How FMCG brands are using EDI to stay ahead?

In the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market, brands must be agile, data-driven and efficient, not just to meet retailer mandates, but to optimise operations, free up valuable IT resources and help teams focus on value‑added tasks.

Take SunRice, one of Australia’s top branded food exporters. Since 2008, they relied on middleware to translate SAP iDoc files until 2019, when they decided to outsource this to MessageXchange. The results:

• flexible, fast and accurate data exchange
• much lower reliance on internal hardware, maintenance or licensing
• huge time savings: what once took their IT team hours can now be managed in just a few clicks
• freed-up IT resources that can be diverted toward high-value projects.
  For FMCG businesses, EDI shouldn’t just be box ticking exercise, it’s a strategic asset.

1. Efficiency gains and cost savings

EDI automates a suite of transactions including purchase orders, advanced shipping notices (ASNs), invoices, product catalogues and sales reports. EDI automates repetitive manual tasks, like entering PO data, checking stock availability or matching invoices, which reduces human error and speeds up transactions. For FMCG businesses where volumes are high and timelines are tight, this means faster turnaround, fewer delays and significant labour cost savings.

2. Relieve IT burden, focus on strategic work

As seen with SunRice, outsourcing EDI translation reduces dependence on internal systems and hardware, letting lean IT teams concentrate on innovation rather than maintenance. With a cloud-based provider like MessageXchange, you get regular updates, compliance with retailer formats and dedicated support. All without having to worry about hardware, infrastructure or ongoing maintenance.

3. Speed and accuracy for fast-moving goods

When every minute and every pallet counts, automation is essential. High turnover items like food and beverage require precise data, shelf-life tracking and real-time updates. Delays and data errors can translate to empty shelves or expired products. EDI ensures your data is delivered quickly, accurately and in the exact format your retail partners expect.

4. Data visibility and better decision-making

EDI platforms like those from MessageXchange, often include real-time reporting dashboards, so brands get greater insight into order status, shipment progress and performance, helping them fine-tune planning, reduce waste and improve forecasting.

5. Seamless integration with business systems

Modern EDI works with Australian favourites like MYOB, Xero, SAP and Oracle, making order-to-invoice workflows smoother, accelerating cash flow and reducing human error.

6. Scalability during growth or new projects

FMCG businesses often experience rapid shifts, expansion into new retailers, seasonal demand spikes and new product launches. With a managed EDI platform, you can easily add new trading partners or documents without redesigning your internal systems.

SunRice’s decision to move to MessageXchange was driven by exactly this – the need to handle upcoming large projects without the overhead of manual configuration, costly software licenses or stretched internal teams.