away and helped us seamlessly complete our daily orders. When we have someone new to put on board, SPS has the connections already existing.”
Santiago G.’s review on G2Crowd
“The process we went through for onboarding was very smooth. I had questions along the way and always received proper knowledgeable replies.”
Rose-Anne D.’s review on G2Crowd
“Major upsides are the connections they already have built with many retailers: any retailer we have wanted to work with they have been able to support. Testing is really easy as well. They have a team of experts to work with during the mapping/testing process.”
Patrick K.’s review on G2Crowd
If you’re looking to better understand EDI, SPS Commerce can help.
All you need is 10 minutes within one of our experts!
Learn how full-service EDI can help your business.
Contact our expert team today to learn more about SPS Commerce Fulfillment.
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