The Tax Barrier

Taxation has become increasingly more complex over the past few years. Market intelligence provider International Data Company (IDC) notes that technology providers are moving to provide solutions and leveraging the latest developments to simplify the tax process. AI is already being leveraged to automatically calculate taxation at the point of purchase across the U.S as well as easing the process for tax professionals to forecast and conduct risk analysis around tax issues.

Leveraging Data

Big data & analytics tools are also being used across the industry to provide professionals with insights and offer opportunities to optimize the tax decision process. IDC notes that big data and analytics will be a must have for tax software end users. Combining an existing tax software with deep dive analytics & a range of information around customer purchases.

Cloud Connectivity

The cloud will also be integral to tax trends in 2020, while tax compliance has been outpaced by other developments in cloud computing, IDC expects cloud tax software to be a critical part of business operations in the years to come. With current industry events, and the work of retailers to continue to pivot their business, brands need to be prepared for these changes by proactively investing in effective taxation solutions and utilizing a range of technologies at the point of purchase.

Modern Tax Automation for Unified Retail

Teamwork Commerce has partnered with Avalara, the leader in cloud-based compliance automation, to give you a sales tax solution that is robust and easy to configure. With a pre-built integration to Avalara, you can leverage the work we’ve completed to automate burdensome (and often error-prone) sales tax management, including calculations, certificate management and returns filing. And with over 700 integrations, you can have one tax solution across all of your retail channels and platforms. Avalara is also one of a handful of providers certified in the Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) program, meaning you may be able to qualify for free services in up to 25 states!

Find out if you are eligible for the SST program or to learn more about Avalara and how they can help your business manage the ever-changing sales tax landscape more efficiently.

What is EDI Electronic Data Interchange?

A paper based exchange of business documents has represented the way business has been run for many years. But, it also comes with significant limitations, postal mail takes several days, faxes several minutes and this paper approach is error prone. Electronic data interchange is the computer to computer exchange of business documents in a standard electronic format between internal or partner resources. This electronic approach enables increased flexibility, reduced cost, increased speed and improved communication between operators. This might seem like a lot of jargon, but EDI is essentially a succinct backend process that provides for the seamless relationship between systems.

Why Does EDI Matter For Retailers?

How many retailers want to continue to use manual processes? Or physically track orders? Or keep track of relationships with suppliers?

For retailers EDI can make a significant difference, eliminating the need for basic procedural elements in the retail transaction process. Transactions can be completed with greater speed & accuracy, vital for today’s fast-moving retail landscape. EDI also ensures that systems can work together, allowing systems to communicate effectively.

EDI assisted retailers, whenever you place an order with a supplier an electronic purchase order is created within your system, with an EDI solution behind the scenes an EDI purchase order is created and sent to the supplier. Even though the supplier uses a different system their order system will be able to translate and receive the information automatically, ensuring that systems are synchronized even as requirements or information are tweaked.

After the order is ready to ship, the supplier sends an advanced shipping notice & an invoice which matches the original order. The process is reconciled within a few keystrokes, the process is automated and orders are quickly matched to ensure accuracy, consistency and timeliness within the order.

Improving The Workflow

EDI is a foundational tool for automated order processing and backend workflows. The goal of this software is to streamline and improve the workflow while enhancing supply chain predictability. But, EDI also helps to reduce friction in the operations process:

Implementing Electronic Data Interchange

EDI can be outsourced or retailers can choose to invest in their own on premise systems. Both options have their benefits, but, for most retailers outsourced cloud-based EDI is more proficient.

Internal EDI has a high level of initial investment, requiring: Software installation, hardware installation, maintenance support, map development… with outsourced EDI all of these elements are managed externally with the benefits provided to retailers & customers at the endpoint. While creating an external system might seem like creating a silo, it actually helps to break down the walls between existing silos. Cloud based EDI tools allow intercommunication between e-commerce, ERP, WMS, accounting and Point of sale. This inter-communication of tools and software allows for complete visibility of business management and assists retailers in managing the complexities of operations.

A Flexible Solution: Teamwork Commerce + SPS Commerce

SPS commerce can help retailers to integrate with most retail software’s, allowing businesses to achieve multi-system integration through EDI producing a seamless exchange of data across systems. SPS works to connect all retail systems, from legacy to eCommerce their EDI solution can help businesses to create a focused, and efficient backend process that supports retail operations.
www.spscommerce.com