Business Challenge – Finding an ERP System that Integrates with EDI
Frette is a luxury linen manufacturer. Since 1860, they have been offering top-quality products for clients. The company sells its products through various fine retailers, such as Bloomingdale’s and Harrods. Additionally, Frette uses its website and standalone retail store for selling directly to consumers. In 2018, Frette decided to update its ERP system as well as transition to a new EDI solution.
Frette needed to use an ERP system that could easily meet all of their needs. The system needed to be cloud-based. It also had to include finance, ERP, and retail packages with point of sale support. The company eventually switched its ERP system from Microsoft Dynamics GP to Microsoft Dynamics 365. Frette also needed to transition to a new cloud-based EDI solution. This solution would need to fully integrate with the new ERP system.
Software Solution – Microsoft Dynamics 365
After reviewing all of the various options, Microsoft Dynamics 365 was the top choice. Choosing to use TrueCommerce EDI for Microsoft Dynamics 365 was a simple choice for the company due to three critical reasons.
1) Easy Integration Process
The modular architecture for TrueCommerce makes it possible to integrate EDI with the accounting and ERP system due to a business system plug-in (BSP). Without impacting the EDI solution, customers can easily switch plug-ins while transitioning to a new ERP platform. By not having to retest the solution with all of their current partners, this simple integration process saved Frette a significant amount of time.
2) Managed Service Solution
Another reason Frette chose to work with TrueCommerce for Microsoft Dynamics 365 is its managed service solution. The company handles all of the connectivity requirements. Meanwhile, they also manage trading partner mappings. By eliminating the need to hire an EDI expert, these services enable Frette to save money.
3) Simple Process
TrueCommerce EDI for Microsoft Dynamics 365 easily integrates within the business system. Using this platform simplifies EDI for each user. It does this by reducing demands on IT and lessening training requirements. Additionally, it provides real value for the company.
Using this technology saved Frette time and money. It also streamlined everyday business operations as well as decreased the total EDI cost of ownership.
Currently, the EDI partners of Frette include American Hotel Registry, Bed Bath & Beyond, Bloomingdale, Saks, and they plan to add even more.
The Process with EDI
These inbound purchase orders automatically import at regular intervals into Dynamics 365 by using TrueCommerce Scheduler. Customer service staff members review each order in Dynamics 365 before giving them to the warehouse. These staff members also verify the EDI application to ensure inbound purchase orders don’t have an error status.
Once an order reaches third-party logistics, an employee at Frette sends out a warehouse shipping order. This includes customer information and a picking list. After third-party logistics ships out an order, they confirm its status by using an EDI warehouse shipping document. An advanced shipping notice is generated. Then, it’s imported into the EDI system. This information is sent to the customer.
Afterward, an automated process uses the EDI document to create a packing slip and an invoice. The TrueCommerce Schedule is also used to transmit each invoice to customers.
The Results
Using TrueCmmerce EDI for Dynamics 365 is better than the previous version. The EDI module is now within the ERP environment. The process enables users to review this data in Dynamics at any time without the need for switching systems. This helps to boost efficiency and decreases the need for additional training. In addition, this process makes it possible to manage access for the EDI solution between IT users and the business.
Using TrueCommerce eliminated the need for using a dedicated IT resource. Because they don’t need to maintain trading partner mappings for this specialized work, an in-house EDI expert is no longer needed. Now, Frette can work with their EDI partners to understand which data elements to transmit. For additional assistance with mappings, they’re able to contact TrueCommerce Support.
This type of approach makes it much simpler to onboard new partners while also making it easier to handle changes with existing partners.
One of Frette’s largest clients recently switched vendors, as they were able to use TrueCommece to guide them throughout the process. This saved everyone a lot of time, as Frette only had to do testing to complete the transition.
Very few other vendors provide this cost-saving benefit. For example, an EDI solution from another company required significant investment for additional consulting for maintaining the mappings. On the other hand, TrueCommerce handles all of these duties, and it’s one less thing to manage for Frette.
Deploying this software solution has created significant ROI. Frette is happy to recommend TrueCommerce EDI to other businesses. This partnership is especially beneficial for companies that don’t have a large IT department. Ultimately, using TrueCommerce’s managed service approach is a great way to save money, time, and effort.
