CSA Exclusive: Cavender’s collects bounty on EDI upgrade

A specialty westernwear retailer is spurring growth by integrating new electronic data interchange (EDI) capabilities with its ERP platform.

Texas-based Cavender’s, which operates 84 stores across 11 Southern and Midwestern states, has integrated the TrueCommerce ecUtopia EDI solution with its existing Jesta I.S. Vision Suite ERP platform. The ecUtopia solution replaces a previously implemented EDI tool which Cavender’s determined would not support planned growth initiatives, improved vendor partnerships, inventory expansion, or advancement of its technical and data analytics capabilities.

Since deploying TrueCommerce technology, Cavender’s has enhanced collaboration with vendors, including the ability to share analytics, which helps optimize product availability. Three-way matching of POs, packing slips and invoices enhances productivity across multiple departments, while automating manual processes allows staff to move from operational to customer-facing roles

In addition, new EDI-driven capabilities help cut shipping costs and lead times while optimizing inventory, and seamless integration automates the movement of EDI data in and out of the retailer’s Jesta’s Vision Suite ERP platform. For smaller vendors that don’t use EDI, the EDI portal helps automate communication.

Cavender’s is also rolling out carton-level receiving, assumed receiving and other operational automations made possible by TrueCommerce technology. Furthermore, the retailer says its merchandising department has better visibility into product flow and order fulfillment, enabling earlier detection of problems such as missing or incomplete vendor shipments.

Looking ahead, Cavender’s is considering leveraging its advanced EDI capabilities to support activities such as direct-to-customer vendor shipping, vendor-managed inventory (VMI), and vendor-managed analytics. 

“The TrueCommerce ecUtopia Platform offers Cavender’s ways to advance our business, our communications and our partnerships with vendors,” said Larry Waterman, executive VP and COO, Cavender’s. “It brings rich data analytics to our business and enables us to leverage new opportunities like direct-to-customer vendor shipping and other distribution strategies. They’re a great company with incredible technology and customer support capabilities, along with a partnership-oriented approach.”