eXchange: Foodstuffs revamps e-commerce platform for suppliers

New Zealand Editor, CIO |

This will allow us to be nimbler and more responsive to technological advancementsAna Connor, Foodstuffs

eXchange replaces a 20-year-old platform, and integrates the separate Data eXpress and SRM (supplier relationship management) sites.

This means everything from purchasing, invoicing and delivery forecast notifications, through to advance shipment notices and supplier communication, can now be managed at one location, says Foodstuffs project lead Ana Connor.

Foodstuffs developed the integrated system from scratch using the powerful Crossfire EDI engine and AWS cloud-based platform.

Connor says that with one login, all suppliers will now be able to manage their business transactions, product information and relationship contacts with both the North Island and South Island businesses.

Historically they have had to visit three separate systems.

“We process about 1.2 million transactions every month and receive product data from about 400 suppliers from the GS1 national product catalogue,” says Connor.

Ana Connor

With one login, all suppliers will now be able to manage their business transactions, product information and relationship contacts with both the North Island and South Island businesses

“The eXchange system will focus on integrating these data feeds and reducing supplier administration when adding a new product or modifying their range, for example.”

“Good information allows us, as an industry, to accurately identify products as they move through the supply chain and enable efficiencies across the whole business,” says Connor.

“When we use barcode numbers correctly, we can speak the same language as our suppliers and increase business value. Transacting electronically also amps up efficiency by removing data entry tasks that introduce errors and take valuable time away from building effective relationships.”

More importantly, the new eXchange also provides a platform for further integration and added features.

“This will allow us to be nimbler and more responsive to technological advancements, ensuring we remain well-placed to deliver the best trading experience with Foodstuffs,” says Connor.

Foodstuffs process about 1.2 million transactions every month and receive product data from about 400 suppliers from the national product catalogue

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Send news tips and comments to divina_paredes@idg.co.nz @divinap

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Divina Paredes was the editor of CIO New Zealand.

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