E-invoicing: all the basics you need to know
E-invoicing hasn’t quite hit its stride in the U.S., but it’s certainly a hot topic in the supply chain industry. E-invoicing enables more businesses to comply with new guidelines and business practices, adopt new technologies and support faster, more efficient...
7 fresh priorities for grocers in 2025
From automation to shifting consumer values, major forces are reshaping grocery retail. Here are seven trends set to influence the grocery industry in 2025. 1. Digital transformation gets real Remember when digital transformation was merely a hot topic in the...
A comprehensive overview of business manufacturing problems
Manufacturing is a complex industry. When you’re working with suppliers, co-manufacturers, retailers and customers, there are dozens of areas where communication can break down and obstacles arise. That’s why SPS Commerce provides solutions to enhance collaboration...
The importance of effective demand planning
Just as an orchestra requires each instrument to work harmoniously, effective demand planning is key to a manufacturer’s ability to produce quality products efficiently. Missing one element? Challenges will arise. What is demand planning? Demand planning is a process...
How manufacturers can eliminate the stress of frequent change
Think of a house of cards. Each piece that you add to the tower plays an extremely important role in supporting the others, but the failure of one always leads to a total collapse. You can view suppliers and their relationship with manufacturing partners in a very...
How to combat production delays with a supply chain solution
No one likes waiting, especially when it comes to getting your products to your customers on time. Unfortunately, production delays are sometimes inevitable. These delays create a ripple effect, disrupting schedules and customer shipments. Missed shipments can affect...
Micro-seasons are reshaping grocery retail
The aroma of cinnamon-spiced lattes wafts through grocery aisles in August. Heart-shaped chocolate displays appear just as New Year's resolution shoppers reach for their protein shakes. Welcome to the new era of grocery retail, where every day is a potential food...
Accelerating growth with invoice financing
Quick financing can be crucial for expanding product lines, investing in inventory or boosting real-time marketing efforts, and it can help alleviate disruptions as they pop up. For suppliers facing common cash flow challenges, invoice financing offers a seamless and...
A collaborative approach to supplier performance management
A collaborative approach to supplier performance management Managing supplier relationships remains one of the biggest challenges in retail. Even with sophisticated supply chain technology, many organizations struggle with fundamental supplier performance issues:...
Supply chain performance monitoring: What’s at stake?
Recent tech advances make it possible to track supply chain performance in real time by continuously analyzing data—and logistics leaders are taking notice. As global trade fragments and international supply chains see rising disruption from inflation and climate...
4 supplier collaboration strategies that boost retail brand loyalty
Brand loyalty isn't what it used to be. Customer expectations are increasing by 30% annually, according to brand researchers. Loyalty hinges on creating emotional connections that bridge the gap between customer expectations and experience. Through these emotional...
RFID: Everything you need to know
In today’s supply chain, suppliers, retailers, 3PLs and the like are all looking to optimize their technology in a way that boosts their business and helps their bottom line. One technology that retailers are leveraging is RFID. RFID technology can boost efficiency in...
4 key trends reshaping the food supply chain in 2024 and beyond
As we reflect on 2024 and look toward the coming year, the food distribution sector continues to experience a seismic shift. Four critical trends have emerged at the forefront of this change, driving innovation and reshaping industry standards. 1. Digital...
What is operational flexibility?
Across industries, adaptability is essential in today’s market, and the ability to adjust to new disruptions separates highly successful businesses from their less-successful competitors. The drive to improve the elasticity of complex, highly regulated operations has...
Unlock the power of invoice financing for seasonal demand peaks
Seasonal demand spikes can bring tremendous growth opportunities—but they can also bring cash flow challenges. As operating costs and inventory needs increase, delayed customer payments can stretch your liquidity. That’s why SPS offers a seamless solution to unlock...
The 5 biggest demand forecasting challenges in supply chains – and how to fix them
Unbalanced inventory levels can have big consequences on both sides: Hold onto too much, and you end up paying for discounts and storage. Keep too little, and your customers will find what they’re looking for somewhere else. Each side carries its own associated...
6 essential peak season strategies for 3PLs in 2024
The familiar buzz of peak season is in the air. For retailers and their suppliers, Q4 sales typically represent 30% to 40% of annual revenue—sometimes even 50%. This translates to a tidal wave of demand for logistics services, one that can overwhelm unprepared...
