FurnishNet, a leading provider of Internet-based supply chain solutions, announced today that the National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA) has selected the company as a service provider for the NHFA’s business-to-business electronic commerce program. FurnishNet’s Internet-based exchange with its simplified setup procedures, fast implementation, and hosted services will make it easy for NHFA retailers of all sizes to automate document exchange with their trading partners.

“FurnishNet is a leader in electronic transaction exchange for the home furnishings industry,” said Steve DeHaan, Executive Vice President of the NHFA. “Their proven track record for delivering value and success in our industry will provide a clear advantage for our members in the marketplace.”

The NHFA has spent several years evaluating business-to-business technologies to help its members streamline operations and improve order flow through electronic ordering. Several criteria were cited for the FurnishNet selection: established industry acceptance, speed of implementation, and system-to-system integration. According to DeHaan, “FurnishNet has established a true electronic network for transaction exchange. The real value for trading partners is in system-to-system transaction exchange and reducing human touch points,” said DeHaan.

Reduced paperwork, fewer order errors, and faster order processing are some of the benefits the NHFA executive cited for members who participate in the program. “We are always evaluating ways to help our members capture more consumer dollars. Automated transaction exchange not only makes our members more efficient, it actually improves the consumer experience by getting merchandise into homes faster.”

The work of choosing FurnishNet for the NHFA program was conducted by the organization’s IT committee members including representatives from Finger Furniture, Bob’s Discount Furniture, Jordan’s Furniture, and El Dorado Furniture among others. A key to the selection of FurnishNet was the firm’s ability to get retailers and manufacturers connected quickly. “With its established network of over 500 manufacturers online, FurnishNet can connect trading partners at a very impressive rate. We had one example of a retailer connecting with 60 manufacturers in less than 90 days,” said DeHaan.

NHFA’s plan for rolling out the strategic partnership program with FurnishNet include educational webinars for its members, speaking engagements at shows and conferences, and special pricing and implementation incentives.

FurnishNet’s solution for Transaction Management speeds the accurate transmission of purchase orders, purchase order acknowledgements, advance ship notices, invoices, and many other transaction types. By integrating e-mail, web applications, electronic data interchange (EDI), and XML into a unique "Any-to-Any" exchange, FurnishNet is able to translate business transactions into appropriate formats for the immediate electronic flow of information between business partners of any size, running on any corporate system. This reduces errors and costs and shortens delivery cycles to improve customer service.

“By partnering with FurnishNet on electronic transaction exchange, the NHFA provides the industry with the go ahead nod on the next phase of automation—electronic supply chain integration,” said Ron Sellers, Vice President of Sales for FurnishNet. “It is also a clear acknowledgement of FurnishNet’s position in the area of Internet-based EDI and influence on a growing number of retailers and manufacturers who are moving to our practical, affordable answer to traditional EDI.”

The NHFA is an 85-year-old trade organization serving home furnishings retailers in all 50 states, Canada, and abroad.

About FurnishNet
Over 580 of the nation's leading retailers and manufacturers are using FurnishNet's electronic document exchange solution to streamline their supply chains. For more information or a list of connected manufacturers, please call 1-800-854-2263 ext. 2525, or visit www.furnishnet.com and take the Self-Guided Tour.