DirectBuy Taps FurnishNet for Supply Chain Initiative

Furniture World Magazine

FurnishNet, a leading provider of Internet-based supply chain solutions for the home furnishings industry, announced that DirectBuy of Merrillville, Indiana has outsourced all of its EDI activities to FurnishNet. The first phase of a multi-phase integration strategy targets electronic transaction exchange for DirectBuy with 200 manufacturers currently in the FurnishNet network. With 128 showroom and design centers throughout the U.S. and Canada, the fast growing DirectBuy seeks reduced overhead, improved communications, and faster order turn around as primary benefits of the initiative. "As DirectBuy continues to execute on its growth plan, our integration with the FurnishNet network gives us the opportunity to keep growing our top line while at the same time streamlining the way we work with our vendors," said Donna Vaughan, Sr. Director of MIS for DirectBuy. "The bottom line is we'll be able to do more without adding more people and paperwork to our processes." The FurnishNet solution integrates Web applications, electronic data interchange (EDI), XML, and email into a unique "Any-to-Any" exchange. FurnishNet is able to translate data files into appropriate formats forthe electronic flow of information between trading partners of any size, running on any corporate system. Because the FurnishNet service is able to transfer data without the use of a VAN, the need for expensive EDI mapping software as well as a traditional EDI VAN network are eliminated, thereby reducing expenses and simplifying connectivity. "Reducing paperwork, improving speed, and increasing order accuracy with FurnishNet is going to give DirectBuy even more of a competitive advantage than they already enjoy," said Ron Sellers, FurnishNet Vice President. About FurnishNet: Over 770 of the nation's leading retailers and manufacturers are using FurnishNet's electronic transaction exchange solution to streamline their supply chains. For more information or a list of connected manufacturers, please call 1-800-854-2263 ext.2525, or visit www.furnishnet.com and take the Self-Guided Tour.