Navigating the evolving landscape of global logistics in 2024
The world of logistics never stands still. We sat down with Tracey Ortiz, Director of Product Management, to get her take on where things are headed. With over 20 years of experience in supply chain management and a strategic approach to process improvement, Tracey...
Avoid these mistakes this holiday season: A guide from SPS Commerce
The holidays are a hectic time for all businesses, no matter your size or output. As sales go up, suppliers face increased channel traffic, spikes in orders and difficulty managing downstream partner challenges. Already dreading this year’s holiday rush? By selecting...
Tackling omnichannel order management with Shopify Plus EDI integration
Have you ever wondered, “Is Shopify EDI-capable?” If you’re a Shopify seller, it’s clear you’re serious about putting your business on the path to success. But wouldn’t it be even easier to achieve your growth plans and scale your business if all your sales and order...
Everything you need to know if you’re running Microsoft Dynamics GP
If you’ve heard the recent news that Microsoft will be limiting the support for Dynamics GP and you’re one of the companies still running Great Plains, you may be scrambling to understand your options. Microsoft has announced they will provide support through...
Three takeaways from SuiteWorld 2024
SPS Commerce was thrilled to attend and participate in SuiteWorld 2024, marking an incredible ten years of this industry-leading event! As a long-time partner of Oracle NetSuite, it’s always an honor to be part of the innovation and community this show brings...
Industrial distribution Q&A: Expert insights on what’s next
Industrial distribution is marked by challenges and opportunities as companies adjust to new market realities. In this Q&A, we explore the latest trends, from economic shifts to the tech tools that are making a difference. Drawing from our work with seven of the...
How top suppliers overcome common cash flow challenges
No matter how efficient your operations are, cash flow challenges can disrupt your ability to meet obligations and seize opportunities. While advanced systems and tools can help streamline processes, they don't eliminate the need for proactive cash flow management....
How value-added services can set distributors apart
It’s never been more challenging for an industrial distributor to stand out from the competition. The days of relying on simply stocking the right products and building good relationships to grow your business have evolved into a race to provide much more. Customers...
Is your supply chain FSMA 204 ready?
Is FSMA 204 compliance keeping you up at night? You're not alone. This FDA mandate is reshaping how companies track and trace food products across the supply chain. If you're a retailer selling or distributing food items (even products like peanut butter or fresh pet...
What is EDI? A supplier’s guide to navigating document exchange
Congratulations on catching the interest of a buyer who wants your product! Breaking into the retail market can be daunting for emerging brands, especially if you've been primarily focused on direct-to-consumer (D2C) channels. As you sift through the vendor agreement,...
Supply chain digitization: everything you need to know to get ahead
Many of today’s customers run lean operations to boost operational and cost efficiency. Though the priorities may look different depending on the industry, one way your customers are achieving leaner operations is by adopting automation in every corner of their supply...
How to nail your next buyer meeting: A supplier’s guide
As a growing supplier, securing a buyer meeting with a major retailer is a significant milestone. However, turning that opportunity into a long-term partnership requires preparation and a deep understanding of what buyers seek. Once you’ve met with the buyer, things...
ERP migrations: 4 challenges for suppliers
It’s challenging for a supplier to go through an ERP change or migration, especially when you work with a large volume of major retailers. The process is complex and requires a strategic approach to manage various aspects, including integration, change management,...
The basics of working capital financial products: enhancing cashflow
It can be challenging to keep adequate cash in the bank, especially when you're growing rapidly or experiencing sales volatility. Working capital management is essential to running your business efficiently and paving the way for growth. What is working capital?...
Become an inventory optimization expert
Today’s supply chain is full of disruptions that are often completely out of suppliers’ control. With unexpected delivery and procurement obstacles, it can be difficult to secure the right amount of on-hand inventory, resulting in overstocked or understocked...
Five signs it may be time to switch to a full-service solution
If you feel like your current EDI solution is lacking when it comes to things like scalability, pricing or support, it may be time to switch providers. But what does that mean exactly? How do you know when it’s time to retire a solution you’ve been relying on? Let’s...
