Unified commerce platform TrueCommerce on Thursday (Dec. 9) announced an exclusive trading partner marketplace and connectivity platform for the grocery supply chain.
The Vori platform and digital marketplace aims to replace pens and paper and other fragmented, labor-intensive ordering processes, simplifying communication throughout the network and making it easier for suppliers to replenish store inventory.
“We had two needs in a partner,” said Robert Pinkerton, Vori co-founder and CTO, in the joint announcement. “First, we needed a way to provide EDI communication. Second, we needed production-quality ERP API integrations between our retailers and suppliers.
“These two things allow us to facilitate robust, secure and automated transactions like purchase orders, catalog and inventory updates, and invoices between retailers and suppliers on the Vori platform, so that both parties can get the most accurate information,” he added.
TrueCommerce offers Vori the end-to-end EDI capability Pinkerton craved, with a range of grocery-focused ERP/accounting systems, digital marketplaces and eCommerce platforms. Vori can now offer its customers collaboration and automation through integrated EDI to connect their business systems.
“Many grocery retailers previously had no access to this world of EDI communication,” said Pinkerton. “Vori gives them a level of order visibility that they didn’t have in the past. Now they can quickly get answers to questions like, ‘What did I order from that supplier last time?’ ‘What on my order was left off?’ ‘What mis-picks were in my order?’”
Vori’s new EDI component means they could partner with some large chains that previously wouldn’t consider them as an option.
About 20% of the total order volume on the Vori platform is transacted via TrueCommerce today, but that number is expected to increase significantly. TrueCommerce’s global network has more than 160,000 pre-connected retailers, distributors and logistics service providers.
Related news: Grocers Tap Instacart to Compete With Ultrafast Delivery
Earlier this week, online grocery company Instacart announced the debut of its Convenience Hub 30-minute delivery partnership with Ahold Delhaize to all the grocer’s U.S. brands, including Stop & Shop, Giant Food and Food Lion. Other grocers providing 30-minute deliveries include Albertsons Companies-owned and Kroger-owned brands.
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