Sell on Amazon with Onetrail
Most of the sellers connected to the Onetrail platform use a multi-channel sales strategy via their own sales department, their website, and their channel connections via Onetrail, varying from the distribution channel, resellers, retailers, and marketplaces. Specializing in automating sales and purchase processes between these companies in IT/CE, we support all those channels.
As a certified Value-Added Network for Amazon, we would like to zoom into your connection to the largest online marketplace in Europe, Amazon. Did you know this can also be done through the same Onetrail connection you have already set up for your other customers via the Onetrail platform? Selling your products via Amazon you will be either set up on Amazon Vendor Central or Seller Central.
If you are a 1P (first-party seller) to Amazon, you will be set up in the online portal called Amazon Vendor Central. Amazon is in this case the buyer of your products and can be set up in Onetrail alongside all your other customers, for both product data exchange and different order processes. In most cases, Amazon sells your products under their brand name to the end-user. Whether Amazon arranges the shipment or a drop shipment is done from you as a seller to the end user, all shipment types are supported by the Onetrail functionality.
If you are a store owner on Amazon’s website as a marketplace, you will be using Amazon Seller Central. Amazon charges a monthly fee for using their platform and a fee at the transaction level. In this case, you as a seller will be selling directly to the end-user using the Amazon platform. You can then choose to handle the fulfillment and logistics for your sales yourself or outsource this to Amazon for an additional fee. Onetrail currently doesn’t fully support the connection with Amazon Seller Central. Please contact our sales for the options or more information.
Whichever way you choose to do your business, as a Onetrail customer there is no need to run a separate EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) connection for Amazon. You can use our Amazon connection in any of the countries you operate in. Amazon launched last week a new program allowing sellers that are using Amazon as a sales channel to sell through nine European Amazon stores with a few clicks.
One of the unique features of the Onetrail platform is that every connection with Onetrail can be re-used. Onetrail is active in all those countries where Amazon launched their European Expansion Accelerator and a set-up for all of those can be up and running within a few days. So, if you are a Onetrail customer in the Netherlands, UK, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, France, or Poland and you are doing or planning to do business with Amazon, give us a call and we will help you boost your sales using our already running Amazon integration.
Peppol: The Future of Invoicing with Government
What is Peppol?
Peppol (Pan-European Public Procurement OnLine) is the international standard for e-invoicing and e-ordering. In the past, differences in invoicing protocols between countries and even between different government entities within the same country could lead to delays and complications.
The idea behind Peppol originated in Europe with the vision of making cross-border public procurement easier and more efficient. The goal was to create a common standard that would ensure interoperability between different procurement systems in European countries. This would not only reduce the administrative burden for companies, but also increase market access for suppliers.
Meanwhile, dozens of countries worldwide – including outside the EU – have chosen Peppol as the standard. Its use is also becoming mandatory in more and more countries – including the Netherlands from 2024 – in order to do business with the government.
Key features and benefits of Peppol
- Standardized Communication: Peppol provides a unified way of communicating between different procurement systems. This means companies only need to connect to the Peppol network once to access all connected entities.
- Safety and Reliability: By using advanced security protocols, Peppol ensures the integrity and confidentiality of data exchanged.
- Cost savings: By eliminating paper invoices and reducing manual processes, companies can save significantly on their administrative costs.
- Real-time Processing: Faster processing times mean faster payments and improved cash flow for businesses.
Onetrail & Peppol
While Peppol champions the future of e-invoicing and e-ordering, Onetrail plays a crucial role in facilitating this transition for businesses.
Onetrail’s platform is designed with flexibility in mind. Whether you already have an existing e-invoicing system or are starting from scratch, Onetrail provides seamless integration with Peppol. This means your business can transition quickly and efficiently without major changes to your current systems.
Are you already billing through Onetrail?
For existing Onetrail users, switching to Peppol is easy. With just a few adjustments, your company can start sending and receiving invoices through the Peppol network. Already an Onetrail customer, but not yet invoicing via our system? Then just extend your subscription and your company will be up and running with Peppol in no time.
The advantages of a customer portal in the ICT sector
But what exactly are the benefits of a customer portal? And where should you start? We will go into that in this blog!
