Upstream EDI for Smurfit Kappa

It all starts upstream…

The term “upstream” refers to the flow of raw material and packaging, in this case from the manufacturer’s order all the way to the pre-supplier and back. Upstream EDI, on the other hand, is the term used when this process is done via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and GS1 identification standards (by relying on the GS1 shipping label).

One case in point is Smurfit Kappa Interwell, a manufacturer of corrugated board based in Haid, Upper Austria. The company recently started using upstream EDI with the local beverage and food company S.Spitz. In practice, it works like this: for every order placed by S.Spitz, Smurfit Kappa Interwell receives a fully automated order response (ORDRSP) to confirm the order. In addition, electronic despatch advices (DESADV) make sure that all merchandise can be traced without any system inconsistencies.

This accelerates the entire receipt of goods process both on the supplier and on the manufacturer side. Also, it can be traced all the way to the end client. “The implementation of this project was a great success thanks to the close collaboration with EDITEL and GS1, our project partners. We plan to benefit from the many advantages of upstream EDI with other partners as well,” said Roland Pöschko, IT/TC manager at Smurfit Kappa Interwell, who is clearly pleased with the project.

In brief

• Smurfit Kappa Interwell uses upstream EDI for upstream logistics
• Traceable, secure data
• Saves time and money
• Swift error-free receipt of goods at the client’s
• Full traceability