Axisware developed a bespoke integration that automated the exchange of CHEP pallet movement data from Bradshaws’ internal systems into an EDI-based process aligned with CHEP’s declaration model. CHEP’s own materials describe EDI as the computer-to-computer exchange of business documents such as declarations and corrections in a standard format, with customers choosing the EDI format and sending method during implementation.

The solution was designed around the real operational journey of a pallet within Bradshaws’ supply chain.

When a sales order was fulfilled and goods were despatched, the system identified whether CHEP pallets were involved and captured the relevant movement data at source. This included the customer account, delivery location, movement type, date, reference numbers and pallet quantities. Instead of requiring a separate member of staff to log into a portal and re-enter the same information, the integration generated the declaration automatically from the original transaction.

The system also handled the validation stage, which is essential in an EDI environment. Trading partner details, account references, delivery locations and pallet quantities were checked before submission to reduce the chance of rejected files or correction requests. This meant Bradshaws could catch issues earlier, before they became account discrepancies.

Once validated, pallet movement data was packaged into the agreed electronic format and transmitted to CHEP using the selected EDI communication method. CHEP notes that implementations typically involve standard file formats and secure transfer methods such as FTPS or SFTP. The integration therefore removed repeated manual declarations and allowed Bradshaws’ operational system to become the primary source of truth.

The solution also supported reconciliation and exception handling. If CHEP responses, corrections or transaction mismatches arose, users could review them within the system, investigate the source transaction and issue amended data where required. This turned what is often a black-box external process into something visible, traceable and manageable by the business.

Auditability was another key part of the design. Every movement sent to CHEP could be traced back to the originating dispatch or pallet transaction inside the Bradshaws system. Users could see what had been sent, when it had been sent, its status, and whether further action was needed. This created a clear chain from warehouse action to external declaration.

In practical terms, the integration covered:

• automatic capture of CHEP pallet activity from dispatch and logistics transactions
• validation of customers, delivery points, pallet quantities and movement references
• generation of EDI declaration files in the agreed structure
• secure electronic transmission to CHEP
• monitoring of submission status and responses
• correction and exception workflows
• reporting and audit trails for pallet movement history
• reconciliation support to help align operational records with CHEP account activity

This changed pallet administration from a manual side process into an embedded, workflow-driven part of Bradshaws’ logistics operation.

The automated CHEP pallet EDI integration delivered major operational and financial benefits for Bradshaws.

Reduced administration
Manual pallet declarations were significantly reduced because data was captured once during the operational process and reused automatically. CHEP states that EDI can make declarations dramatically faster and cheaper than manual processing.

Improved accuracy
By taking pallet movement information directly from source transactions, the risk of rekeying errors, missed declarations and inconsistent records was greatly reduced.

Faster declaration process
Pallet movements could be transmitted in a timely way, helping ensure the CHEP account reflected real activity more quickly and accurately.

Better cost control
Earlier and more accurate declaration of pallet movements helped Bradshaws reduce the likelihood of unnecessary hire charges, delays and correction work. CHEP specifically notes that faster declarations can reduce the pallet rental period for which charges apply.

Greater visibility and auditability
Users could track pallet declarations from origin to submission, making it easier to investigate discrepancies and respond to queries.

Stronger process integration
The CHEP declaration process became part of the overall business workflow, rather than sitting outside it as a disconnected admin task.

Scalable platform for growth
As volumes increased, the business could process more pallet activity without a matching increase in administrative overhead.

Axisware’s automated CHEP pallet EDI integration gave Bradshaws a smarter way to manage pallet declarations and movement reporting. By linking operational transactions directly to CHEP’s EDI process, the solution reduced manual work, improved data quality and provided far better control over pallet administration.

For a busy manufacturing and distribution environment, this delivered more than convenience. It created a reliable digital bridge between warehouse activity and external pallet reporting, helping Bradshaws operate more efficiently, control costs and maintain a clear, auditable view of CHEP pallet movements across the business.