Pabst Brewing’s Seamless EDI Transition During ERP Upgrade

Business Challenge: ERP Upgrade Sparks Opportunity for EDI Overhaul

Pabst Brewing Company, an iconic name in the beer industry with a rich heritage spanning over 175 years, is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. Known for its flagship Pabst Blue Ribbon and a diverse portfolio of over two dozen brands, Pabst manages a substantial volume of Distributor orders—processing between 300 and 500 each week at the moment. To handle this complex order-to-cash process efficiently, Pabst relies on EDI to automate transactions with vendors and third-party transportation companies, streamlining the sending of sales orders and receipt of acknowledgments.

Despite having an EDI system in place, Pabst faced significant issues with their previous legacy EDI vendor. The vendor imposed a cumbersome, time-consuming process for onboarding new trading partners and suddenly introduced steep volume-based transaction fees, making the EDI system unsustainable. These issues emerged just as Pabst was upgrading its ERP system, presenting a critical opportunity to switch to a more efficient and transparently-priced EDI solution.

In this high-stakes scenario, Pabst needed a modern EDI partner capable of keeping pace with their operational demands and supporting their large-scale retail volume. This is where Orderful came into the picture, recommended by Pabst's ERP implementation partner, Accenture, for its ability to deliver rapid, reliable, and affordable EDI integration.

The Solution: Speed, Cost, and Flexibility

The decision to choose Orderful was driven by several critical factors:

Speed and Efficiency: Pabst needed a solution that could be implemented rapidly to keep pace with their ERP upgrade. Orderful's cloud-based EDI solution provided the quickest path to integration. Its API allowed Pabst to connect once and trade with any supply chain partner immediately, eliminating the need for repeated custom integrations.

Transparent Pricing: Unlike traditional EDI vendors, Orderful offers transparent pricing without exorbitant transaction fees. This predictable cost structure was essential for Pabst, enabling them to forecast and manage EDI expenses accurately.

Flexible Integration: Orderful’s robust API was pivotal in allowing Pabst to manage their EDI transactions flexibly. The API's capabilities enabled Pabst to integrate EDI with their existing workflows and business rules seamlessly. This flexibility ensured that Pabst could continue to operate efficiently without overhauling their internal processes.

During the implementation, Orderful's validation engine played a crucial role. This tool tested EDI data against specific trading partner requirements in real-time, not just against generic x12 standards. This immediate validation and feedback allowed Pabst to correct issues on the fly, significantly reducing the time and effort typically required for EDI testing and ensuring compliance with their partners' requirements.

Additionally, Orderful’s platform was designed for ease of use. The intuitive interface and real-time tracking capabilities provided Pabst with complete visibility into their EDI transactions. This transparency was critical for maintaining control over their order-to-cash process, reducing errors, and ensuring timely order fulfillment.

Key Features and Benefits of Orderful for Pabst Brewing Company:

• Aggregate Integration Experience: With Orderful’s Cloud EDI Solution, Pabst could integrate once and access trade with any partner instantly. This eliminated the need for multiple custom integrations, saving significant time and resources.
• Real-Time Validation: Orderful’s validation engine tested Pabst’s EDI data against trading partners' specific requirements in minutes, providing real-time feedback and ensuring that transactions met all necessary standards before submission.
• Scalability and Flexibility: The robust API allowed Pabst to manage EDI transactions within their own workflows, applying business-specific rules without extensive reconfiguration. This flexibility was crucial for adapting to different partner requirements efficiently.
• Expert Support: Orderful’s team of EDI experts provided continuous support throughout the implementation process. Their deep understanding of Pabst’s business needs and the technical intricacies of EDI ensured a smooth and rapid transition.

The Results: Faster Onboarding and Implementation

Reduction in EDI Costs

One of the most impactful benefits for Pabst Brewing was the substantial reduction in EDI costs. By utilizing Orderful's EDI platform, Pabst achieved an impressive 80% reduction in EDI expenses.

Rapid Implementation and Go-Live

Pabst experienced a 10-fold increase in the speed of going live with their new EDI solution. This rapid implementation was crucial for meeting tight deadlines and ensuring continuity during the ERP upgrade. “Orderful could move quicker than any other EDI provider we evaluated,” Manuel remarked. “We had a short deadline and needed a provider that could go live before the ERP implementation was finished. Orderful’s modern API made that possible.”

Enhanced Visibility and Control

Orderful’s platform provided Pabst with 100% visibility into their EDI transactions. The real-time tracking and comprehensive validation engine ensured that all transactions met trading partners' requirements before submission. This transparency allowed Pabst to maintain control over their order-to-cash process, reducing errors and ensuring timely order fulfillment.

Expert EDI Support 

Throughout the implementation process, Orderful’s team of EDI experts provided continuous support, ensuring a smooth transition. Manuel highlighted the importance of this support: “It was a breath of fresh air for all of us,” he said. “Orderful knows exactly what we’re doing, why, and how. We don’t have to re-onboard every time we need to add a trading partner like we did with our last EDI vendor.”

Overall, the partnership with Orderful enabled Pabst Brewing Company to overcome their EDI challenges, achieving greater efficiency, cost savings, and operational agility. Orderful’s modern EDI platform and exceptional support ensured that Pabst could continue to grow and thrive in a competitive market.

About Pabst Brewing Company

Pabst Brewing Company, with a legacy spanning over 175 years, is a storied name in the American beer industry. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Pabst is renowned for its flagship brand, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and a diverse portfolio of over two dozen beloved beer and malt liquor brands. Known for its rich heritage, innovative spirit, and commitment to quality, Pabst continues to capture the hearts of beer enthusiasts nationwide. With deep roots in American tradition and a focus on modern brewing excellence, Pabst Brewing Company remains a testament to enduring craftsmanship and community connection.