Co-op Group, a UK-based grocery retailer, has automated supplier on-boarding for some of its suppliers with Canadian firm OpenText’s Trading Grid.
 
This self-service functionality enables rapid on-boarding, while also allowing suppliers to share real-time information on orders including the sending of advanced shipping notifications (ASNs) to notify Co-op Group of pending deliveries.
 
“Ease, speed, quality and choice is at the heart of our approach and OpenText Trading Grid has helped to streamline key supply chain processes, reducing administrative burden and improving our ability to more quickly bring new suppliers into our network,” said Paul Wilkins, head of source to pay at Co-op Group. “Additionally, the ability of suppliers to electronically share information on inbound deliveries via an advanced shipping notification allows our distribution centre teams to plan and allocate resources more efficiently, eliminate paper-based communication and ensure improved inventory accuracy, helping to deliver what our customers want, when and where they need it, conveniently.”
 
With Trading Grid, users can create adaptive supply chain infrastructures that pivot and flex as the market demands. In a global trading ecosystem marked by uncertainty, this ability to locate, introduce and on-board partners and suppliers quickly can be an important advantage.
 
Digital supply chain software also brings expanded options for notification and messaging – such as Co-op Group’s ASN functionality – that can improve visibility on order timing, status and complication. Improved visibility helps companies react to disruptions and more effectively deploy resources to address gaps.
 
“Trading Grid connects customers such as Co-op Group to a powerful global network of over 1.2 million trading partners spanning multiple industries and business types,” said Lou Blatt, senior vice president and CMO at OpenText. “Instead of setting up and maintaining separate connectors, a single connection to Trading Grid provides instant access to the world’s largest commerce platform, rapidly accelerating supplier on-boarding and facilitating the sharing of key data on orders.”
 
Co-op Group employs more than 63,000 people, operates a network of more than 2600 retail stores, and is committed to creating social value in its communities and operating at the heart of local life.