Benefits of a customer portal
More than a simple interface, a customer portal is a tool to increase both customer satisfaction and your company’s internal efficiency. There are numerous benefits of a customer portal, but these are some of the most important:
1. Improved access to information
A customer portal allows customers to easily and quickly obtain important information about their products, services or subscriptions. They can place orders directly, view order history and even submit a service ticket and/or RMA request. This reduces reliance on telephone support or e-mails for basic information, increasing efficiency and reducing waiting times.
2. Better communication and transparency
Having a customer portal promotes transparent communication between the reseller and the customer. Customers can easily contact customer service through the portal, ask questions, report problems and receive updates on the progress of their requests. This reduces misunderstandings and ensures clear and smooth communication.
3. Increased customer engagement
Customer engagement also improves when you offer a customer portal, as customers have more control over their interactions with the reseller. They can manage their profile, adjust preferences, upgrade or change subscriptions and view previous orders. This level of control and convenience increases customer satisfaction and loyalty, resulting in higher customer satisfaction.
4. More efficient internal processes
A customer portal also offers benefits for internal processes within a reseller. It allows employees to centrally manage customer information, efficiently route requests and update data. This helps streamline workflow and reduce duplication of effort. As you can see, a customer portal is a powerful tool that allows you to provide a high-quality customer experience, while improving your organisation’s efficiency and productivity. However, a customer portal is not an overnight success.
What do you need to get started?
Implementing an efficient and effective customer portal requires a few essential elements:
User-friendliness
User-friendliness is an essential factor for any customer portal. Customers should be able to access the information they need, place orders, and manage their profiles with ease. This should be possible without struggling with complex menus and options.
Quality data
Besides usability, data quality is crucial. Good data is the basis for a successful customer portal. They guarantee that customers have access to accurate and up-to-date information about their orders, products, services, and subscriptions.
Security
Given the sensitivity of the information shared through customer portals, security is a factor that cannot be underestimated. This includes both securing customer data and ensuring secure transactions.
Need help?
At Onetrail, we understand the importance of accurate and up-to-date data for a successful customer portal. We help our partners optimise their electronic data exchange so that their customer portal is always equipped with the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Contact us today to find out how we can help your business create an exceptional customer experience.
Taco Jung: “Security needs attention every day”
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Adam Stanier: “In retail it’s all about the right data”
In today’s extremely competitive world, distinguishing yourself as a retailer (or e-tailer) is the way to expand and be successful as a business. One way to do this, is to add boutique or exclusive brands to one’s portfolio. “But that is easier said than done,” says Adam Stanier, Onetrail’s director for the UK and Ireland.
Adam has been in charge of Onetrail’s operations in the area for over eleven years and knows the retail market like the back of his hand. “One of the trends we have spotted here is that retailers are actually trying to expand their offering by adding smaller suppliers, who are more boutique and exclusive. This is an excellent way to stand out and be different from the pack. The beer market is a perfect example. Years ago, this market was dominated by just a few worldwide brands. Today, there are hundreds of small craft beer breweries that attract much attention and customers. It can be very interesting for a food retailer to offer products from these brands to customers, online or offline.”
Will the corona crisis speed up digital transformation?
As the current corona crisis continues, the hidden vulnerability of brick-and-mortar stores becomes painfully obvious. Part of the economy continues and even flourishes as never before, driven by the rapidly increasing number of people who make their purchases online. Another part is considerably more restricted by the one and a half meter measures and, being unable to organize online alternatives, has come to a standstill. Think of specific stores, the hospitality industry, hairdressers or the art world.
I myself, like all the other Onetrail employees, can work from home as we continue to serve our customers. In addition, it’s clear that our investment in cloud services and a flexible office network has paid out. Working from home has become the standard, also for many others. In the first week of mandatory working from home, we saw the online orders for setting up home offices, that run through our system, increase by triple digits.
What I am wondering about now, is whether we will continue in the old way soon or if this will be the right time to accelerate the digitization of companies.
What is a GTIN?
A GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is a unique, internationally recognized product ID number of eight, twelve, thirteen or fourteen positions. The number of positions depends on the usage function of the number: articles, locations, shipping units or something else. After assigning, recording and sharing the meaning with trading partners, the meaning of the code is fixed.
The barcode is the most common appearance of the GTIN on the product packaging or book cover. A GTIN makes a product truly uniquely identifiable.
Global GTIN standard
The GTIN standard is managed by GS1, a non-profit organization that develops standards and solutions worldwide for a more efficient and visible supply chain in various industries. In the Netherlands, this role is fulfilled by GS1 Netherlands.
