MarketWatch:
Sterling Commerce, an AT&T Inc company, today announced that Harvey Norman Holdings Limited, Australia’s leading retailer of computer and electrical products, has deployed Sterling Collaboration Network to automate all purchase orders exchanged between franchises and suppliers. Sterling Collaboration Network, part of Sterling Business Integration Suite, is an integration-as-a-service (IaaS) offering that enables Harvey Norman franchisees to connect with suppliers, even those who are not using electronic data interchange (EDI). By moving its purchase order process to near real-time, Harvey Norman franchisees can expedite order processing, reduced lead-time in franchised stores and streamline supply chain operations.
“In the past, franchisees had to print and then fax their purchase orders to suppliers, but now with our new solution for EDI, we have automated the entire purchase order process,” said Gordon Nugent, eCommerce Business Development Manager, Harvey Norman. “This will greatly benefit the supplier community as they will have guaranteed order delivery in near real-time. In addition to saving franchisees time, money and streamlining the supply chain, the new solution frees up time for franchisee staff to do what they do best — service their customers.”