Preventable deductions are a major source of frustration and cost for suppliers, while the compliance violations that trigger them are likewise major sources of frustration and cost for retailers. Eliminating the violations--and, thereby, eliminating the deductions--is in the best interests of both parties.

Remedial actions are not trivial, but they are possible. Automation of information handling processes, along with automation of compliance enforcement on the suppliers' side and compliance monitoring on the retailers' side, is at the core of the solution, but process changes may also be required. And the best results are achieved when suppliers and retailers work together toward a solution that benefits both.

These efforts are not free, nor do they come without some effort, but considering the enormous costs of noncompliance, investments in systems and processes that increase compliance can achieve sizable returns for both suppliers and retailers.