GS1 product code, GTIN or EAN?
The European Article Number (EAN) was merged into the current global GS1 product code a few years ago. The name EAN persists in the Netherlands but is actually the precursor of GS1. GS1 product code, GTIN, EAN: these are different names for the only unique identification code of a product.
How does Onetrail use GTIN?
Onetrail makes all product, price and availability data transparent for its customers in the Onetrail Product Data Index. All incoming data is cleaned and indexed and then classified by assigning it a unique product identifier, the Product Data Index number (PDI number). We use the GTIN as the basis for the PDI matching.
From MPN to GTIN
In the early days of our network, we used the Manufacturer Parts Number (MPN) as the basis of the PDI number. In 2020 we switched from MPN to GTIN because GTIN is guaranteed to be a unique number for each product. Over the years GTIN has become more and more the standard for many products and also the basis for complete logistics processes. If an article does not have a GTIN, we work with the MPN.
One only moves a data platform once
More than three years ago, we chose to move our platform to a new datacenter. Our demands and those of our customers had become higher than our old platform could handle. Something had to change structurally to be able to meet the highest current requirements.
We realize that such a data platform move is a time-consuming, complicated, and risky, presenting a high impact on our core business and that of our customers. Our platform consists of twenty years of product and order data for all our customer and links with all the data processes we have built over the years. Such a move is exciting for a company like Onetrail, where everything is about data. So a relaxed relocation was not possible, but we started on time with a dedicated team of employees. The atmosphere in the operations and development teams were both thoughtful and focused, and big vacations were postponed.
Preparation and testing
During the preparation, we looked critically at the efficiency of the platform, determined what could be improved, and examined our security. We established a new server structure, extensively tested it, and guided our customers in adjusting their systems.
The weekend of the move
At the end of May, we completed the final preparatory work and had a go for the actual move. Of course, we had planned this at a quiet moment, so the business suffered as little as possible.
On Saturday of June 29th at 8:00 am, we shut down all our systems to carry out the actual move. Every team member knew his job. At the end of the weekend, somewhat delayed but well in time for the Monday morning deadline at 6:00 AM, everything seemed to have moved well. On Sunday morning, all data was on the new platform, and all messages could be processed. We started the processing in our new data center and monitored the progress accuracy and remained alert because such a first success did not mean we were there yet.
Moreover, that became clear when the message server crashed on Monday afternoon. Our team started immediately with a setback. Later that evening, everything worked again. That week the operations team continued to monitor the systems with extra attention, and fortunately, no unexpected circumstances occurred. We succeeded, our platform had moved!
What is EDI?
EDI stands for Electronic Data Interchange. In retail, EDI is used to automate orders, invoices and dispatch notes. EDI replaces order processes, transactions and communication that were previously done on paper or per fax machine. Simply put, EDI makes sure that all company systems of trading partners speak the same language so they can easily and quickly communicate with each other with a limited number of errors.
EDI consists of two main components: translation and communication. During the translation, a company document is changed into a standardized EDI format, such as EDIFACT, S@les in construction, HRXML, TEA{{S, SimplerInvoicing, RosettaNet or the standard Onetrail XML. Each trading partner has its own collection of EDI standards and specifications. The translated information is then safely sent to the receiver.
There are several required communication standards and protocols in order to do EDI with large trading partners. Due to the complexity, security risk and highly technical character of EDI, many trading partners choose to outsource these activities to a specialised EDI provider.
How does EDI work?
When a buyer wants to place an order with a supplier, he creates a digital purchase order. EDI software then turns this purchase order into an EDI standard version and sends it to the supplier.
The supplier returns an order confirmation via EDI, stating the order was received. When the order is ready to be dispatched, a digital packing slip (a DESADV) can be sent to the buyer . As soon as the order has been delivered, the supplier sends the buyer an invoice via EDI.
It is likely that the supplier uses different technology than the buyer, yet his system can receive the information because the message was translated into a universal standard format. There are many different types of EDI transactions. Because EDI is a standard data format, there are specifications for every type of transaction. Specifications and EDI requirements can vary per trading partner and industry.
Why do trading partners need EDI?
By using a standard data format, EDI compatible companies can exchange electronic information without human interference. This way, EDI offers a technical basis for automation.
