1. Data-Driven Insights for Better Decision Making

SPS Commerce provides advanced analytics tools that transform raw data into actionable insights. This helps companies into their decision making processes as they can dive into different sorts of data. Here are a few examples:

• Discover demand patterns: Analyze transactional data from trading partners to identify seasonal spikes for specific products.
• Regional trends: Tailor strategies based on location-specific buying behavior, such as increased demand for fall apparel in colder regions.
• Predictive capabilities: Use historical data to forecast future seasonal trends and make smarter inventory and marketing decisions.

2. Omni-Channel Visibility

With the rise of eCommerce and hybrid shopping behaviors, it’s crucial to understand consumer activity across different channels. A clear visibility on your supply chain is the key to success. Here is how SPS Commerce can help:

• Unified data view: SPS Commerce integrates data from online marketplaces, brick-and-mortar stores, and wholesale channels.
• Channel performance: Pinpoint where seasonal purchases are happening to refine your campaign strategies.

3. Collaborative Data Sharing to Stay Ahead

SPS Commerce fosters collaboration by connecting retailers, suppliers, and distributors through its retail network. This collaboration is a win-win situation where organizations are a step ahead of competition. How can this be achieved:

• Real-time insights: Share and access seasonal buying data directly from trading partners to more accurately forecast demand.
• Supply chain alignment: Coordinate production schedules and inventory levels to efficiently meet seasonal demand.

4. Inventory Management for Seasonal Peaks

Seasonal buying trends often cause unpredictable demand spikes. We can’t stress enough the importance of stock visibility, and if you want to go deeper on the topic, we already wrote blog posts about inventory management. Here are two example on how SPS Commerce helps businesses stay prepared.

• Automated replenishment: Ensure you never run out of popular seasonal products, such as Halloween costumes or holiday decorations.
• Turnover analysis: Track how well seasonal products perform to make data-driven decisions for future inventory planning.

5. Impactful Seasonal Promotions

Seasonal campaigns can make or break your Q4 revenue goals. SPS Commerce’s data-driven insights ensure your promotions are successful.

• Product popularity: Identify top-performing products during the fall season and concentrate your promotional efforts on them.
• Campaign tracking: Analyze the impact of seasonal promotions to refine your strategy during peak buying periods.

6. Enhanced Forecasting for Future Trends

Accurate forecasting is crucial for preparing for seasonal demands. SPS Commerce uses predictive analytics, combining all available insights, to help businesses stay ahead.

• Early trend identification: Discover emerging consumer preferences, like trending Halloween costumes or fall-flavored beverages.
• Demand forecasting: Use October buying data to optimize inventory for the holiday rush.

7. Retail Network Connectivity

SPS Commerce’s vast network of retailers and suppliers provides valuable insights into seasonal buying patterns. It is our biggest strength and is undeniably a competitive advantage.

• Benchmarking: Compare your seasonal performance against industry standards to identify growth opportunities.
• Collaborative planning: Work with trading partners to align strategies for seasonal peaks.

8. Real-Time Reporting and Alerts

Staying agile during seasonal peaks is critical. SPS Commerce provides real-time data to support quick and informed decision-making.

• Demand spikes: Receive alerts for sudden changes in seasonal demand to avoid stockouts or overstocking.
• Campaign performance: Monitor the success of your seasonal strategies in real time and adjust as needed.

9. Seamless Integration with Existing Systems

SPS Commerce integrates with ERP, POS, and eCommerce platforms, allowing businesses to easily track seasonal trends without overhauling their systems. Your organization can benefit from all insights, without even changing habits or systems, allowing:

• Streamlined workflows: Consolidate seasonal data analysis into your existing processes.
• Enhanced usability: Make seasonal insights more accessible across teams for better collaboration.

10. Strategic Partner Collaboration

Finally, SPS Commerce fosters collaboration between trading partners to align seasonal strategies effectively.

• Coordinate promotions: Work with suppliers and retailers to optimize seasonal campaigns and inventory planning.
• Share insights: Leverage data from the SPS Commerce network to gain a competitive edge.

