EFR is aimed at reducing costs through automation, reduction of inefficient practices, and improved customer service. It involves putting in place a system of public, non-proprietary tools including:

Understanding Bar coding

By using standard product identification numbers shown in a bar code format on all products and shipping cases, you can:

• free up resources needed to maintain multiple numbering systems,
• reduce ordering, shipping, and billing errors due to miscommunication; and
• be more efficient by replacing manual processes with scanning technology.

Business-to-Business E-commerce

By using EDI (electronic data interchange) over the Internet, or Internet based ordering systems, you can:

• speed up communication; and
• automate manual, labour-intensive ordering and receiving operations.

Mandate

To identify and develop best practices in industry-wide processes which, when implemented, will facilitate a more efficient supply chain.

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