This is the fourth article in our Integration Platform Success series. This installment looks at TrueCommerce and SPS Commerce. These two popular SaaS-based EDI platforms both deliver solid value and convenience. But users often describe them as a “black box” because they offer limited visibility into EDI mapping, transaction errors, and data flow.
Also, some users find that at times each can require more administrative and integration responsibilities than some IT, ERP, and integration teams expect.
The goal of this series is to share tips that can help organizations using or considering these platforms get the most ROI from their investments. Future articles will cover integration solutions from IBM, Cleo, SEEBURGER, 1 EDI Source, OpenText, as well as custom-developed solutions.
We’ve already covered Microsoft BizTalk Server, Logic Apps, and Boomi. At the end of this article, you can find links to other blogs in the series.
Why Do Companies Choose TrueCommerce and SPS Commerce?
TrueCommerce and SPS Commerce target industries with high-volume, supply-chain-intensive transactions. Both fall into the SaaS EDI platform category. Both solutions support deep integration with on-premises systems like ERPs and WMS. However, they are mainly cloud-based.
TrueCommerce
TrueCommerce positions itself as an end-to-end integration solution. The platform spans EDI, ERP, eCommerce, and marketplaces. It’s a versatile, broad-based platform that serves the CPG, retail, and grocery, and manufacturing sectors, to name three.
Organizations choose TrueCommerce for cost savings, integrated supply chain features, and highly-rated customer support.
According to an operations director for a construction materials distributor, “We moved from SPS to TrueCommerce primarily due to cost savings and a better overall value. TrueCommerce provides the level of support and customization we need, particularly around custom field mapping and ERP integration. They also provide greater flexibility and control, allowing us to better align EDI processes with our NetSuite workflows.”
SPS Commerce
SPS Commerce is primarily designed to support industries within the retail supply chain ecosystem. It’s cloud-based EDI and supply chain solutions are tailored for organizations that need to automate data exchange with a high volume of trading partners.
The platform’s appeal and market share come from its vast retail network that boasts between 115,000 and 120,000 global trading partners. Users are also drawn to the promise of reduced technical lift, thanks to a prepackaged EDI experience.
Beyond its retail network, many users cite the platform’s stable, intuitive user interface and responsive 24/7/365 support among its standout features.
An EDI coordinator with a building products manufacturer told us, “From back-end connectivity to X12 raw data translation, SPS takes care of a lot of EDI’s heavy lifting. The navigation within the fulfillment portal is simple and makes it easy to search for a specific document or a submission failure. And when it comes to support, every interaction is professional and prompt.”
Both platforms offer organizations a straightforward value proposition: They provide a cloud-based way for companies to connect with retail and trading partners. This means organizations don’t need to build or manage the entire EDI system and other connections, including ERP flows by themselves.
What Parts of EDI Do Internal Teams Still Need to Manage with TrueCommerce and SPS Commerce?
If there's one key takeaway for users of these platforms, it’s this: Many believe that outsourcing EDI functions means outsourcing EDI responsibility entirely. That’s a big misconception.
Internal teams still need to be prepared to manage:
- Exceptions
- Failed documents
- Implementing retailer-specific requirements
- Coordination of partner changes
- Testing and validation
- Keeping business users and trading partners informed and aligned
- Governing the SaaS platform relationship and supporting internal and external project managers
- Ensuring SLA compliance and timely implementation performance
- Acting as an informed liaison between the customer, trading partner, and the platform provider
- Improving operations and workflow
- Escalating and fairly resolving issues
The moral of the story?
The software may be hosted, but users remain accountable for outcomes. To be clear, as well as fair, TrueCommerce and SPS Commerce can and do deliver significant value.
Our experience and feedback from trusted review sites give a clear message. Both platforms need careful oversight. This is important to deliver the value that organizations expect.
And deserve.
How Can Remedi Support You in an Advocacy Role?
We have long-time customers we support in an advocacy fashion, where their EDI is outsourced and involves deliverables like:
- Governing the SaaS platform relationship and supporting internal and external project managers
- Ensuring SLA compliance and timely implementation performance
- Acting as informed liaison between the customer, trading partner and the platform provider
- Improving operations and workflow
- Escalating and fairly resolving issues
A customer advocate in a managed services capacity can spot gaps in monitoring and testing. They can also spot issues in onboarding and project milestone completion. All of which can help avoid production delays or relationship damage.
If you feel like your team isn’t getting the clarity, responsiveness, or efficiency you expected, reach out here. Odds are good we can help you regain the visibility and control you need to improve outcomes. And not have to sacrifice the advantages of SaaS-based EDI you signed up for.
Other Articles in the Series:
Are all B2B Integration Platforms Alike? Yes and No.
The Platforms We Support: Microsoft BizTalk Server and Azure Logic Apps
The Platforms We Support: Boomi
FAQs
1. What do TrueCommerce and SPS Commerce do well?
They help companies connect with trading partners, automate EDI document flows, and reduce manual work across retail and supply chain processes.
2. Are these platforms fully hands-off for customers?
No. Customers still need to manage onboarding, exception handling, internal coordination, and ongoing oversight.
3. What kinds of issues do users commonly report?
Public review data points to concerns such as setup delays, troubleshooting visibility, support responsiveness, and pricing complexity.
4. Is this article arguing against either platform?
No. The point is that both can be valuable, but customers often need stronger operational management to fully realize that value.
5. How can Remedi help with TrueCommerce or SPS Commerce?
Remedi can help clients assess platform usage, strengthen monitoring and governance, improve escalation paths, and advocate for better day-to-day outcomes.
