Society6 modernized its EDI processes with Orderful, reducing onboarding time by 75% and cutting costs by 60%.
Society6, a division of Graham Holdings, operates at the intersection of e-commerce and custom manufacturing, turning artists' digital designs into physical products ranging from home decor to lifestyle accessories. With their B2B division, Deny Designs, handling complex manufacturing operations, efficient EDI communications are crucial to their success.
However, their legacy EDI system was becoming a major bottleneck. Partner onboarding took three months to over a year, testing cycles stretched for weeks, and costs were rising exponentially without corresponding value. "Setup used to take a long time," explains Jodi Buckingham, Director of Engineering and Operations. "And we were constantly facing new challenges with testing and requirements gathering."
Seeking a solution that could modernize their EDI processes, Society6 turned to Orderful. With its API-first platform, automated rules engine, and real-time validation capabilities, Orderful offered the flexibility and support Society6 needed to streamline their operations and scale their business.
The Solution: Building a Modern EDI Foundation
For Society6, finding the right EDI partner meant choosing a solution that could empower their team to operate with speed, precision, and control. Their legacy EDI provider had become a barrier to growth, with lengthy onboarding times, rising costs, and minimal support. As their B2B operations expanded, these challenges became unsustainable.
Orderful's modern, API-first platform offered a transformative solution. By moving from outdated CSV and XML formats to JSON-based integration, Society6 could finally modernize their EDI infrastructure. "Orderful felt different because it empowered us to fix the errors that blocked the onboarding process thus moving much quicker" notes Jodi Buckingham, Director of Engineering and Operations.
The implementation focused on three key areas. First, the engineering team connected to Orderful's API and eliminated legacy code. Next, operations established streamlined processes for partner requirements. Finally, they leveraged Orderful's AI rules engine to manage complex requirements and catch errors in real-time, dramatically reducing the back-and-forth that had previously slowed down partner onboarding.Throughout the transition, Orderful's support team proved invaluable, earning a perfect 10/10 rating from Society6. "Really strong support from the Orderful team" became a hallmark of the implementation process.
Once the initial setup was complete, Society6 found that each subsequent trading partner integration moved faster. The platform's sleek interface proved highly intuitive and reliable. "Once you click around a bit, it's easy to understand," explains Buckingham. This ease of use, combined with Orderful’s tech-forward capabilities, has drastically simplified how Society6 manages their EDI operations.
Why Society6 Chose Orderful
Society6's search for a new EDI solution led them to Orderful through a Google search, but it was the platform's modern approach that sealed the decision.
Modern Technology Stack: The platform's API-first architecture and JSON integration offered a clear path away from legacy CSV and XML formats, enabling them to eliminate outdated code and modernize their EDI infrastructure.
Speed and Autonomy: The platform's self-service capabilities meant less dependency on external support for routine tasks.
Proactive Support Model: After experiencing minimal engagement from their previous provider, Orderful's responsive support team and collaborative approach represented a welcome change in partnership style.
This combination of modern technology and strong support aligned perfectly with Society6's needs as an innovative manufacturer managing complex B2B relationships.
The Results: Cost Savings and Operational Efficiency
Results:
- 75% Reduction in Onboarding Time
- 60% Lower EDI Costs
- 50% Fewer EDI Errors
- 100% Transaction Visibility
The implementation of Orderful revolutionized Society6’s EDI operations, delivering significant improvements across their processes. By transitioning to Orderful’s modern platform, Society6 achieved measurable results that empowered their team to focus on growth and operational excellence.
75% Faster Onboarding
Society6 reduced the time to onboard new trading partners from months to just weeks. “We used to spend months just trying to get a new partner up and running. With Orderful, we’re able to move through the process so much faster—it’s been a relief for our team,” said Jodi Buckingham, Director of Engineering and Operations.
60% Cost Reduction
By managing EDI in-house with Orderful, Society6 significantly cut their operational expenses, freeing up resources for strategic initiatives.
50% Fewer Errors
Orderful’s AI Rules Engine and real-time validation tools ensured that errors were identified and resolved instantly. This improvement not only minimized disruptions but also enhanced operational efficiency. “Having real-time validation means we catch issues immediately instead of discovering problems weeks into testing,” Buckingham noted.
Full Transaction Visibility
The platform provided complete transparency into all EDI transactions, allowing Society6 to maintain control over their order-to-cash process.
Fewer Resources Required
With automation and intuitive tools handling previously manual tasks, Society6’s team could focus on other high-priority areas of the business.
Through Orderful’s innovative platform and exceptional support, Society6 overcame their legacy challenges, streamlined their EDI processes, and set a strong foundation for continued growth. “Orderful has made our work so much easier. Once we got the first partner live, everything just started clicking into place, and we’ve been able to keep up with the pace of our growth,” Buckingham concluded.
About Society6
Society6 is a global home décor and lifestyle brand that celebrates creativity and individuality. Partnering with a diverse community of artists from around the world, Society6 transforms their designs into unique, high-quality products ranging from wall art to apparel. With a commitment to empowering artists and delivering exceptional craftsmanship, Society6 brings one-of-a-kind creations to homes and consumers everywhere.
