MINYARD PLANNING TO DIAL UP EDI SYSTEM FOR USE IN 1997

DEENA AMATO-McCOY

COPPELL, Texas -- Minyard Food Stores here is in the early stages of planning for an electronic data interchange system to go live in 1997, a decision that was made following recent appeals from the retailer's vendors.

"We are definitely interested, though we know it will take a pretty good effort, a lot of manpower and resources and understanding of EDI standards," said John Pittman, director of corporate information systems.

Currently, the retailer does its ordering manually, using a paper system. A computer prints purchase orders that are faxed to vendors; Minyard receives incoming information the same way.

"The process is labor-intensive and error-prone," said Pittman. "EDI will reduce resource requirements, and will make the ordering accurate."

The retailer, still in the initial stages of the project, is not yet ready to choose an EDI provider. However, Pittman said, Minyard is looking forward to the benefits of a better system.

"Through EDI, we will be able to funnel data back and forth, allowing us to place orders and receive invoices from vendors," he explained. "It will also give us access to product information like Universal Product Codes, product descriptions and pricing information."