(Last Updated On: February 11, 2025)
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EDI and NetSuite Integration for Supplies Outlet

Discover how Supplies Outlet transformed its EDI processes with our Fully Managed EDI Integration Service. Through seamless integration and expert management, Supplies Outlet optimized data exchange with key partners, improving efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. Read on to learn how our tailored EDI solution helped Supplies Outlet achieve smooth, automated workflows and enhance business operations.

Supplies Outlet, based in Nevada, is an online retailer specializing in compatible and remanufactured Printer Cartridges.

Operating for 18 years, Supplies Outlet has earned a reputation for its competitive pricing, exceptional customer service, and high-quality products. By sourcing from certified manufacturers and leveraging decades of expertise, Supplies Outlet serves businesses and individuals across the United States with reliable and cost-effective printing solutions.

EDI2XML is a sister company of Namtek Consulting Services, specializing in EDI integration and automation solutions.

While Namtek focuses on IT consulting and business process optimization, EDI2XML complements these services by providing technical expertise in electronic data interchange (EDI) and cloud-based integration platforms.

Supplies Outlet recognized the need to streamline and automate its business processes to enhance efficiency and support its growing operations.

The primary focus of this project was integrating their NetSuite Cloud ERP with trading partners through a fully managed EDI transformation and integration platform. This enabled seamless electronic communication for both incoming and outgoing EDI transactions, ensuring data accuracy and compliance with EDI standards.

In addition to the EDI integration, Supplies Outlet had previously implemented a fully managed cloud-based solution to synchronize data between their NetSuite ERP and BigCommerce ecommerce platform.

This earlier project included key synchronization flows such as inventory feed, customer data, orders, payments, and fulfillment statuses. The success of the BigCommerce integration further highlighted the importance of unified operational workflows, serving as a foundation for the current EDI initiative.

The primary challenges faced by Supplies Outlet included:

  • EDI Exchange Complexity: Supplies Outlet needed to establish EDI exchange capabilities with two trading partners to process five types of EDI documents. This required compliance with strict partner-specific x12 format specifications and timely data exchange.
  • Manual Processes: Existing workflows for handling incoming and outgoing EDI transactions were manual and prone to errors, causing delays and inefficiencies.
  • Lack of Automation: The absence of an automated EDI integration solution resulted in slow order fulfillment cycles and limited visibility into inventory and order status.
  • Data Silos: Information was fragmented across various systems, hindering real-time decision-making and creating inefficiencies.
  • Integration Complexity: Integrating disparate systems like NetSuite ERP with various EDI trading partners presented a complex technical challenge.

EDI2XML provided Supplies Outlet with a comprehensive, cloud-based, fully managed EDI integration solution. The platform acted as an intermediary between Supplies Outlet and their trading partners, ensuring seamless data transformation and transfer. Key aspects of the solution included:

Incoming EDI Document Flow:

  • The EDI2XML processor was configured to check designated mailboxes every 15 minutes for incoming EDI documents (846, 855, 856, and 810).
  • Functional acknowledgments were sent to trading partners as required.
  • Documents were transformed into formats compatible with NetSuite ERP using the REST API and pushed directly into the system.
  • Automated email notifications alerted the Supplies Outlet team about received documents.

Outgoing EDI Document Flow:

  • The processor identified new orders in NetSuite every 15 minutes to generate 850 Purchase Orders.
  • Relevant data was extracted from NetSuite using the REST API and converted into x12 EDI format based on partner specifications.
  • The completed documents were securely transferred to the trading partners’ mailboxes via FTP.

Supplies Outlet Netsuite EDI Integration Flow

NetSuite Integration:

  • Leveraged NetSuite’s REST API for seamless data exchange between the EDI2XML platform and the ERP system.
  • Ensured data integrity and consistency across all integrated systems.

Managed Services:

  • Provided ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and support for the entire integration solution.
  • Proactively addressed any issues and ensured optimal system performance.

Technical Features:

  • Compliance with x12 EDI standards.
  • Secure FTP connectivity for EDI data exchange.
  • Scalable architecture to support additional trading partners or increased transaction volumes.

The implementation of the fully managed integration service has significantly reduced manual data entry for Supplies Outlet, eliminating it entirely in most cases. While some manual intervention is required for specific orders, such as those from terms customers who do not pay at the time of checkout, or when backorder situations arise as part of the EDI 856 Advanced Ship Notice process, approximately 90% of all order processing is now automated. For both e-commerce and terms customer orders, Supplies Outlet leverages their e-commerce platform to build and transmit orders via EDI, streamlining operations and minimizing manual workload.

Key Benefits Achieved:

  • Improved Accuracy: Elimination of manual data entry minimizes errors and enhances data reliability.
  • Seamless Integration: Direct integration with NetSuite ERP ensures real-time data synchronization.
  • Operational Scalability: The solution supports future growth by simplifying the onboarding of new trading partners.
  • Error Reduction: Improved data accuracy by automating document transformation and transfer.
  • Operational Efficiency: Seamless integration with NetSuite ERP enhanced workflow efficiency and enabled real-time data synchronization.
  • Scalability: A future-proof platform capable of supporting additional trading partners and increased transaction volumes.
  • Improved Partner Relationships: Timely and accurate data exchange strengthened relationships with trading partners.

Supplies Outlet chose EDI2XML for their proven expertise in EDI integration and deep technical knowledge of NetSuite ERP. The decision was also driven by EDI2XML’s ability to deliver:

  • A fully managed, end-to-end integration service.
  • A scalable and secure cloud-based platform.
  • Custom solutions tailored to meet unique business needs.
  • A track record of successful implementations, including BigCommerce integration.