Integrating Framework Supplier Entities

Framework has the ability to replicate suppliers from integrated accounting/purchasing software and use those suppliers within Framework and the Construction Logistics Tablet.

Benefits Of Integrating Framework Supplier Entities

This Supplier Integration process is designed to replicate supplier names, codes and contact details into Framework from an external source.

The benefits of this are:

• Eliminates the need for duplicate entity management
• Ensures consistent information across the business
• Opportunity for more accurate and meaningful reporting and analysis
• Reduces the time involved in setting up a supplier database within Framework
• Reduces the investment in personnel to maintain two separate sets of records.

The accounting/purchasing system will remain the source of the supplier data. If the data already exists in Framework, it will be overwritten by the information from the integrated system.

What To Do

Requirements

There are three key steps to establishing suppliers in Framework:

1. Integrating suppliers to Framework Logistics Desktop
2. Assigning suppliers to roles in Framework
3. Assigning suppliers to Teams in Framework

Planning

To ensure that the integration is thorough and accurate, it is important that the source data is in good order. That is; accurate, complete, well-maintained and relevant.

If the supplier information requires some work, it is recommended that this is conducted prior to the initial integration into Framework ECM.

Implementation

The first step in the supplier integration process occurs within Framework Logistics Desktop.

Integrating Suppliers To Framework Construction Logistics Desktop

1. OpenFramework Logistics Desktop.
2. Open the Supplier screen (Integration > Supplier).
3. From the Suppliers (Not Integrated) list, select the supplier(s) to be integrated into Framework.
4. Click the Copy and Link Supplier button if the Supplier already exists within Framework, or click the Copy and Create new Supplier button if the supplier is new to Framework. A message prompt will appear.
   • Click the Yes button to make the supplier available to all regions/divisions.
     OR
     Click the No button if the supplier will only be available to the current region/division.
5. The Suppliers (Integrated) list will be updated.

Assigning Suppliers To Roles In Framework;

1. Open Framework ECM.
2. Open the Administration module.
3. Open the Entity screen (Administration > Entity > Entity).
4. From the Entity Roles list, select [All Orders Suppliers] (replicated). The Entities list will update to display all integrated suppliers.

Adding A New Role For An Existing Entity

Refer to the Creating a Role for an Existing Entity procedure on the Entity topic.

Assigning Suppliers To Teams In Framework

Entities that have been entered into Framework can also be allocated to a team. This provides the ability to view only the list of entities that belong to the selected team.

Adding An Existing Entity To A Team

Refer to the Creating a Role for an Existing Team Entity procedure on the Entity topic.

Ongoing Management

To ensure data accuracy, it is imperative that the maintenance of data and the flow of information between integrated systems be made the responsibility of a specific staff member/group.

1. If a new supplier is added in the accounting/purchasing system, there must be a process in place to ensure it is integrated to Framework.
2. If a supplier is no longer relevant, its removal from the accounting/purchasing system will not automatically remove the supplier from Framework or make it inactive. The corresponding Framework entity will have to be made inactive from within Framework.