See how United Aqua Group modernized EDI, enhanced partner connectivity, and improved operational efficiency with Orderful. Read the full case study.
Business Challenge: United Aqua Group’s Search for an EDI Solution
United Aqua Group (UAG), a prominent pass-through organization providing vendor discounts to swimming pool builders and storefronts, was facing significant challenges with their invoicing process. As the company grew, so did the volume of vendor transactions, but UAG lacked an efficient EDI system to handle the load. Relying on manual data entry, the company was forced to employ 20 temporary staff just to keep up with invoicing, leading to a turnaround time of up to two weeks. This inefficiency created operational strain, delayed payments, and hampered their ability to serve members effectively.
Recognizing the need for a streamlined solution, UAG looked for a modern EDI platform to automate their invoicing process and move quicker. After exploring options, they chose Orderful for its user-friendly interface, minimal development requirements, and seamless integration with their existing NetSuite ERP. Orderful’s intuitive dashboard and quick trading partner setup made it the ideal solution to address UAG’s challenges and set them on a path to greater efficiency.
The Solution: A Simple Solution for Complex Needs
After evaluating various options, UAG selected Orderful for its modern, cloud-based platform that offered ease of use, rapid onboarding, and seamless integration. What immediately set Orderful apart was how quickly UAG’s team could get up and running. Within two weeks, UAG had fully transitioned from manual data entry to automated EDI, thanks to Orderful’s simple, step-by-step setup process.
Why Orderful?
Orderful’s user-friendly interface and minimal development requirements made the transition smooth for UAG. The platform integrated seamlessly with UAG’s NetSuite ERP through Celigo, allowing them to connect their system of record without needing a major overhaul. Cindy MacLean, Director of IT Development & Operations at UAG, and her team were able to define their EDI specifications, share documentation with trading partners via a simple email link, and initiate test transactions in a matter of days. The fast and intuitive setup allowed UAG to onboard trading partners rapidly—reducing their onboarding time from weeks to days.
Cindy MacLeanDirector of IT Development & Operations at UAG“We’ve saved both time and money. Our team can now focus on higher-value tasks, and we’ve eliminated the need for temporary labor.”
Support That Makes a Difference
Another critical factor in UAG’s success with Orderful was the platform’s hyper-responsive support. From day one, Orderful’s team of EDI experts provided exceptional assistance, helping UAG navigate setup and resolve any issues within hours. Whether it was fixing user permissions or resolving service tickets, UAG could rely on Orderful’s support team to keep things moving without delays. Cindy described their experience with Orderful’s support as “10 out of 10,” noting that they never had to wait longer than 24 hours for a solution, ensuring that UAG could maintain operational continuity.
The Results: From 2+ Weeks to Under a Day
Results
- 4X Times Faster to Go Live Than Other EDI Solutions
- 10X Faster Error Resolution
- 100% Visibility and Control of EDI Environment
After implementing Orderful, United Aqua Group (UAG) experienced immediate results that transformed their invoicing process and overall EDI operations. The automation of EDI transactions not only saved time and resources but also drastically improved the accuracy and speed of their vendor invoicing.
100% Error Resolution and Complete Visibility
One of the most significant improvements was in UAG’s error resolution process. With Orderful’s real-time validation engine, UAG achieved 100% error resolution, eliminating the manual corrections that previously caused delays. "Orderful’s platform has been a life saver for us," said Cindy MacLean, Director of IT Development & Operations. "We went from constant back-and-forth with trading partners to being able to fix errors instantly. Now, every transaction is accurate and compliant."
Cindy MacLeanDirector of IT Development & Operations at UAG“What used to take us weeks now gets done in a day. Orderful has made a huge impact on how we operate."
In addition, UAG gained full visibility into all EDI transactions. This level of transparency allowed them to monitor and control each transaction throughout the invoicing process, significantly reducing the risk of missed or delayed invoices.
Eliminating Resources and Reducing Costs
The move to Orderful enabled UAG to replace 20 temporary staff members who had been manually handling their invoicing. This resulted in substantial cost savings and operational efficiency. By automating the EDI process, UAG no longer needed to allocate resources to repetitive data entry tasks, allowing them to redirect efforts to more strategic initiatives. "We’ve saved both time and money. Our team can now focus on higher-value tasks, and we’ve eliminated the need for temporary labor," Cindy noted.
Faster Turnaround Times
Perhaps the most striking result was the reduction in invoicing turnaround times. With their old system, it took UAG up to two weeks to process and send out invoices. After implementing Orderful, they reduced this turnaround to next-day processing, ensuring faster payment cycles and improved vendor satisfaction. "What used to take us weeks now gets done in a day. Orderful has truly made a huge impact on how we operate," Cindy said.
About United Aqua Group
United Aqua Group (UAG) is a premier cooperative of independent swimming pool professionals, providing members with exclusive access to industry-leading vendors, products, and services. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, UAG empowers pool builders, retailers, and service providers across the country by offering significant vendor discounts and streamlined operations. As a trusted partner in the swimming pool industry, UAG helps its members succeed by fostering collaboration and providing unparalleled resources to drive business growth.