Conclusion

Seasonal buying trends present businesses with incredible opportunities for businesses to connect with their customers, boost sales, and refine their strategies. SPS Commerce provides the tools, insights, and partnerships needed to analyze trends effectively and succeed during key shopping periods.

Whether it’s predicting demand for Halloween costumes or preparing for the holiday shopping surge, SPS Commerce empowers businesses to make smarter, data-driven decisions. Are you ready to unlock the power of seasonal buying trends? Let SPS Commerce be your trusted partner.

Understanding digitalization in supply chains 

Digitalization in supply chains goes beyond implementing flashy technologies; it’s about creating an ecosystem where information flows freely, and processes are optimized. At its core, digitalization is the transformation of supply chain operations by leveraging technology to integrate data, automate tasks, and enhance connectivity among stakeholders. 

Supply chain ecosystem often includes managing complex networks of suppliers, distributors, retailers, and customers. In this environment, digitalization provides the tools to streamline workflows, improve decision-making, and enhance customer satisfaction. 

Let’s break down the key pillars of digitalization in supply chains:

Data integration: The foundation of a supply chain

A supply chain is only as strong as the data that supports it. Data integration involves connecting disparate systems, platforms, and stakeholders to create a unified view of operations. With the right integration tools, supply chain managers can access real-time data on inventory levels, supplier performance, transportation schedles, and customer demand. 

Why it matters: 

• Improved Visibility: Integrated data provides end-to-end visibility, empowering managers to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies quickly. 

• Enhanced Decision-Making: A centralized data system enables accurate forecasting and informed decisions based on real-time insights. 

• Collaboration: Integration bridges the gap between departments and partners, fostering better communication and coordination. 

Example in action: Imagine a retailer using integrated data systems to monitor supplier inventory levels and automatically adjust order quantities based on customer demand trends. This level of synchronization ensures that shelves are stocked without overloading warehouses.

 Reducing manual efforts with automation

Automation is one of the most tangible benefits of supply chain digitalization. Replacing repetitive manual tasks with automated workflows not only saves time but also minimizes errors and frees up human resources for strategic activities. 

Why it matters: 

• Efficiency gains: Automated processes streamline operations, from order processing to inventory management. 

• Cost savings: Reducing manual intervention lowers operational costs while increasing productivity. 

• Scalability: Automated systems can handle increased workloads without compromising accuracy or speed. 

Example in action: A distribution center equipped with automated pick-and-pack systems can process thousands of orders per day with minimal human intervention, ensuring faster delivery times and reduced labor costs.

Building a collaborative ecosystem with connectivity

Digitalization is fundamentally about connectivity—connecting systems, people, and processes to create a seamless supply chain network. Connectivity ensures that all stakeholders, from suppliers to customers, are on the same page, leading to improved collaboration and transparency. 

Why it matters: 

• Real-time updates: Connected systems provide instant updates on shipment status, inventory levels, and production schedules. 

• Customer satisfaction: Enhanced connectivity allows for faster response times and better communication with customers. 

• Resilience: Connected networks are better equipped to adapt to disruptions, ensuring continuity in the face of challenges. 

Example in action: A supply chain manager utilizing IoT-enabled tracking devices can monitor the exact location and condition of shipments in transit, making adjustments as needed to avoid delays or damage. 

 Why digitalization is crucial for supply chains 

In the rapidly evolving world of supply chain management, staying competitive requires more than adopting AI or robotics. Digitalization offers a holistic approach to transforming operations by focusing on the integration of data, automation of processes, and connectivity among stakeholders. It enables supply chains to: 

• Respond faster to market changes. 

• Reduce costs while maintaining high service levels. 

• Foster collaboration across the supply chain ecosystem. 

Taking action: How to begin digitalizing your supply chain 

1. Assess your current systems: Identify areas where data silos, manual processes, or connectivity gaps exist. 

1. Invest in scalable solutions: Choose technologies that grow with your business, such as cloud-based platforms and IoT devices. 

1. Train your team: Equip your workforce with the skills to leverage digital tools effectively. 

1. Collaborate with partners: Work with suppliers, distributors, and technology providers to create a unified digital ecosystem.
   