From an operational point of view, this is logical because it reduces human error and streamlines the order process. Trading partners are able to process orders more quickly, more affordably, and with less mistakes.
How does EDI work at Onetrail?
Onetrail builds a specific EDI connection for customers that can be used to digitally send messages directly from a company system to the Onetrail Trading Partner Network. It does not matter which message format is used: EDI, XML or flat file, each format is accepted. In addition, Onetrail has special solutions for PDF and Excel.
Onetrail translates the incoming messages into the Onetrail XML standard. The Onetrail XML standard is a universal format that can be transformed into and from all other standard formats. This way, messages can be exchanged with all trading partners that are connected to the Onetrail Trading Partner Network.
How does a DESADV work?
DESADV is the abbreviation for DESpatch ADVice. This is the electronic version of the paper packing slip. This EDI message contains all information relating to the delivery.
In the most concise format the DESADV only states who sends the order, who receives the order and at what time. An article code (EAN / GTIN / SKU) and quantity are also mentioned per order line. The extended version of the DESADV also contains the data per pallet with all products on the pallet and the associated batch codes. We call this batch code a SSCC.
Serial Shipment Container Code (SSCC)
SSCC is the abbreviation for Serial Shipment Container Code and contains the worldwide unique identification of a logistic unit. SSCC is suitable for Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). WMS solutions can receive, store and link an electronic advanced shipping notice to the SSCC.
Automatic invoice check
The DESADV can also have an important role by automating the invoice check. By using the EDI notice ORDRSP (to confirm purchase price per piece), DESADV (actual receipt) and INVOIC (what is actually invoiced), the entire process from import and verification of the invoices can be automated.
The advantage of a SSCC
The DESADV indicates for each SSCC which SKUs (EAN/GTIN) are on the pallet and in what quantity. The great advantage of an SSCC is that the moment an employee scans the SSCC, the data of all articles on the pallet are immediately imported and visible in the WMS.
Onetrail and DESADV
On a daily bases large numbers of DESADV messages are sent from and to the trading partners connected to the Onetrail Trading Partner Network.
What is payload agnostic?
Payload agnostic means that the service is not aware of the content it is serving. In case of SOAP with XML it means the usage of, for example, a CDATA element or MIME message containing the actual XML message. Some examples within the standards community of payload agnostic services are: AS2/AS4 and ebMS.
How does Onetrail use payload agnostic?
In addition to AS2, the Onetrail Trading Partner Network REST ODE Service for Sellers is payload agnostic, meaning the service is generic for all order related message types and thus not aware of the content of the message. Message validation (schema validation in case of XML) needs to be performed outside of the service. The advantage here is that the connection can be set up easily, regardless of the order type.
What is the disadvantage of a payload agnostic?
The disadvantage of payload agnostic services is that the service is not validating against the schema of the message which can cause schema errors at the service provider.
What is the advantage of a payload agnostic?
The advantage of a payload agnostic service is that only one service is required to transfer all types of messages.
What is a namespace in XML?
A namespace is a method to prevent element name conflicts in XML.
What is a namespace in XML used for?
In XML, element names are defined by the developer. This sometimes results in a conflict when mixing XML documents with different XML applications. In XML schemas, the namespace is used to distinguish different template libraries from each other.
How does a namespace work in XML?
Name conflicts in XML can be avoided by distinguishing the different libraries by adding a prefix. We call this prefix a namespace in XML documents. This namespace can also be used to distinguish different types of messages (order, packing slip, etc.).
Looking up information in a namespace
In its basis, the namespace is not intended to look up information. However, companies often use the namespace as a pointer to a library with underlying information.
What is a library?
A library is a scheme with common elements and works in the following way: you have an order, order response, packing slip and invoice. All these messages have elements in which the customer code (at Onetrail a GLN) and address data are listed. Without namespace you have to redefine these elements per message. By including a schema with a namespace in the XML document, you can use it in all messages. The schema with the common elements, the library, can then be included in XML documents by means of an include.
How does Onetrail use namespaces in XML?
Namespaces in XML are often considered difficult and cumbersome. At Onetrail, we have a different opinion. We mainly see the advantages of the namespace, which serve as a powerful tool to keep our message traffic on the right track. Onetrail gladly helps you to apply namespaces in your process.
Example of a namespace in XML
A good example is the UBL message set. There are different values with regard to amounts between the standard UBL and the Dutch taxonomy version. Here, the different versions are distinguished with the help of the namespace.
