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Gaithersburg, Maryland - (Cheap Web Hosting Directory) - December 11, 2007 - E-commerce business to business solutions firm, GXS and the Vendor Compliance Federation (VCF), have released a study which discovers improved accuracy, as a key to retail supply chain efficiency, including data quality, which is cited as a top issue relative to order fulfillment.

The research study focused on evaluating the advanced ship notice (ASN) and related processes in the retail supply chain. The study, part of ongoing VCF research into the Perfect Order Process, found that while 89 percent of retailers surveyed require the use of ASNs by their suppliers, accurate and efficient execution of ASNs is lacking. In fact, the retailers surveyed identified ASNs as the most problematic of all electronic documents in the order-to-settlement process. The growing challenges with shipment processes have led retailers to institute more compliance-related deduction types for ASNs than any other supply chain document.

Bryan Larkin, Director of Marketing for the retail and CPG industries at GXS noted, ”ASNs are one of the most frequently used electronic documents in the supply chain today, but also one of the most problematic. In executing this study, we sought to give retailers and suppliers better insight into the root causes and business impacts of ASN problems. The study results confirm that ASN challenges are so widespread that most retailers and their suppliers have not fully realized the benefits they hoped to achieve. Poorly executed ASNs are a leading source of warehouse inefficiencies, expense off- sets and retail out-of-stocks. Retailers and their suppliers who focus on improving data quality can perfect their ASNs and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.”

The ASN process is a cornerstone of automation for retail transportation and warehouse management processes. ASNs are used to automate receiving processes in the distribution center, to cross-dock shipments for immediate outbound dispatch and to monitor product inventory in the supply chain. The ASN, however, has been beleaguered by a number of factors, including inconsistent implementation by retailers, a pervasive lack of data quality and the difficulty of on-boarding the supplier community, all of which have impeded full realization of its benefits. As a result, both retailers and suppliers struggle to achieve the perfect order, defined as on time and complete with accurate documentation and no defects.

Poor transactional data quality was cited as the most problematic area for ASNs and associated documents, by more than 50 percent of survey participants. Data-related ASN errors include inconsistencies between related documents such as the bill of lading and purchase order; missing units of measure for weight; and inaccuracies resulting from splits and consolidations of loads. Although not conclusive, the survey results suggest a strong correlation between the lack of data quality and the volume of purchase order changes, most of which are communicated manually, versus via electronic data interchange (EDI). The full report identifies 30 root causes of ASN inaccuracy and details more than 40 best practices which retailers and their suppliers can implement to reduce ASN-related problems.

Mark Jones, Managing Director of the VCF added, ”The VCF has a history of active collaboration with retailers and suppliers to ease supply chain pain points, and build greater harmonization between both groups. This study takes that mission one step further by identifying issues shared across the industry and suggesting best practices to address those issues. Deductions are not a solution to a problem, but they are used to motivate change in supplier behavior. By optimizing the ASN process and combining it with supply chain visibility tools, retailers and suppliers can avoid the prevalent problems and reap the benefits in multiple areas of their business.”

The study results were presented by Bobby Patrick, GXS’ Chief Marketing Officer, at VCF’s Global Conference in Indian Wells, California.

GXS enables demand-driven supply chains for retail and consumer products companies by integrating trading partners, synchronizing product information, monitoring supply chain events and facilitating collaborative planning. Retailers and suppliers in the grocery, do-it-yourself, department store, apparel, and consumer electronics sectors, rely on GXS’ solutions to help build customer loyalty, reduce supply chain errors, enhance supplier relationships and streamline operations. Through industry-leading technology, strategic partnerships and professional support on all major continents, GXS enables retailers, manufacturers and suppliers around the world to increase B2B e-commerce functionality and reach and to improve the efficiency of their supply chains. GXS customers in the retail and CPG sectors include Circuit City, JCPenney, Liz Claiborne, PepsiAmericas, Rite Aid and Warnaco.

VCF is the nation’s fastest growing retail membership organization. Focused on improving the entire sales-to-cash process, the organization has been an advocate for its members on trading partner issues and has championed initiatives to increase industry-wide productivity, profitability and growth.

GXS is a global provider of B2B e-commerce solutions that simplify and enhance business process integration, synchronization and collaboration among trading partners. Organizations worldwide, including 75 percent of the Fortune 500, leverage the GXS Trading Grid(R) to extend supply networks, optimize product launches, automate warehouse receiving, manage electronic payments and gain supply chain visibility. With an unmatched global presence, proven trading partner management and B2B outsourcing services, GXS’ on-demand solutions maximize the benefits of integration for businesses.

Based in Gaithersburg, Md., GXS’ global network serves customers throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific regions.

To learn more, please visit: www.gxs.com.

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