Connect to Co-op via EDI

Connecting You to Co-op with EDI

Co-op, a respected name in the realm of consumer cooperatives, stands as a beacon of community-focused retail and ethical business practices. With origins tracing back to the Rochdale Pioneers in 1844, Co-op has evolved into a diverse family of businesses spanning grocery, insurance, funeral care, and more. Renowned for its commitment to shared ownership, sustainability, and social responsibility, Co-op has become a symbol of values-driven commerce. Beyond providing quality products and services, Co-op invests in initiatives that empower local communities and promote positive change.

It is becoming common for industry leaders to make the move to require their suppliers to connect via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for effective, streamlined communication and transactions. If you are an SME or small business wishing to be stocked on their shelves, then becoming EDI savvy is something you need to consider.

Co-op’s Onboarding process

To trade with Co-op via EDI, you’ll first need to become one of their official suppliers. If you haven’t secured your trading relationship with Co-op yet, you’ll need to sign up for the ‘RangeMe’ platform, this is a free website where your business can showcase it’s products to become a Co-op supplier.

Once your supplier trading relationship has been confirmed and you have agreed with Co-op on the electronic message types you will be exchanging, they will provide you with information, such as your Supplier ID. We ask that you keep this on hand as it will help to speed up our onboarding process and get you connected sooner.

Our Onboarding process

We present you with the choice between two robust and reliable EDI solutions: Netix One and Netix Flow. Both of these solutions aim to offer substantial simplification in the realm of transmitting and receiving EDI documents.

For those who are beginning their EDI journey, especially small businesses seeking a direct connection with their trading partners, Netix One seamlessly fits the bill. It’s a user-friendly web-based solution meticulously tailored to meet your requirements. On the other hand, Netix Flow elevates your capabilities by seamlessly integrating with your existing ERP, e-commerce, inventory, or WMS systems. This integration streamlines processes, obviating the need for manual input and automating crucial tasks. Once you’ve determined the most suitable solution aligned with your company’s needs, it’s imperative to provide our team with the subsequent information:

• Supplier ID

This information helps us to quickly establish an AS2 connector for you. The messaging standard that the Co-operative Group conforms to is the latest version of Tradacoms message formats. To send and receive messages using the AS2 connector, you must adhere to this EDI standard. AS2 (Applicability Statement 2) is a specification for the transport of data securely and reliably over the Internet using HTTP. However, our expertise allows us to convert EDI messages into any format that best matches your unique company’s requirements.

The common messages we set up for Co-op trading relationships:

• Invoices
• Purchase order
• Delivery Note
• Credit Note
• Advance Shipping Note

We simplify the process of establishing the EDI connection, enabling you to initiate trading with Co-op promptly. A significant portion of the infrastructure is already in place, and our pre-configured maps for Co-op are ready for seamless integration.

Configuring your EDI solution

We’ll then be ready to commence the testing phase once all information has been passed over. To fully comply with Co-op’s requirements, we need to complete three rounds of end-to-end testing before your system is allowed to be switched ‘live’. You can be confident that our dedicated Installation team will diligently validate and test your agreed EDI messages on your behalf. Their expertise guarantees that your Netix solution operates exactly as intended, delivering a seamless and dependable EDI setup for you.

Training your team to use Netix

We endeavour to contribute to your success, therefore before we finalise your system, we will coordinate training days for those of your team who will utilise Netix the most, to make sure they have all the necessary tools to leverage the platform. These training sessions will be tailored to your specific business needs and are created to offer in-depth knowledge, ensuring that your staff is prepared to make the most of Netix.

Start trading with Co-op via EDI!

We’ll assign a date for your system to “Go Live” once we are confident everything has been tested and your team has been fully trained. You will then be introduced to our customer service representatives who will be your port of call for the future and will answer any questions you may have. You’ll then have everything you need to begin trading via EDI with Co-op.

Benefits of using Netix to connect to Co-op:

• Gain the ability to exchange the necessary EDI messages with Co-op seamlessly.
• Netix is designed to grow alongside your business so you can connect all future trading partners through our comprehensive solution.
• Our architecture empowers the platform to handle a substantial volume of messages, providing your organisation with enhanced efficiency.
• Netix is securely hosted within a certified data centre that specialises in processing sensitive financial information.
Check out our connection process with Ocado, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Asda and more.

Why you should choose Cegedim e-business

We acknowledge the challenges that come with EDI and are dedicated to simplifying digital trading for your convenience. Your business is our prime concern, and our dedicated Netix experts will diligently guide you through each stage. Their expertise ensures a seamless onboarding process, leading to a swift and successful setup for electronic trading with Co-op.

Our pricing structure is thoughtfully designed to be adaptable and future-ready. It flexibly accommodates your evolving needs and potential modifications as required by Co-op. In the past year, significant supermarket chains have adjusted their EDI requirements. With our pricing strategy, you won’t be burdened with additional development costs in scenarios where Co-op alters their EDI standards or necessitates the use of documents like Advance Shipping Notices (ASNs).

When you’re ready to embark on your EDI journey with Co-op, we stand ready to provide informed guidance and tailored solutions aligned with your specific business needs. Reach out to us now, and let’s embark on this pivotal journey together.

Enquire about EDI with Co-op today!