Recent news regarding Exertis Supplies and the acquisition of its trade and stock by evo, through the VOW business, highlights a broader shift taking place across the UK office supplies and distribution sector.
Supplier consolidation is becoming increasingly common. While these changes are often managed to maintain continuity of supply, they frequently prompt businesses to reassess how their supplier data, ordering processes, and system integrations are structured.
This is especially relevant for organisations relying on multiple suppliers, electronic ordering, and real time stock visibility.
Supplier consolidation increases the need for system visibility
When supplier ownership or trading structures change, the biggest operational challenge is rarely access to products. The real challenge is maintaining visibility and control across supplier information.
Businesses often need clear answers to practical questions such as where pricing data is sourced, how stock availability is updated, how purchase orders are routed, and which system holds the most accurate order history.
When supplier data is spread across separate portals, spreadsheets, and disconnected systems, even small market changes can create delays, inconsistencies, and additional administrative workload.
How EDI integration supports supplier continuity
Electronic Data Interchange, commonly referred to as EDI, provides a structured way for businesses to exchange supplier information digitally and securely.
EDI integration connects ERP and CRM systems directly with supplier platforms, allowing product pricing, stock availability, and order information to be shared automatically without manual data entry.
With EDI integrated into Calidore’s ERP and CRM software, businesses can manage supplier relationships more efficiently by working with live data inside the systems they already use.
This approach supports supplier continuity by providing consistent access to accurate pricing, reliable stock updates, electronic purchase order processing, and a complete view of supplier order history.
Reducing administrative overhead during supplier change
Supplier consolidation often exposes hidden inefficiencies in ordering and supplier management processes. Manual rekeying, duplicated records, and inconsistent data sources increase administrative effort at precisely the time businesses need stability.
An integrated EDI solution reduces this overhead by keeping supplier data aligned across systems. As supplier arrangements evolve, teams can continue operating with confidence, knowing that information flows remain consistent and dependable.
This helps reduce errors, speed up order processing, and minimise disruption caused by changes in the supplier landscape.
Supporting long term supplier integration and control
At Calidore, the focus remains on helping organisations maintain long term clarity and control across their supplier integrations.
By supporting EDI connections with a wide range of UK and Ireland suppliers, Calidore enables businesses to manage supplier consolidation without adding complexity or increasing manual workload.
Supplier consolidation will continue across the office supplies and distribution market. Businesses with clear EDI integration and strong system visibility are better positioned to adapt smoothly as the market evolves.