Floor Covering Business To Business (fcB2B) is a primary advocate for the continual development and adoption of a standard language that allows software management systems being utilized in the flooring industry to communicate seamlessly with one another.
B2B is simply the sending and receiving of information using computer technology.
Its efficiency has made it a condition of doing business in dozens of industries, including retail, grocery, warehousing, transportation (rail, ship, and trucking), health care, education, real estate, and government. Any standard business document that one company would exchange with another (such as a purchase order, invoice, shipping schedule, inventory inquiry, and claim submission) can be exchanged between two parties, or trading partners, as long as both have made the preparations.
B2B cannot be activated with a flip of the switch or in a moment's notice. Many procedures must be carried out in preparation for exchanging data with a trading partner.
The use of B2B is not limited by differences in companies or communication methods. Instead, B2B bridges the information gap that exists between companies using different computer systems.
Clearly the flooring industry will benefit from embracing B2B technology for everyday operation. The trick is to build a system in which everyone can communicate with one another, so vendors, distributors, and retailers will not have to worry about compatibility issues and can then focus on using this technology as a tool to make their business more efficient and profitable.
fcB2B (Floor Covering Business to Business) is an industry standard set by flooring manufacturers and distributors, dealers and software companies to exchange product, pricing and order information electronically. Currently the WFCA (World Floor Covering Association) is leading this initiative and coordinating the industry implementation with all parties with the new HOWi App:
- Easy set-up - FREE for WFCA members
- Instant access to data from all your suppliers in one place
- Real time access to supplier stock level, detailed inventory visibility, current pricing, and order status in the palm of your hand
- Multi-tiered account functions with customized content and management/owner features
Click here to learn more about what the HOWi App can do for your business.
Click here to download a 15-day trial for your Apple device.
Click here to download a 15-day trial for your Android device.