The future of digitalized supply chains

As supply chains become increasingly global and complex, digitalization will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s future. Supply chain managers who embrace digitalization today will be better positioned to thrive in a world where agility, efficiency, and collaboration are key to success. 

Remember, digitalization isn’t just about adopting AI or robotics – it’s about creating smarter, more connected supply chains. By focusing on data integration, automation, and connectivity, supply chain managers can unlock the true potential of digitalization and drive their operations toward a more resilient and efficient future. 

What is supply chain management?

Supply Chain Management refers to the oversight and coordination of all activities involved in moving products from raw materials to end users. This includes planning, purchasing, manufacturing, logistics, and distribution. At SPS Commerce, we view SCM as more than just a logistical function – it’s a strategic process that fosters collaboration between businesses and their trading partners.

The ultimate goal of SCM? Delivering value to the customer. By streamlining operations, businesses can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and create more responsive and customer-centric supply chains.

The core principles of Supply Chain Management

To build a successful supply chain, businesses need to embrace several foundational principles:

1. Managing supply and demand

An effective supply chain starts with understanding and predicting customer needs. Leveraging data and analytics is key to optimizing inventory levels, minimizing waste, and ensuring products are available when they’re needed.

For example, predictive analytics can help businesses anticipate seasonal demand fluctuations, identify trends, and make informed decisions about stock replenishment.

2. Efficiency and speed

Efficiency goes beyond cost savings. It’s about eliminating bottlenecks, reducing lead times, and ensuring products are delivered faster and more reliably.

Companies that prioritize process improvements – such as automating workflows or optimizing transportation routes – can achieve significant reductions in delivery times while keeping costs under control.

3. Cooperation and transparency

Strong relationships with trading partners are the foundation of successful supply chains. Transparent communication and collaboration enable companies to share insights, address challenges proactively, and align their goals.

Technologies like Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) facilitate seamless data sharing and reduce the risk of errors, enabling smoother transactions and stronger partnerships.

4. Flexibility and agility

In today’s fast-changing world, agility is essential. An agile supply chain allows businesses to adapt quickly to disruptions, such as natural disasters, pandemics, or shifts in consumer preferences.

By implementing adaptive strategies – such as diversifying suppliers or investing in scalable technology – companies can remain resilient in the face of uncertainty.

Trends and challenges in SCM

The world of SCM is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer expectations. Here are some key trends shaping the industry:

• Sustainability: Environmental concerns are driving businesses to adopt green initiatives, from eco-friendly packaging to carbon reduction strategies. Sustainable practices not only benefit the planet but also appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
• Risk management: Disruptions like pandemics, geopolitical tensions, and cyber threats have highlighted the importance of proactive risk management. Businesses are investing in contingency plans, diversifying suppliers, and leveraging technology to mitigate risks.
• Data-first strategies: The rise of big data and advanced analytics is transforming SCM. Companies are using data-driven insights to optimize operations, predict demands, and enhance decision-making.

The key to a successful supply chain

Supply Chain Management is more than just moving goods; it is a strategic process that drives business success in a competitive marketplace. By embracing the fundamentals of SCM – such as efficiency, transparency, and agility – and leveraging technology, companies can build resilient and customer-focused supply chains.

At SPS Commerce we specialize in helping businesses optimize their supply chains through innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships. Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, improve inventory management, or embrace sustainable practices, we’re here to help.

Ready to take your supply chain to the next step? Contact us today to learn more about how SPS Commerce can support your business goals.

What is real-time data in inventory management?

Real-time data refers to information that is updated and available immediately as events occur. In inventory management, this means having real-time visibility of stock levels, sales, shipments and other key metrics. This data is often collected through technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, barcode scanners, RFID tags and integrated software systems.

Having real-time data can be a struggle for supply chain professionals, who might overlook this aspect of their processes. However, overlooking these data can leave behind even the best in the market.

