Sourcing products using Supplier Access

Direct Supplier Access is a framework that establishes a direct connection between Distribution SX.e and your suppliers. Your customer service representatives (CSRs) use this connection to gain on-screen access to supplier product availability from Sales Order Entry. It is like having an additional warehouse without incurring the added cost. The framework provides the opportunity to obtain a near-real direct connection to supplier information.

For example, a CSR specifies a product in Sales Order Entry, and they determine that the net available quantity is less than the quantity needed by the customer. Using Supplier Access, they can check for suppliers that have the required quantity. If a supplier does have the required quantity, the CSR can source the product from the supplier, simultaneously filling the customer's order and generating a purchase order to the supplier. Direct Sales Access saves time and effort by automating a process that would normally involve contacting suppliers and delaying order entry.

Select Sales > Entry > Order.
Create or maintain an order.
In Advanced Line Entry, specify the product and the quantity.
Compare the net available to the quantity the customer is requesting. You can check the net available quantity in these locations:
- Net Available field in the Extended section.
  Note: Use the Personalization feature to add the Net Available field to the line.
- Net Avail column in the Warehouse Availability grid in the Sourcing view
If your inventory is short, click Expand in the Supplier Access context application in Infor Ming.le.

If the product is not a qualified product, the Supplier Access window is blank. The product must have been configured for Supplier Access. The vendors for the product, identified as the ARP vendor or Alternate Vendors, must be set up for Supplier Access in Vendor Setup.
After the data is retrieved, click Select for the supplier from which you want to source the product.
Optional product work flow views such as Supersedes, Warehouse Availability, and Substitutes and Upgrades, may be available.
In the Sourcing window, verify the information for the purchase order and then click Submit.
Make final changes to the line item and then click Add to add the line to the order.
Complete the order.