Retail EDI

The editorial or “opinion” section of Jim Cantrell’s latest update email discussed retailer’s efforts to improve efficiencies and the pending collaboration with vendors that is likely to result. I was struck by Jim’s comment that “the silos of information are still there and in order for retailers to correct these problems they will have to look to collaborate more effectively…” and Jim’s comments couldn’t have come at a better time. My colleague, Deirdre James, and I are in the process of compiling a white paper relating to this very topic and the struggles vendors face when they attempt to comply with the onslaught of different requirements presented by their retail customers in the form of a Vendor Buying Agreement, or VBA. The VBA’s presented by most major retailers can rival a best-selling novel in terms of size, but since the read isn’t quite as compelling many recipients may find themselves giving it a quick “once over” rather than ensuring all departments dedicate the time and effort it merits if they are to remain profitable while serving such a customer.

I’ve written about this concept in other sites, but it really needs to be reiterated and covered in all places.  The reason it hit the head today and became a topic of thought and discussion was because of some … person … I was behind one day on the commute to work.