The benefits of real-time data for inventory management

Real-time data provides many benefits, not only to inventory management, but also throughout the whole supply chain. Analyzing supply chain data puts organizations on the path of success. Let’s have a look at 6 key points:

1. Improved accuracy: Traditional inventory management systems often rely on periodic stock counts or batch updates, which can lead to errors or outdated information. Real-time data ensures that inventory levels are always accurate, minimizing issues such as overstocking or running out of stock.
2. Enhanced demand forecasting: Real-time data provides insight into customer buying patterns, seasonal trends and market conditions. This enables businesses to make more informed decisions about stock levels, ensuring they can meet demand without holding excessive inventory.
3. Optimized stock levels: With real-time insights, businesses can avoid the pitfalls of overstocking or understocking. They can swiftly identify slow-moving items and adapt their purchasing decisions and promotional strategies accordingly.
4. Faster decision-making: Real-time data enables managers to make quick, informed decisions. For instance, if a product sells faster than anticipated, businesses can immediately reorder or allocate stock from other locations.
5. Streamlined operations: Integrating real-time data with inventory management software enables businesses to automate processes such as reordering, inventory audits and reporting. This reduces manual effort and enhances operational efficiency.
6. Better customer experience: Customers expect products to be available when and where they need them. Real-time data allows businesses to provide customers with accurate stock information, ensuring a seamless shopping experience.

Applications of real-time data in inventory management

Analyzing supply chain data is the first step to success. Let’s now look at how you can leverage these data and take some actions:

• Automated reordering: Real-time data can trigger automatic purchase orders when stock levels hit predefined thresholds.
• Dynamic pricing: Businesses can adjust prices based on real-time demand and inventory levels.
• Warehouse optimization: Tracking inventory movement in real time enables businesses to optimize warehouse layouts and improve picking efficiency.
• Multi-channel syncing: Real-time data ensures consistent inventory levels across online stores, physical stores and third-party marketplaces.

Technologies Driving Real-Time Inventory Management

Several technologies enable businesses to harness the power of real-time data. Combining those technologies will improve your chances of success:

• IoT devices: Sensors and connected devices track stock levels and movement within warehouses.
• RFID tags: These provide instant updates on inventory as products move through the supply chain.
• Cloud-based software: Platforms such as ERP systems integrate data from multiple sources to provide a centralized view of inventory.
• AI and machine learning: These tools analyze real-time data to predict demand and optimize inventory processes.

Challenges in Implementing Real-Time Inventory Management

While the benefits of real-time data are now clear, there are challenges to implementing it:

• Cost of technology: Investing in IoT devices, software and training can be costly.
• Data overload: Managing and analyzing large volumes of data requires robust systems and expertise.
• Integration issues: Real-time data must be seamlessly integrated with existing processes and systems.

This is were SPS Commerce is your best ally. SPS Commerce offers unparalleled connectivity through seamless integration with thousands of solutions, enabling businesses to streamline operations and unlock their full potential. Our extensive network of pre-built connections ensures that retailers, suppliers, and distributors can effortlessly integrate with the platforms they rely on, from ERP systems to e-commerce marketplaces and shipping solutions.

The Future of Inventory Management

Finally, success is also tied to what lies ahead. As technology continues to evolve, real-time data will become increasingly critical for inventory management. Advancements in AI, blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) will further enhance visibility, accuracy and decision-making. Businesses that embrace these innovations will be better placed to meet customer expectations, reduce costs and stimulate growth.

How SPS Commerce can help you

SPS Commerce’s analytics solutions empower businesses with the ability to harness real-time data management, transforming raw data into actionable insights. By leveraging our advanced tools, companies can monitor performance metrics, track key trends, and make informed decisions without delay. As we’ve seen, real-time data management ensures that organizations respond proactively to market shifts, optimize inventory levels, and strengthen supply chain partnerships. With SPS Commerce, businesses gain the clarity and agility needed to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive sustainable growth—all backed by the power of accurate, timely data at their fingertips.

Conclusion

Real-time data is transforming inventory management from a reactive process into a proactive strategy. By leveraging accurate, up-to-the-minute information, businesses can optimize stock levels, improve forecasting and deliver better customer experiences. Whether you are a retailer, distributor or manufacturer, adopting real-time inventory management is not just a competitive advantage — it is a necessity in today’s dynamic market.

