B2B 101

fcB2B’s goal for the following web pages is to give the prospective user of B2B greater insight into this technology. In this section, we have skipped most of the higher-level technical aspects, focusing more on the basics and process flow of B2B.

B2B: What is it?

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.

B2B in the Flooring Industry Today, most of major manufacturers and distributors are using software systems that utilize B2B technology to some extent. Using the Internet for transactions can lower costs, speed processes, reduce errors, and increase hours of operation for manufacturers, distributors, and dealers alike. learn more »
Case Study 2008 Flooring dealers and contractors are using proven B2B technology everyday, which can tie every element of their businesses together. From inventory management to sales orders, the entire process is streamlined, thereby increasing efficiency and improving margins. learn more »
Case Study 2010 Since 2001 the use of B2B/EDI technology has grown to be an important tool in the flooring distribution network. Mills, Suppliers, Distributors, Associations, Retailers and Contractors are now using B2B technology to manage product records, submit purchase orders, receive invoices and manage inventory records. learn more »
Benefits Clearly the flooring industry will benefit from embracing B2B technology for everyday operation. The solution 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. learn more »
Requirements The time to prepare your business for B2B has arrived. E-commerce is no longer a new, untried idea. The technology is proven and the results are in. So, just what does a company need to use B2B? learn more »