Working with activeIT…

…to create a data hub that connects produce manufacturers to retailers

The Styria-based company activeIT specializes in customized ERP systems for food manufacturers. A strategic partnership with EDITEL allows food manufacturers to connect to virtually all large retail corporations such as Rewe, SPAR, and Hofer. Thanks to many decades’ experience, EDITEL is familiar with all technical guidelines in the retail industry. Its data hub eXite® ensures smooth digital communication along the supply chain.

Food manufacturers that rely on ERP systems by activeIT include Gemüse Perlinger, Unterweger Früchteküche and Giner in Tyrol. The company’s sophisticated software optimizes internal processes and facilitates corporate planning. In order to be able to deliver produce, canned goods, and other products to the central warehouses of Austrian food retail stores, manufacturers have to exchange orders, despatch advices, and invoices with retailers on an ongoing basis. Thanks to the collaboration with EDITEL, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) transactions are now processed via its international data hub eXite®, which links virtually all large retail corporations in Austria.

Smooth processes with automated data exchange

“EDI gives our clients the opportunity of introducing swift and straightforward payment processes because despatch advices and invoices can automatically be transferred from a single system,” explained Marko Klein, managing director of activeIT. This interconnected approach reduces error potential related to manual entries at food producers, and employees will save valuable time. Gerd Marlovits, CEO of EDITEL, also highlights the benefits of this collaboration for all parties. “ERP systems by activeIT tailored to the needs of food producers and EDITEL’s many decades’ expertise about specifications defined by retailers are a great match and provide true added value to clients,” said Mr. Marlovits. The cross-industry standard EDIFACT is used, which is common practice on an international level.

Solutions for order changes and alternate products

Alternate products and order changes are usually a major challenge for correct data entry. Luckily, EDITEL and activeIT have found the best solution for this problem. In the produce industry, it is common practice to deliver alternate products. For instance, if the type of apple ordered by a client is not available, agreements specify that other types may be delivered to central warehouses as an alternative. This ensures that shelves are always fully stocked and clients will always have a wide range of products to choose from. activeIT and EDITEL have also teamed up to find a solution to other industry-specific challenges, i.e. acceptable options for packaging or package sizes. “We can fully map diverging information between purchase orders and despatch advices, which still allows for automated comparisons. The same is true for order changes and alternate product deliveries,” explained Mr. Marlovits.

Even closer collaboration ahead

Other food manufacturers might soon be able to benefit from the partnership between activeIT and EDITEL: “We are currently in the planning phase with some companies, and we are talking to others. Our international strategy allows us to support manufacturers not only in their work with Austrian retailers, but also in their international expansion, e.g. to Germany,” said Mr. Marlovits.