A third party logistics (3PL) provider (warehouse) had many issues communicating with their customers (vendors) on how and when to ship EDI orders. When waiting for shipping requests they would receive emails or faxes but inevitably it would take numerous phone calls and hours of additional labor to make sure everyone was on the same page. One customer in particular used another EDI provider to print the UCC128 labels.
"The Spring Systems team really cares about our client's business. They take the time to learn how we ship and help us become more accurate and efficient. "
President
Stronghold Warehouse
The Client
- Multiple vendors
- Wholesale Apparel & Accessories
The Challenge
A third party logistics (3PL) provider (warehouse) had many issues communicating with their customers (vendors) on how and when to ship EDI orders. When waiting for shipping requests they would receive emails or faxes but inevitably it would take numerous phone calls and hours of additional labor to make sure everyone was on the same page. One customer in particular used another EDI provider to print the UCC128 labels.
The warehouse needed to pick and pack the orders, fax the marked up pick list to the EDI provider, then wait 1-2 days before receiving the UCC128 labels and shipping the goods. Eventually this proved unacceptable with too many accuracy related errors, additional overhead, and 2 days of unnecessary shipping delays.
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Spring Systems has provided EDI services and expertise since 1996, giving the wholesale industry an effective, automated way of doing business with major retailers.
Solution
Luckily Stronghold had a partnership with Spring Systems and was able to help migrate retailer by retailer onto Spring Systems' Portalapp. Now using only two clicks within Portalapp, the vendor sends a shipping order directly into the 3PL's warehouse management system (WMS). The warehouse picks, packs, and ships the order using their own UCC128 labels. Completing the shipment triggers a notification back to eSpring which automatically converts the data into an accurate EDI advanced shipping notice (ASN). Accuracy has greatly improved and the vendor has gained up to 3 days in their already tight shipping window. Even better, the warehouse doesn't have to worry about changing retailer ASN rules. This is left up to Spring Systems, the EDI experts.
Results
- Vendors are able to ship faster. Labels are printed at the warehouse same day.
- 97% improvement in ASN accuracy
- 75% reduction in EDI related chargebacks
- The results are faster speed to market, no delays in reworking shipments and no miscommunications.