HSV onboards first suppliers to automated order processing system

HSV has onboarded the first of its suppliers to a new system that enables automated order processing including the electronic exchange of purchase orders, shipping notices and invoices.

Electronic data interchange (EDI) is an automated system-to-system communication that reduces manual processing, errors and costs. Both trading partners need to use standardised data and formats to facilitate the automated flow of information.

HSV began contacting EDI-enabled suppliers last year and so far, 3 suppliers have been onboarded to the system with a further 20 expressing interest in onboarding in the next 12 months.

HSV General Manager of Transformation Sam Woldemar says HSV is working with its EDI vendor Pacific Health Exchange (PHE) to engage with more suppliers and build a pipeline.

“We’ve made great progress with 3 suppliers coming onboard in the past two months with no major issues. We expect to work our way through the remainder in our pipeline between now and August 2026,” he says.

Ashleigh Foster, Customer Service Manager at Interpath Services, says the organisation jumped at the chance to onboard to EDI with HSV because they were already working on automating and digitising their customer platforms.

“It’s important for us to have automated processes so that staff can perform day-to-day tasks easily and efficiently. This also enables us to provide a higher level of customer service.

“The integration with HSV required system testing and reviewing of price files, contract alignment around units of measure and product listing validating,” Ashleigh says.

“Initially we conducted a data cleanse to make sure our information was aligned and the project would be successful.”

Interpath Services went live on the new system in October without any issues.

“It’s been a beautiful symmetry. When you have the right people on board – people who are thorough and have a sense of purpose, the results speak for themselves,” Ashleigh says.

Katie Broomfield, Customer Service Manager at Sentry Medical says the organisation sees great potential in EDI and appreciates the efficiencies it can bring.

Katie says they’re working through a few challenges, such as orders not flowing through correctly and data discrepancies, but are confident these will be resolved soon.

“Our team is actively collaborating with HSV to address these issues. We’re keen to maximise the operational advantages that EDI is designed to provide,” she says.

More than 60 HSV suppliers use PHE for their EDI service. HSV will continue to work with PHE to progressively onboard suppliers to its EDI.