Electronic Data Interchange: The Warehouse and Supplier Interface

Details an investigation into the extent to which electronic data interchange (EDI) is used in warehouses to communicate with suppliers(as opposed to customers). A questionnaire distributed to warehouse managers was used. Reports results indicate that EDI is used to a large extent in the warehousing function; in fact, warehousing personnel,working with customers, contributed to the development of their firms′EDI systems. While EDI use was strong on the outbound side, its use at the warehouse‐supplier interface was relatively non‐existent. For similar communications with suppliers, warehouse managers will need to take the lead, as the development of the information‐exchange systems appears to be customer‐driven.