With SPS Commerce, businesses can focus on growth, knowing their systems work together harmoniously to support efficiency, collaboration, and scalability in today’s fast-paced digital economy. Contact us today to make to first step toward success!

Step 1: Understand why EDI is important for your business

Every organization has unique needs. EDI is not a “one-size-fits-all” solution, which is why good preparation starts with insight. What do you want to achieve? Perhaps you want to speed up processes, reduce human error, or collaborate more efficiently with trading partners. By clearly defining your goals, you lay a solid foundation for your implementation.

It’s all about identifying opportunities. Perhaps you’ve noticed that invoices are often delayed due to manual processing, or that your current systems struggle to keep track of stock levels. EDI can address these pain points, but only if you have a clear idea of what you want to improve.

Tip: Make a list of your current challenges and determine how EDI can provide a solution. Involve stakeholders from different departments to get a complete picture.

Step 2: Choosing the right technology

The choice of an EDI solution determines the success of your implementation. Technology can be a powerful tool, but only if it fits your processes. A cloud-based solution, for example, offers flexibility and scalability, ideal for companies that want to grow quickly. On the other hand, an integrated solution can work seamlessly with your existing ERP system.

The key lies in compatibility. Your technology must not only fit in with your current systems, but also with your plans for the future. Ask yourself: what will my business look like in five years’ time? Choose a solution that grows with your ambitions.

Step 3: Involve trading partners

EDI is all about collaboration. It connects you not only internally, but also with your trading partners. That is why it is crucial to involve them from the start. What are their expectations? What standards do they use? By asking these questions, you build a solid foundation for joint processes.

A good relationship with your trading partners is essential here. Communication plays a major role, especially when you need to coordinate technical specifications. Think about sharing timelines, test plans, and objectives. The better the cooperation, the smoother your implementation will be.

Step 4: Internal preparation

The real challenge of EDI implementation often lies within your own organization. Are your systems ready for integration? Do your teams understand what is expected of them? EDI is more than a technological change: it is a shift in how your business operates.

Start with training. Employees need to know how to handle EDI processes and what the benefits are. Then comes the testing phase. This is not the time to rush; mistakes made during this phase can cause major problems later on. Make testing a priority and involve everyone who has an impact on the process.

Step 5: Continue monitoring and improving

EDI implementation is not an end point; it is a beginning. Once your systems are operational, the real work begins. Monitor how processes are running and analyze where improvements can be made. Consider speed, error rates, and feedback from your trading partners.

Optimization is an ongoing process. After a few months, you may discover that certain workflows could be more efficient, or that additional automation is needed in a specific department. By continuing to actively improve, you can get the most out of your EDI.

EDI as an engine for growth

Implementing EDI can be a game changer for your organization. Not only does it help you work more efficiently, but it also helps you build better relationships with trading partners and respond more quickly to market changes. By following the five steps outlined in this blog, you can ensure that your organization is ready for success in a digital world.

Would you like to know how SPS Commerce can support you with your EDI implementation? Contact us today for a consultation, free of obligation. Together, we can ensure that your organization is ready for the future!

With an electronic data interchange (EDI) solution, you can electronically transmit documents such as orders, inventory updates, shipping notices and invoices. This not only eliminates time-consuming data-entry tasks and automates your order processes but also helps you support more clients and more retailers without adding operational strain.

But what about your customers who aren’t set up to use EDI?

If you’re like many suppliers and 3PLs, you work with a mix of retailers and clients who still send orders by PDFs, spreadsheets, emails and attachments.

Managing orders from non-EDI customers can be a step backwards into the inefficiencies of manual workflows. You have higher operational costs and an extra layer of difficulty when it comes to scaling and growing your business. Manual entry slows down receiving, creates downstream errors and adds cost to every order you handle.

There’s a better way.

SPS Commerce PDF Order Automation is the key to seamlessly processing non-EDI orders across your entire network, reducing effort, eliminating errors and enabling faster, more reliable fulfillment.