The ultimate EDI guide for Acumatica
Staying ahead of tomorrow’s retail demands means mastering efficiency and accuracy. This is where Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) can shine, revolutionizing how businesses exchange information. It streamlines communication, minimizes errors and speeds up transaction...
Diving into supply chain disruptions
Supply chain disruptions are often unpredictable and can be costly to the supplier—not only in terms of money, but also due to the valuable time and resources required to overcome these obstacles. In today’s competitive, global supply chain, suppliers continue to face...
Sync up for success: tips to tackle peak season
As we approach another holiday shopping season, retailers and their third-party logistics partners (3PLs) are gearing up for the annual surge in demand. In a recent webinar hosted by Supply Chain Now, the SPS team shared valuable insights on how 3PLs can prepare for...
4 proven strategies businesses are using to drive growth in 2024
We recently wrapped up our IN> events for the first half of the year in Dallas and Atlanta, where we engaged with supply chain leaders to discuss industry and market insights. When we asked attendees about their biggest business priority, the answer was clear:...
How to become an omnichannel 3PL company
Consumers migrated to eCommerce during the pandemic, but brick-and-mortar retail continues to prove its enduring appeal. Now more than ever, logistics firms must transform into omnichannel 3PL companies. Here are a few highlights from our recent webinar with Supply...
Five considerations for Microsoft Dynamics 365 EDI
If you’re a Microsoft Dynamics 365 user through-and-through, you’re already used to a certain level of support, the latest technology and product accessibility. Don’t you wish all your tech was as simple? Whether you’re a tried-and-true Dynamics AX user or have been...
Solving the excess inventory dilemma
Excess inventory is a common challenge many suppliers face, often arising from unexpected shifts in demand, inaccurate forecasts or sudden changes in market trends. Whether it's a result of unseasonal weather, supply chain disruptions or unpredictable events like a...
How smarter, simpler ordering can boost sustainability for grocers
Manual ordering processes often lead companies to continual overstocking or understocking, resulting in wasted product and lost revenue. A lack of quick insight into current stock and trending consumer products can lead to revenue loss, customer dissatisfaction and...
What is omnichannel fulfillment?
Today, 21% of retail sales are completed online. By 2026, it’s expected that number will jump to 25%. For suppliers, it can be challenging to meet the omnichannel supply chain requirements set by retailers who expect them to support various management models and sales...
Strategic inventory control: 7 metrics that matter
By setting key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor inventory management, businesses are empowered to make better strategic decisions. Tracking the right metrics enables companies to improve cash flow, reduce operating costs and offer an exceptional customer...
What you need to know about FSMA 204
Imagine you’re running a natural food store, filled with organic produce and specialty items your customers love. Business is going well, but as you look ahead, you see the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) mandates coming into effect in 2026. These new FDA rules...
How online retailers keep return cost low
An estimated 30 percent of all products ordered online are returned—that’s three to four times the return rate of products bought in-store. In 2023, consumers returned $817 billion worth of products—that's over 16% of total retail sales for the year. Returns may be...
Discover why lack of data is a top supplier challenge in 2024
In early 2024, SPS Commerce partnered with Supply Chain Dive to survey 150 suppliers about the challenges they faced in the past year, and how prepared they feel for future disruptions. The survey also asked them what steps they have taken or plan to take in order to...
Understanding Sell-Through Rate
Sell-through rate is an essential piece of the supply chain puzzle. Understanding this metric isn't just about crunching numbers; it's about wielding a powerful tool to elevate your inventory management process and improve your overall business success. If your...
Everything you need to know if you’re running Microsoft Dynamics AX
With Microsoft’s decision to sunset AX, many companies are struggling to decide what they need to do next to plan a successful migration. Here’s what you need to know when you’re planning a migration, whether you’re looking for more capabilities or just need more...
Brands struggle to optimize for eCommerce
When it comes to online sales and distribution channels, shipping pallets and cases of products off to retailers isn’t the only option for suppliers anymore. Vendors normally send their products to a retailer for in-store and online sales, but more and more, suppliers will handle the fulfillment on their behalf and drop ship the item to the consumer.
Integrating EDI into your SAP S/4HANA solution
When you’re an enterprise company, you need a strategy to manage the complexity of your business. Your team needs to be as effective as possible to keep up with all incoming demands, but you don’t want to exhaust current resources or focus on the wrong items. As you...
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