That shift is powerful. But it’s also putting new pressure on the retail supply chain. 

What is social commerce?

Social commerce refers to the direct buying and selling of products through social media platforms. It blends social interaction with online shopping, giving consumers a seamless experience from product discovery to purchase—all in one place. 

And while it’s creating massive opportunities for retailers, it also introduces complexity behind the scenes. 

Why social commerce creates supply chain pressure

Social commerce demands speed, accuracy and a unified customer experience across every channel. Here are just a few of the challenges that come with it: 

• Disconnected systems can lead to poor customer experiences. Without strong integration between your sales platforms and back-end systems, it’s easy for orders to fall through the cracks. 

• Inventory must be unified and real-time. If customers see a product is available, it needs to be, no matter where they’re shopping. 

• Timely fulfillment is non-negotiable. Social commerce is driven by impulse purchases. If delivery is slow or inconsistent, that impulse turns into disappointment. 

• You need partners you can count on. Whether you work with 3PLs, manufacturers or suppliers, your trading partners must be aligned and integrated to help you move at the pace your customers expect. 

How SPS Commerce can support your growth

At SPS Commerce, we take the complexity out of modern retail. Our full-service EDI and system integration solutions connect your systems, synchronize inventory and automate communication with trading partners. 

More than 50,000 subscribing customers across the globe rely on us to create streamlined, scalable supply chains. Whether you’re a growing brand or a large retailer, you can count on SPS to help you deliver the right product, to the right place, at the right time. 

Social commerce isn’t slowing down. With the right technology and supply chain strategy, you won’t just keep up, you’ll stay ahead. 

Understanding what’s at stake

For grocers, retailers, distributors and foodservice companies, FSMA 204 means capturing and maintaining detailed data from every supplier. This includes Key Data Elements (KDEs) like lot codes, harvest dates and critical tracking events. While compliance is essential, standardized and accurate data also plays a key role in recall management and daily operations.

Consider a typical scenario: Your suppliers range from large producers with sophisticated systems to small suppliers relying on spreadsheets. When a safety issue arises, your team must quickly trace affected products across your network. Without standardized data, this process can take days instead of hours, putting operational efficiency, customer safety and your reputation at risk.

Poor traceability impacts every aspect of your business. Inconsistent and inaccurate data leads to inventory challenges like overstocking or stockouts, while inefficient recall processes can escalate into costly crises. Most importantly, inadequate traceability undermines consumer confidence and brand loyalty.

The importance of supplier buy-in

Success requires making traceability manageable for suppliers of all sizes. Leading companies are taking practical steps like:

• Implementing uniform processes for recording and reporting traceability data
• Using automation to minimize errors and enable real-time data exchange
• Setting clear expectations and guidelines for accurate traceability data
• Supporting suppliers with training and implementation resources

By automating data capture through standard business documents like purchase orders, ASNs and barcodes, companies can help suppliers maintain consistent data formats while protecting their brand.

SPS Commerce and iFoodDS: A collaborative solution

Recognizing the need for enhanced traceability and supply chain visibility, SPS Commerce has partnered with iFoodDS to expand our retail cloud service offerings. Through integration with iFoodDS Trace Exchange™, we provide a comprehensive solution that supports the largest grocers, retailers, distributors and foodservice companies, along with their supplier networks.

With a high-tech, high-touch approach, our combined solution simplifies data collection and standardizes traceability processes across your trading partner network. Our team works with suppliers of all sizes and technical capabilities to drive successful participation and efficient FSMA 204 compliance.

For more information about how SPS Commerce and iFoodDS can enhance your traceability and supply chain visibility, visit SPS Commerce or iFoodDS.