Navigating non-EDI order hassles

Once you’ve experienced smooth EDI order processing, the challenges of handling non-EDI orders feel even more painful, especially in a warehouse environment where every minute matters:

• High operational costs: Manually entering orders into your system costs you both time and resources, driving up cost per order and slowing down the floor, especially during peak volume.
• Errors and delays: The fallout of mis-keyed data for your business can be picking mistakes, incorrect shipments, chargebacks, damaged client trust and missed SLAs.
• Limited scalability: The more your business grows, the more manually processed PDFs and emails simply cannot keep pace with client onboarding or seasonal volume spikes.

Outdated workflows are what keep many operations from reaching true supply chain efficiency.

Transforming non-EDI orders with automation

When you manage your EDI processes with SPS Commerce Fulfillment, you already have access to 400+ pre-built system integrations for ERP, OMS, WMS solutions and more.

Our PDF Order Automation uses your existing Fulfillment integrations to map and translate non-EDI orders directly into your EDI workflow. AI-assisted mapping and translation seamlessly integrates your orders into Fulfillment.

With PDF order automation, you can:

• Process all orders through one automated workflow
• Reduce errors and speed up fulfillment
• Handle seasonal or rapid growth without increasing headcount
• Free your CSRs and warehouse teams to focus on strategic and revenue-generating work

As the largest retail network with 4,000+ buying organizations, SPS is uniquely positioned to automate even the most complex, multi-client order channels.

Tackling the accuracy issue: OCR versus AI

You may be wondering how this works or be skeptical about success if you’ve experienced the shortcomings of solutions that claim to automate non-EDI orders with optical character recognition (OCR).

OCR behaves like a scanner: it recognizes characters, not meaning. For 3PLs, where order accuracy determines pick efficiency and shipment correctness, that’s a problem. When an “O” becomes a “0,” your warehouse ends up picking the wrong SKU — and the cost hits your margins.

SPS PDF Order Automation is not OCR. Our solution uses AI, so instead of just reading characters, our system actually understands the structure and meaning of the documents.

Thanks to AI-assisted mapping, our solution also learns how to match the fields in each unique PDF to the fields in your order system.

This proprietary technology extracts data with near-perfect accuracy. This ensures your PDF orders are processed just like EDI orders — precisely, consistently and reliably enough for warehouse execution.

SPS PDF Order Automation delivers the highest level of accuracy and efficiency, eliminating the concerns associated with legacy OCR systems.

Weighing the need: PDF order volume

While PDF Order Automation may seem like an obvious solution for high-volume businesses, it’s also valuable for low order volumes and for warehouses with mixed clients or unpredictable order patterns.

Manual processes for smaller orders still create inefficiencies, errors and unnecessary costs. SPS PDF Order Automation reduces these burdens, providing a scalable foundation that saves time and money now while preparing your business for growth.

Leveling up: now is the time

Automating non-EDI orders isn’t just about saving time—it’s a strategic move that prepares you to move ahead in a competitive market and accelerate your growth. Leading the way with innovative automation helps you better meet customer demands, handle growing order volumes and eliminate costly errors.

Whether you’re an existing SPS customer or just starting your supply chain optimization journey, SPS PDF Order Automation is a reliable, scalable solution that eliminates inefficiencies from your non-EDI workflows and prepares your warehouse for the future.

Non-EDI orders don’t have to slow your business down. Automating these workflows enables you to process orders faster, reduce your costs and focus on your business goals.

Ready to eliminate manual PDF orders? Talk to a rep to see how PDF Order Automation fits into your operations.

What is Managed EDI?

Managed EDI is a model where an external service provider is responsible for managing some of your EDI activities. This means you don’t have to do everything yourself, but still retain some involvement. Support from the service provider may include:

• Configuration and Settings: Assistance with initial setup and configuration of the EDI system, tailored to your business processes.
• Monitoring and maintenance: Active monitoring of EDI transactions, with support for any disruptions or errors.
• Support and updates: Technical support and regular updates to keep the system secure and current.

What is Full-Service EDI?

Full-Service EDI goes one step further than Managed EDI. In this approach, an external service provider takes full responsibility for all your EDI activities. This means you are completely unburdened, from technology to communication with trading partners. A Full-Service EDI solution consists of seven interrelated components that ensure smooth, secure and efficient data exchange.

