Brewer
Legacy systems and inefficient processes impeded information flow with this brewer's customers and among its business units. As a result, the company sought a solution that would speed data flow, reduce data-entry errors and provide a window into relevant market data. The EDS team developed and deployed a comprehensive communications infrastructure and a stable, scalable electronic data interchange (EDI) application system. Within this environment, EDS and the company collaborated to develop a number of applications and an associated database to support EDI-related business functions. The solution enables the brewer's wholesalers to conduct business electronically with large national retail chains. The brewer also has access to previously untapped internal sources of information and can focus on its core business.
The Business Issue
This brewer needed an industrial-strength solution to improve its supply chain processes, freeing it up to concentrate on core competencies, including customer care.
Our Approach
- Create a stable, secure technology environment and communications infrastructure
- Incorporate robust supply chain management interfaces
- Provide a scalable, dynamic electronic data interchange (EDI) system so product distributors can communicate easily with corporate systems
How It Worked
- EDI solution lets the brewer get closer to its supply chain, resulting in inventory and financial process excellence
- Productivity improvements and operating efficiencies have a solid impact on the bottom line
- Improved communications and EDI technology allow the brewer to focus on its core business
The Technology
EDS developed a complex, yet simple, technology environment built on a mix of customized and industry-standard technologies and processes – an environment that EDS continues to enhance, manage and maintain. An SEI CMM®-certified team of technology professionals is available 24/7 to support both the communications infrastructure and the EDI application.
The Full Story
Brewer Needed a Way To Improve Its Supply Chain Processes
Legacy business systems, along with financial transactions and bill payment issues, were creating bottlenecks in a brewer's supply chain processes. The company realized it needed a way to circumvent these delays so it could maintain existing close relationships with its product distributors. Specifically, it sought to improve linkages between distributors, corporate order management, inventory data and financial reconciliation applications.
The brewer needed an industrial-strength business and technology solution with supporting processes to enable the supply chain, uphold financial integrity and ensure exacting product quality and distribution efficiency. Another crucial requirement was a window to real-time, relevant market data that would enable better production planning and consumer purchase trends forecasting. With consumer satisfaction on the line, the brewer found the solution and responsive support it was looking for – from EDS.
EDS Deploys a Single Yet Comprehensive Communications Infrastructure
The EDS team developed and deployed a comprehensive communications infrastructure and a stable, scalable EDI application system. This gave the brewer a secure distribution environment for its financial enterprise processes. Now, the company can manage capital better, gain access to real-time inventory data and increase distributor effectiveness. EDS continues to maintain the system, providing multiple levels of business security in the highly stable environment necessary for conducting EDI transactions.
Scalable Solution Helps the Brewer Gain a Competitive Advantage Across Its Distribution Chain
With the EDS solution in place, the brewer can focus on its core business: getting its products to consumers exactly when and where they want them. The scalable EDI solution helps the company gain a competitive advantage by enabling prompt product reimbursement practices throughout the distribution chain, including the wholesale and retail marketers of the brewer's branded consumer products.
The EDS-provided applications environment also gives the brewer access to previously untapped internal sources of information. For example, the brewer learns about regional market consumer buying trends and how they affect the company's inventory management process. By using this information, the brewer can satisfy its consumers better – and strengthen its bottom line.
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