Lexmark Improves Global Supply Chain Integration via GXS Trading Grid for Excel - Ubiquitous Desktop Software Used to Automatically Convert Spreadsheets into EDI for Transactions with Small Suppliers

(M2 PressWIRE Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) GXS, a leading provider of business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce solutions, today announced that Lexmark (NYSE: LXK) has deployed GXS Trading Grid for Excel to support automated supply chain transactions with suppliers.

The company has deployed GXS Trading Grid for Excel to complement its B2B outsourcing deployment via GXS and to support suppliers sending Advance Ship Notices (ASN) to the company. GXS Trading Grid for Excel is an innovative service that enables enterprises to automate B2B transactions with global trading partners via the world's ubiquitous desktop application, Microsoft Office Excel 2007.

Lexmark places strong focus and effort on automating its B2B e-commerce transactions and needed a solution for their suppliers that enabled them to easily enter thousands of serial numbers into each ASN document without having to key in each one individually. By using GXS Trading Grid for Excel, the suppliers have access to a customised ASN document specific to Lexmark that they can complete and transmit directly from Excel. Once completed, the document is sent directly from the application (no e-mail or fax required) via a drop-down menu. The document is then translated into electronic data interchange (EDI) for receipt and direct integration into Lexmark's enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Finally, GXS Trading Grid for Excel provides document visibility and track and trace capabilities for all transactions exchanged from within the tool.

"Lexmark is always looking for better ways to automate processes and drive efficiencies globally, and GXS Trading Grid for Excel is a tool that delivered on both those needs," said Keith Moody, Lexmark's chief information officer. "The deployment of this service has been successful for both Lexmark and our suppliers." As a GXS Managed Services customer, Lexmark relies on GXS to manage its trading partner network interactions and ensure smooth onboarding processes for its suppliers as well as to conduct ongoing change management and monitoring.

"Lexmark's deployment is a prime example of a why a service like Trading Grid for Excel is essential to achieving 100 percent supplier automation," said Tom Varghese, senior product manager at GXS. "The globalisation of the supply chain makes it harder for companies to transact electronically with their all their trading partners because of language and technology barriers. Trading Grid for Excel removes those barriers. It is language agnostic and can be used by any company running Excel 2007." GXS Trading Grid for Excel adds a new tool in the arsenal for enterprises seeking to e-enable additional trading partners. Taking advantage of the XML file format structures and the hallmark custom programmability of Office Excel 2007, the service also combines the document management and translation capabilities inherent in GXS Trading Grid, to deliver a 'direct to desktop' automation solution for enterprises and their trading partners. A demo of the service can be found at http://www.gxs.co.uk/flashdemo/tg4xl.htm. The service includes robust support options to connect business communities around the globe, including multi-lingual help via live chat, phone, e-mail and context-sensitive, self-help-making it easy for users to obtain expert assistance how and when they need it. Support is available in multiple languages including Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Portuguese.

GXS Trading Grid is a global B2B e-commerce and integration platform that supports the creation and adoption of on-demand supply chain management solutions for companies of any size. As the world's largest electronic business community, GXS Trading Grid is used by more than 30,000 customers to exchange goods and services, gain visibility into global logistics operations and to synchronise product data. Trading Grid helps customers automate global trading communities by shielding complexity from rapidly changing standards, eliminating manual and duplicative processes and enabling the highest levels of B2B integration and collaboration.

About GXS GXS is a leading global provider of B2B e-commerce solutions that simplify and enhance business process integration and collaboration among trading partners. Organisations worldwide, including more than 70 percent of the Fortune 500, leverage the on-demand services on GXS Trading Grid to extend supply chain networks, optimise product launches, automate warehouse receiving, manage electronic payments and gain supply chain visibility. GXS Managed Services, GXS' B2B outsourcing solution, empowers customers with the expertise, technical infrastructure and program support to conduct B2B e-commerce with trading partners globally.

Based in Gaithersburg, Md., GXS has an extensive global network and has local offices in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific regions. GXS can be found on the Web at http://www.gxs.co.uk, http://blogs.gxs.com/ and http://twitter.com/gxs.

((Comments on this story may be sent to info@m2.com)) (c) 2009 M2 COMMUNICATIONS

[ Back To Homepage ]

| More

The World's Largest Communications And Technology Community

Technology Marketing Corporation,
800 Connecticut Ave, 1st Floor East, Norwalk, CT 06854 USA
Ph: 800-243-6002, 203-852-6800; Fx: 203-866-3326
General comments: tmc@tmcnet.com. Comments about this site: webmaster@tmcnet.com.

» About » Contact » Advertise