Use Case: Streamlining Acumatica EDI Integration with SPS Commerce

“The solution Crestwood provided not only resolved our immediate integration challenges but positioned us to scale efficiently as our operations grow.”?

Challenge: Bridging the Acumatica EDI Integration Gap?

A distribution client faced inefficiencies due to limitations in their existing SPS Acumatica EDI integration with SPS Commerce. For example, their team struggled to process critical EDI documents such as routing requests and carrier billing, often resorting to manual data entry and workarounds to keep operations running. This approach was time-consuming, prone to errors, and unsustainable as their order volume grew.?

The client’s current customization, initially built by a third-party vendor, fell short in addressing specific document workflows and created manual workarounds that hindered their operational processes.?

The client required a solution that:?

• Automated the processing of critical EDI document types (210, 753, 754).?

• Improved visibility and error management in the EDI workflow.?

• Delivered a scalable foundation to accommodate future growth and additional document types. A distribution client faced inefficiencies due to limitations in their existing SPS Commerce EDI integration with Acumatica. The client’s current customization, initially built by a third-party vendor, fell short in addressing specific document workflows and created manual workarounds that hindered their operational processes.??

The Customized Acumatica EDI Integration Solution?

Crestwood Associates developed a tailored solution that fully integrates SPS Commerce EDI workflows into Acumatica. This solution streamlines the handling of EDI documents, eliminates manual intervention, and ensures a robust, scalable process.?

?Key Components of the Acumatica EDI Integration Solution:?

• 210 – Carrier Billing:?Processes shipping carrier bills, splitting freight and tax costs into distinct line items for accurate accounting.?
• 753 – Routing Request: Automates the transmission of routing details, including ship-to/from locations, item quantities, weights, and order information.?

• 754 – Routing Confirmation:?Updates shipping methods and references in Acumatica, ensuring alignment with routing confirmations received from carriers.?

1. Automated FTP Integration:?XML files (210, 753, and 754) are automatically uploaded to a designated FTP server.?A holding table in Acumatica categorizes and processes files based on their document type.?
2. Custom Logic for Document Processing:?The solution applies the outlined logic to automate processing, ensuring accurate updates and document flow in Acumatica.?
3. Error Management and Monitoring:?A dedicated status table tracks processing progress:?Pending: Awaiting action.?Successful: Fully processed.?Error: Flagged for review with clear error messaging.?Errors can be reviewed and reprocessed without disrupting the workflow.?
4. File Attachment and Audit Trail:?Imported XML files are attached to their corresponding records in Acumatica for auditability and troubleshooting.?
5. Automated FTP Integration:?XML files (210, 753, and 754) are automatically uploaded to a designated FTP server.?A holding table in Acumatica categorizes and processes files based on their document type.?
6. Custom Logic for Document Processing:?210 – Carrier Billing:?Freight and tax costs are separated into distinct line items to align with client requirements.?753 – Routing Request:?Shipping details (ship-to/from locations, order numbers, item quantities, weights, etc.) are transmitted seamlessly.?754 – Routing Confirmation:?Custom fields, including shipping method (e.g., FedEx), are updated automatically in Acumatica.?Error Management and Monitoring:?A dedicated status table tracks processing progress:?Pending: Awaiting action.?Successful: Fully processed.?Error: Flagged for review with clear error messaging.?Errors can be reviewed and reprocessed without disrupting the workflow.?
7. File Attachment and Audit Trail:?Imported XML files are attached to their corresponding records in Acumatica for auditability and troubleshooting.?

Results: Improved Efficiency and Scalability with Acumatica EDI Integration?

The new solution delivered immediate improvements:?

• Streamlined Automation: Eliminated manual handling of critical EDI workflows, reducing errors and saving time.?

• Enhanced Visibility: Clear status tracking and error management ensure reliable processing and faster issue resolution.?

• Scalability: The solution is designed to accommodate additional EDI document types and client-specific requirements, supporting long-term growth.?

“The solution Crestwood provided not only resolved our immediate integration challenges but positioned us to scale efficiently as our operations grow.”?

How It Works:? Acumatica EDI Integration Workflow?

1. XML File Upload: SPS Commerce or partners upload XML files (210, 753, 754) to the FTP server.?
2. File Import to Acumatica:?Files are imported into a holding table within Acumatica.?Files are categorized and linked to appropriate workflows.?
3. Document Processing:?Custom logic processes each document type and updates Acumatica records.?Successful files are flagged as complete; errors are identified and logged.?
4. Audit and Monitoring:?Files are attached for review, ensuring a clear audit trail.?Status updates provide real-time visibility.?

?Scalability: Ready for Growth with Acumatica EDI Integration?

The solution is flexible and can easily scale to:?

• Add additional EDI document types (e.g., 855 for Purchase Order Acknowledgments or 856 for Advance Ship Notices).?

• Serve industries beyond distribution, such as manufacturing or retail, where complex EDI workflows in Acumatica are essential for inventory management and supplier communication.?

• Support high-volume operations without compromising performance.?

For example, a manufacturing client could leverage this solution to automate 856 Advance Ship Notices, ensuring suppliers receive real-time updates on shipments while reducing manual coordination. Similarly, retail businesses could integrate 855 Purchase Order Acknowledgments to streamline supplier confirmations and inventory accuracy.?

Crestwood Associates designed this integration to be modular and adaptable, ensuring clients can leverage the full capabilities of SPS Commerce and Acumatica as their business needs evolve. The solution is flexible and can easily scale to:?

• Add additional EDI document types (e.g., 855, 856) as needed.?

• Serve other industries such as manufacturing, retail, and logistics.?

• Support high-volume operations without compromising performance.?

Crestwood Associates designed this integration to be modular and adaptable, ensuring clients can leverage the full capabilities of SPS Commerce and Acumatica Acumatica EDI integration as their business needs evolve.?

Conclusion?

Crestwood Associates’ customized SPS Commerce integration for Acumatica Acumatica EDI workflows resolves critical EDI challenges, enhances automation, and delivers a scalable solution that meets the unique needs of distribution clients. This solution simplifies processes, reduces errors, and improves overall operational efficiency.?

Explore how Crestwood can streamline your EDI processes and enhance your Acumatica workflows.?

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