Domain: Wholesale/Retail Trade
Question:
Your company relies on an outsourced EDI portal and does not have an internal tech function. Forecasting is maintained outside the ERP. Kroger proposes that you begin consuming a forecast feed that will require partner setup, retailer approval to initiate, and internal ownership for ongoing use.
What is the most appropriate kickoff and execution plan that does not assume internal engineering capacity, including how you obtain retailer authorization to start, what core setup details must be assembled and where each comes from (internal relationship details vs EDI partner credentials), and how you verify initial transmissions in the early stage when adoption is "reference-based" rather than system-integrated? 
Given that the data may remain outside your ERP, explain whether the retailer allows non-integrated consumption and what the expected business use is in that case, including how operations and sales use the forecast to reconcile differences and improve alignment even without automated downstream execution.

Expected points in a correct answer:
Proposes a kickoff plan that does not assume internal engineering capacity
Specifies that Supplier Operations team will lead setup in the absence of an internal tech team in an organization
Specifies that Supplier Operations initiates the request to begin the 830 setup process.
Identifies the Kroger buyer as the approval authority for initiating the 830 relationship.
Specifies that approval is obtained through direct communication via email with the buyer.
Identifies Sales as supporting coordination with the buyer during the approval process
Specifies the key internal business details like Supplier ID needed to initiate the 830 relationship
Specifies the key internal business details like DCs needed to initiate the 830 relationship
Specifies the key internal business details like contacts needed to initiate the 830 relationship
Specifies the key internal business details like start date needed to initiate the 830 relationship
Identifies that the best initial implementation option is "Point of Reference" (Option 1), involving visual check or cross-reference of the data.
Specifies the required EDI partner credentials for setup include ISA ID
Specifies the required EDI partner credentials for setup include qualifier
Specifies the required EDI partner credentials for setup include mapping details
Identifies specific approval pathway (buyer + Kroger EDI team coordination)
Identifies that setup details like Supplier ID, DC Scope, contacts and start date come from internal teams.
Explains coordination between Supplier Ops, Sales, Kroger buyer, and EDI partner
Describes how Operations uses forecast to reconcile differences
Describes how Sales uses forecast to validate promotions and baseline
References EDI 830 transaction purpose accurately
Explains how operations and sales use the 830 to improve alignment without ERP integration.
Describes mapping and file delivery process at high level
Addresses potential risks of misalignment during early adoption
Mentions cadence of forecast updates
Mentions cadence of review process
Clarifies that 830 does not validate internal mapping
Clarifies that 830 does not validate execution automatically
Describes a kickoff stage that initiates the 830 process.
Describes a setup stage involving information gathering for technical configuration
Describes a validation stage where the first 830 transmission is confirmed.
Describes a business use stage where teams actively apply the 830 data.
Identifies that a lead integration team must be identified (e.g., demand planning, sales, and/or operations) when there is no internal tech team.
Identifies Point of Reference (visual cross-check or reference-based validation) as the recommended initial implementation approach when ERP integration is not in place.
Explicitly states that the EDI 830 provides value even without ERP integration.
States that Kroger permits suppliers to receive the 830 without full ERP intergation.
States that Kroger permits suppliers to receive the 830 without full VMI integration.
States that Kroger permits suppliers use the 830 without full ERP integration.
States that Kroger permits suppliers use the 830 without full VMI integration.
Specifies that Supplier Operations confirms receipt of the first 830 transmission.
Specifies that once Kroger begins sending the 830, Supplier Operations performs an initial validation review to ensure data aligns with expectations.
Identifies improved in-stock performance as an outcome of 830 usage.
Explains that improved in-stock performance contributes to increased sales.
States that the 830 forecast contributes to an improved in-stock position, which increases sales and subsequently profit.
Mentions that Kroger has both integrated and non-integrated options for consuming the 830 forecast.
Acknowledges that the Kroger supplier packet structure enables Supplier Operations to lead the setup process.
Identifies that the 830 provides visibility into a short-term promotional outlook (e.g. 5-week view).
Explicitly states that implementation requires coordinated engagement with both the external EDI partner and Kroger’s buying and EDI teams, rather than relying on internal resources alone.
Identifies that the organization does not have an internal technology team to manage the 830 setup.
States that a designated internal integration lead must be identified to manage the 830 implementation.
Identifies Demand Planning as a potential integration lead in the absence of a tech team.
Identifies Sales as a potential integration lead in the absence of a tech team.
Identifies Operations as a potential integration lead in the absence of a tech team.
States that Kroger provides the 830 forecast as an external demand signal.
Clarifies that the supplier is responsible for mapping the 830 data within its own systems or processes.
Clarifies that the supplier is responsible for interpreting the 830 forecast relative to internal plans.
Clarifies that the supplier is responsible for operationally executing against the forecast.
States that the 830 transaction does not validate supplier-side execution automatically.
States that the EDI 830 can be used as a shared reference point across internal teams
Explains that the 830 improves alignment between Operations, Sales, and Demand Planning.
Explains that the 830 supports coordination between the supplier and Kroger across the supply chain.
Clarifies that the value of the 830 extends beyond simple data visibility to planning and execution alignment.