1. Technology

Technology is the foundation of any Full-Service EDI solution. This includes the software, hardware and infrastructure required to process EDI transactions. Thanks to advanced systems, you benefit from:

• Reliability: Stable performance and minimal downtime.
• Scalability: Grows effortlessly with your business and number of trading partners.
• Security: Strong security measures to protect sensitive data.

2. Trade partner expertise

A successful EDI implementation depends on effective management of your trading partners. Full-service providers offer in-depth expertise in this area, including:

• Partner onboarding: Connecting new trading partners quickly and efficiently.
• Complaince: Ensuring that all EDI messages meet the specific requirements and standards of each trading partner.

3. Design and configuration

In addition, designing and configuring the solution based on a company’s specific needs is an essential part of Full-Service EDI. This includes:

• Customization: Customize EDI workflows and processes to integrate with your existing systems.
• Optimization: Identify the most efficient ways to send and receive data.

4. Trading partner communication

Communication with trading partners is essential to the smooth operation of EDI. Full-Service EDI solutions provide:

• Automated Messages: Automate the sending and receiving of EDI messages to minimize human error.
• Real-time updates: Instant notifications and updates on the status of EDI transactions.

5. Testing and launching

Before your EDI solution goes live, thorough testing and a well-planned launch is essential. This includes:

• Test scenarios: Thorough testing to ensure that all EDI transactions are processed correctly and error-free.
• Go-live support: Live support to quickly resolve any issues.

6. Proactive monitoring and analysis

A key benefit of Full-Service EDI is the proactive monitoring and analysis of your EDI activities. This ensures:

• Real-time monitoring: Continuous monitoring allows any problems to be identified immediately and resolved quickly.
• Analysis and reporting: Regular reports and in-depth analysis provide valuable insight into the performance and optimization opportunities of your EDI environment.

7. Continued access to resources

Support continues even after implementation. Full-Service EDI service providers provide continued access to knowledge and resources so that your organization continues to perform optimally. This includes:

• Customer support: 24/7 support for questions, incidents or technical problems.
• Training and education: Regular training and updates to keep your team familiar with the latest EDI developments and best practices.

Comparison of Managed and Full-Service EDI

Now that it’s clear what Managed and Full-Service EDI mean, we’ll look at the key differences between the two options. We compare cost, control and flexibility, and level of support and expertise – so you can determine which approach best suits your organization’s needs.

Costs

Managed EDI can seem more economical at first glance, because you only pay for specific services when needed. Full-Service EDI requires a higher investment, but in return you get a total solution with proactive support, less risk of error and more time savings – which often translates into higher efficiency and lower operating costs in the long run.

Control and Flexibility

Managed EDI offers more direct control by outsourcing only parts of your EDI processes. With Full-Service EDI, an experienced partner takes the entire process off your hands. This means less worry, less internal workload and more space to focus on your core business – while relying on a reliable and flexible EDI solution.

Support and expertise

Managed EDI requires some in-house knowledge, as you remain responsible for certain processes yourself. Full-Service EDI, on the other hand, offers continuous support from specialists, allowing you to benefit from extensive expertise without having to have it in-house. This is ideal for companies that want to be unburdened and assured of professional handling.

What fits your business?

Whether you choose Managed or Full-Service EDI, the most important thing is to choose a solution that fits the scale, complexity and requirements of your business. At SPS Commerce, we like to think with you to find the best-fit approach. With our advanced EDI solutions, we help your business operate more efficiently and grow further. If you would like more information, please contact us.

Welcome to the beauty industry in 2025, where trends move faster, promotions launch around the clock and the margin for error is smaller than ever. Tariff shifts, supply delays and viral media moments creating instant and unplanned demand make it almost impossible to plan ahead. That’s why so many beauty brands are upping their game, looking for more tailored and data-ready solutions.

Because when you’re navigating complexity, clarity becomes a powerful advantage.

Why visibility matters more than ever

In a dynamic category like beauty, understanding what’s working and where it’s working is critical. Whether you’re evaluating a product launch, responding to a supply chain delay or reviewing seasonal performance, having clear, up-to-date data makes it easier to take the correct next steps.

