Electronic document management in chain companies of the FMCG-segment

Abstract

This article considers the features of electronic document management at retail trade enterprises of the FMCG-segment. The paper observes the types of document flow at chain companies and examines the process of implementation of electronic document management system. The notions of “electronic document management” and “electronic data interchange” are also distinguished in the article.The paper explores positive changes caused by the introduction of electronic document management and the complexity of its implementation. The study reveals that in the Russian Federation the process of mass introduction of electronic document management in the chain retail companies of the FMCG segment has been ongoing for about ten years, though has reached the highest level of its activity in the last two years. At present day, the major part of chain retail companies in the FMCG-segment has already started to actively work with the Electronic Data Interchange system. Moreover, in recent years the number of partner-enterprises that join this system has been steadily increasing.The results of the study show that introduction of electronic document management in chain companies of the FMCG-segment allows to reduce the time spent for processing documents and to track all stages of the core business processes more effectively. It also ensures information security, improves staff discipline and the quality of service, which in its turn significantly improves management efficiency of the company in general.