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8 Ways to capture time & data

Updated June 1, 2023
By Tyler Dieterman | Director of Solutions Operations
Computer on desk
Electronic data interchange (EDI) is evolving. Today, it’s not just about saving time and eliminating errors. It’s about capturing data to improve with every purchasing cycle.

Here are eight ways you can leverage EDI, coupled with your Fastenal program, to streamline and illuminate your supply process – from the purchase to the point of use.


1. Automated PO creation: Spot buys
​Procure products using an integrated Fastenal catalog. When you complete an order and check out, a purchase request is auto-populated within your system with full line-item details.

2. Automated PO creation: VMI eQuotes
Create a fully itemized restock PO with just five clicks, whether it’s 100, 500, or 1,000-plus lines. The simplicity of a blanket PO, but with comprehensive product data.

3. Automated PO transmission
Seamless transmission of PO details to Fastenal means fast processing and strict accuracy.

4. Vendor consolidation
Consolidate to one Fastenal vendor of record instead of maintaining separate records for different servicing locations.

5. Order tracking & changes
Visibility to item-level confirmations, rejections, and proposed changes to PO details. Orders are auto-updated with expected lead times.​

6. Automated receiving
Advanced ship notices (ASNs) allow you to auto-receive products supplied through a Fastenal Managed Inventory program – a digital trail of not only what was purchased, but what was delivered.​

7. Automated payables
The system automatically cross-matches POs and invoices and identifies and handles any exceptions. Ensure accuracy while driving major time savings in your payables process.

8. Vending transaction feed
Complete your data story by tracking how product is being used in your business – who, what, where, when, and why.

If you want to streamline your supply process, Fastenal can help.
​
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​Interested in using EDI to capture time and data? We can customize a solution that works for you.To learn more, reach out to our eCommerce specialists at
​[email protected].

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