Without that visibility, teams often end up relying on incomplete reports, or occasionally just instinct to make decisions. It’s not a lack of effort. It’s simply hard to stay ahead when the information you need is scattered across systems or buried in spreadsheets.

Brands are finding that when their data is more accessible and aligned, their teams are, too.

More connected data = better decisions at every level

When analysts, planners and decision-makers are all working from the same accurate information, things tend to run more smoothly.

• Demand planners can react quickly to viral trends and avoid stockouts
• Sales teams can walk into buyer meetings armed with data on which SKUs are driving margin, and which ones aren’t pulling their weight
• Leadership teams can spot shifts in the market or shopper behavior and adjust before competitors do

That kind of alignment doesn’t just improve operations. It helps teams feel more in control, even in an unpredictable market.

Better data helps beauty brands move forward with confidence

Making sense of retail data may not be glamorous, but in the beauty industry, it’s essential. The good news? It’s becoming more achievable.

With the right tools and processes in place, more beauty brands are finding ways to cut through the noise, uncover meaningful insights and make proactive decisions.

Brands that are outperforming right now have something in common: they know what’s happening in their business at every level. They’re monitoring SKU-level performance by region. They’re adjusting launch plans based on real-time sell-through. They’re showing up to line reviews with data that tells a clear story.

These brands haven’t just added an analytics tool. They’ve adopted a culture of visibility, and it’s changing how they plan, react and grow.

Ready to take care of your brand’s data? Learn how SPS Analytics helps beauty suppliers turn data chaos into clarity. Download our quick overview or schedule a demo.

At SPS Commerce, we take a different approach – with results. Our approach ensures that 98% of suppliers are fully digital with retailers within 3 months. No casual onboarding. No “do-it-yourself” integrations. But a proven, outsourced approach where we take everything off your hands.

How does it work?

We always start with the network. SPS Commerce has the largest retail network in the world. Chances are that many of a retailer’s suppliers are already digitally active through our platform. That means: no new customization, just simply connect.

This is followed by active onboarding. Our team – no generic support desk, but supply chain experts – contacts each supplier. We guide them personally, in their language, and coordinate the right digital form of collaboration: EDI, web portal or API. No one-size-fits-all, but a solution that does work. And yes, even the ‘difficult’ suppliers are included.

After 3 months, the job is done. The retailer has a fully digitized supplier base, standard message flows and real-time insight into performance. From that moment on, the retailer can manage delivery reliability, deviations and improvement processes – with data that is correct.

Our philosophy is simple: digitization only works if you make it scalable and supplier-friendly. The power is not in technology alone, but in actually managing adoption. That is exactly where the difference lies.

Retailers who take this approach see their supply chain change from reactive to predictable. They save operational costs, avoid errors and can scale with confidence. And more importantly, they build sustainable partnerships with their suppliers – digital and future-proof.

It’s time to see supply chain digitization not as an IT project, but as a strategic growth tool. And that starts with the right approach. One that really works – for everyone in the chain.

Retailers are investing in portals with the best of intentions. They want a grip on their supply chain, insight into data and faster communication. But by forcing suppliers to log into yet another system, they create a maze of portals, processes and exceptions. Many suppliers supply dozens of retailers – each with their own portal and requirements. For suppliers, what was meant to be efficiency ends up in wasted time, mistakes and frustration.

The reality is that suppliers are not waiting for yet another portal, yet another Excel template, yet another manual. They want one digital way of working that works for all their retail customers — not dozens of separate solutions. This proliferation of portals stands in the way of scalable digitization.

The solution? Think broader than your own supply chain. True supply chain digitization requires interoperability and standardization. Facilitating digital information exchange through a neutral, scalable network in which suppliers integrate once and can then collaborate digitally with all their customers — that’s the way forward.

At SPS Commerce, we see this every day. Suppliers working through our network do not have to adapt every time. They benefit from one uniform way of working, no matter which retailer they do business with. And retailers, in turn, benefit from faster supplier onboarding, fewer errors and higher delivery reliability.

Want to know how we can help you improve your supply chain? Contact us.