H
Hugo
The current EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) integration facilitates the ordering of various items and incorporates a forecasting mechanism. However, the forecasting adjustments are currently only made upon physical receipt of goods or upon receiving the shipping documentation via email. This process delays the accurate reflection of incoming inventory in the system, leading to potential inefficiencies in reordering and inventory management.
The proposed feature enhancement aims to leverage the EDI's capability to receive early feedback on actual shipped quantities from suppliers. By integrating this feedback directly into the OPTIPLY system, the inventory forecast can be dynamically adjusted to reflect what is truly expected to arrive. This adjustment will be based on the EDI feedback received prior to the physical arrival of the goods or the receipt of shipping documentation.
Benefits of this enhancement include:
  1. Time Efficiency: By receiving early updates on incoming inventory through EDI feedback, businesses can anticipate actual stock levels more accurately and make informed decisions on reordering without waiting for physical confirmation. This leads to a more responsive and efficient supply chain operation.
  2. Improved Forecast Accuracy: Incorporating actual shipment data into the forecast ensures that predictions are closely aligned with real-world outcomes. This reduces the risk of overstocking or stockouts, optimizing inventory levels.
  3. Enhanced Decision Making: With more accurate and timely information on incoming inventory, businesses can better manage their supply chain, adjust sales strategies, and improve customer satisfaction through reliable product availability.
To implement this feature, it is recommended to develop an automated system within the EDI framework that:
  • Receives and processes shipment feedback from suppliers in real-time.
  • Adjusts the inventory forecast models to reflect the updated shipment information.
This feature request aims to bridge the gap between forecasted and actual inventory, leading to a more agile, efficient, and accurate supply chain management process.
February 16, 2024