Bi-Lo Deploys EDI Automation

Bi-Lo has implemented electronic data interchange (EDI) automation through a partnership with software as a service (SaaS) provider DiCentral that aims to make vendor communication considerably more reliable and efficient.

“Collaborating with DiCentral is an innovative way for Bi-Lo to keep EDI transaction costs down and at the same time help ensure that we are compliant with regulations such as HIPPA,” noted Carol DeWitt, CIO at Mauldin, S.C.-based Bi-Lo, which operates 207 supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, employing about 15,100 associates. “I have a personal commitment to renewing Bi-Lo’s technology base, and this partnership with DiCentral helps take us down that road.”

“DiCentral has a proven track record of enabling successful supplier and vendor communication through effective EDI best practices,” added Bi-Lo senior manager of information systems Ron Myers. “We at Bi-Lo are eager to benefit from those best practices and pass on the savings to our customers.

“Implementing several large direct store delivery suppliers will allow Bi-Lo to quickly release the value of the ASN (advance ship notice) and keep the costs of implementing EDI lower than with an in-house project,” said Phil Ifkovits, director for business development for Houston-based DiCentral.