What is a Global Location Number (GLN)?
A Global Location Number is a number of 8, 12, 13 or 14 positions long (depending on the country), with which a physical location of, for example, an office, shop or warehouse is identified as a unique address. A GLN enables unique and unambiguous identification of physical or operational locations worldwide. In Germany, a GLN is also called an ILN.
How does a GLN work?
GLNs ensure efficient communication and processing of names, addresses and other information about certain locations by not transmitting them with every transaction. This information is only communicated once, stored in the relevant system (e.g. ERP or CMS system) and then retrieved by referring to the unique GLN. It is possible to translate a GLN number into a GS1-128 barcode or EPC / RFID tag for scanning purposes.
The advantages of a GLN
Why use a GLN instead of an internal code? Each company can design its own internal code structure to identify locations. Although this may seem the easiest and fastest way, this may cause problems such as mentioned below.
When is a GLN used?
A GLN is used to indicate a unique location. They are widely used for electronic data exchange (EDI) between trading partners.
Global GLN standard
The GLN standard is managed by GS1, a non-profit organization that develops worldwide standards and solutions for a more efficient and better visible supply chain in various industries. In the Netherlands this role is fulfilled by GS1 Netherlands.
Global Location Number-database
How does Onetrail use GLN numbers?
Onetrail is an official GS1 GLN provider and uses a GLN number for all its customers to identify the location. When a company does not have its own GLN number, an official GLN number is assigned by Onetrail.
Data logistics according to Onetrail
To enable the smart use of data, large quantities of ‘raw’ data from various sources must be securely connected, normalised, linked and made accessible. Converting this raw data into relevant and actionable data is what we call data logistics at Onetrail.
What is the biggest challenge in data logistics?
The amount of data and the speed with which data is growing, is becoming increasingly determinative for the extent to which the customer can be put and the centre and hence the success of companies.
Data is increasingly being retrieved real-time at the source, making the data chain increasingly sensitive. This also increases the complexity of data logistics and it is becoming more and more a task for specialists.
There is a growing number of companies that realise that the proper organisation and daily control of their data logistics is crucial for their success. Therefore, they enter into a partnership with a specialist in data logistics, such as Onetrail.
Which trends are at the basis of data logistics?
We have a connected economy with data as raw material. Digital is increasingly becoming the norm in which organisations place the customer more and more at the centre and use technology to achieve the ultimate customer focus. An important consequence of this development is that companies are increasingly connected to each other and are therefore dependent on each other’s processes and data.
The error-free exchange of data between companies is therefore a subject that cannot be ignored. To ensure continuity, scalability and reliability of processes, companies must get a grip on their data logistics, otherwise they will lose their relevance in the chain.
What is the future of data logistics?
A growing number of companies realise that the right layout, availability and daily control of data is crucial for their success. How do I keep adding value in the new digital world and how can I continue to carry out my processes as well as possible?
For trading parties, suppliers and retailers, these questions are closely linked to the usability, correctness and topicality of the data in their systems. This data must increasingly be available digitally at any time, not only for their own processes, but also for suppliers and, above all, for their customers.
Extensive availability of data is no longer a unique added value, but a necessity for the existence of every company. In this way, in addition to the physical trade chain, a data logistic network of online connections is created in which the mutual dependencies are becoming ever greater. More and more business processes will become dependent on good and reliable data logistics in the future.
What makes data logistics of Onetrail unique?
Onetrail is the only trading partner in the market where every company can connect its data logistics in the form of product and order data to all its partners, such as an advanced EDI system would do.
Onetrail does not stop at EDI but also resolves the differences in syntax and content. Normally, such a solution would be far out of reach for many parties, but Onetrail makes it accessible, easy and cost-effective for everyone through a user-friendly, stable and easily accessible online portal. More than a thousand parties are connected to the Onetrail Trading Partner Network.
Onetrail specialist in data logistics
Onetrail is the specialist in data-logistical challenges. We develop solutions that meet the latest technical requirements and help organisations with their data-logistic change.
Our way of working is pragmatic and realistic and is done in close cooperation with our customers. We take the responsibility for the key processes of our customers very seriously and put continuity and stability of the network and our customer’s wishes first. We are proactive and innovative in how we approach data-logistic processes can be improved continuously.
