Why flooring dealers are slow to implement the FCB2B 850 (Purchase Order)

The reluctance of flooring companies to adopt the FCB2B 850 functionalities, such as the EDI 850 purchase order, can stem from various reasons. Here are some common factors that may contribute to reluctance:

Costs and Implementation Expenses:

Implementing FCB2B can involve upfront costs for software, hardware, training, and ongoing maintenance. Smaller businesses, including some flooring companies, may be hesitant due to perceived financial barriers.

Perceived Complexity:

Some companies, especially those unfamiliar with FCB2B may perceive the technology as complex and difficult to implement. The learning curve and potential disruptions during the transition can be intimidating.

Lack of Incentives or Mandates:

If there are no clear incentives or mandates from trading partners or industry standards requiring the use of FCB2B, flooring companies may see little immediate benefit in investing resources to adopt this technology.

Current Systems and Processes:

If a flooring company already has established, non-industry specific processes that seem effective, there may be resistance to change. The perceived disruption to existing workflows might outweigh the perceived benefits of EDI.

Vendor or Trading Partner Requirements:

Some flooring companies might be hesitant to adopt FCB2B if the majority of vendors or trading partners do not have FCB2B capabilities or if the industry as a whole has not embraced FCB2B standards.

Security Concerns:

Concerns about data security and the transmission of sensitive information electronically can be a barrier. Companies may worry about the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access.

Resource Constraints:

Small to medium-sized flooring businesses in particular, may have limited IT resources. The implementation and maintenance of EDI systems might be perceived as resource-intensive, and companies may prioritize other technological investments.

Perceived Lack of Customization:

Some flooring businesses may believe that their current non-industry specific order and business processing systems offer less flexibility for customization.

Resistance to Change:

There can be a general resistance to change within organizations. Employees may be accustomed to existing processes and may be hesitant to adopt new technologies that alter their routines.


Addressing these concerns and providing clear communication about the benefits of flooring industry specific software, the FCB2B processes and the value in partnering with a flooring industry software developer can help overcome reluctance. Additionally, industry initiatives or mandates that encourage or require FCB2B mass adoption can drive broader acceptance within the flooring industry.

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