Inside DFI Retail's Group's Bold Digital Transformation

DFI Retail Group, one of Asia’s largest retailers, runs a network of well-known brands spanning health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings and restaurants in 12 markets.

Managing these brands involves more than 2,000 products, each with its own regulatory, quality and packaging requirements.

To handle this scale, DFI is harnessing the power of TradeBeyond’s multi-enterprise platform to coordinate product specifications, improve information sharing between internal teams and external suppliers, and maintain version control for accuracy across its own brands portfolio.

Addressing challenges in Own Brand management

Before adopting TradeBeyond, DFI saw clear opportunities to improve how it managed product information for its Own Brand business. 

The previous system functioned but revealed limitations as processes became more complex. These included restricted access for external suppliers, which made effective communication and collaboration harder.

Manual checking of product specification updates consumed valuable time, highlighting the need for more efficient processes. A reliance on manual follow-ups and data entry also created inefficiencies and increased the risk of errors.

Therefore, integrating supplier data into a central system emerged as a priority for more efficient and accurate operations.

As DFI expanded the Own Brand business, resolving these challenges became essential to keep operations efficient and prepare for further growth.

How TradeBeyond meets DFI’s operational needs

TradeBeyond acts as the central hub for all Own Brand product specifications, including detailed information such as ingredients, nutritional panels, packaging claims, regulatory certifications and supplier details.

Having a single, authoritative source ensures all parties work with the most up-to-date product information.

The platform also removes location and time zone barriers. Internal teams and suppliers can collaborate in real time, with shared access to certifications, packaging details and specification data. Built-in version control ensures accuracy, reduces errors and cuts down on unnecessary rework.

Key results from using TradeBeyond include:

• Strengthened supplier collaboration: DFI teams and suppliers can now work together directly in real time on product information.
• Improved data access: All stakeholders can use the platform at any time, improving communication and responsiveness.
• Fewer misunderstandings: Real-time updates ensure all parties are aligned on the same version of the data.
• Better specification tracking: Changes are recorded, with clear identification of contributors, making the process transparent and easy to follow.
• Greater risk management: Complete visibility into product and supplier data supports better decision-making.

Fann Yuen, Group Own Brand Director at DFI Retail Group, summarises: "TradeBeyond allows stronger information exchange between multiple internal and external parties and provides version control for better product management.”

Lasting efficiencies and improved communication

By adopting TradeBeyond, DFI has enhanced collaboration between internal and external stakeholders. The platform’s universal accessibility means team members and suppliers can check the latest information wherever they are, ensuring decisions are based on accurate and current data.

The ability to make and share real-time updates reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings and keeps everyone aligned. Version histories mean any change can be tracked back to its source, saving time otherwise spent on manual comparisons and follow-ups.

These efficiencies do not just represent temporary gains – the system's structure supports sustained accuracy and operational effectiveness. By simplifying the specification management process, TradeBeyond helps DFI maintain a smoother workflow and more cohesive communication across diverse markets and product categories.

With thousands of Own Brand products in play and multiple teams involved, the ability to keep all information consistent, traceable and instantly accessible is vital. DFI’s use of TradeBeyond reflects a shift from managing information reactively to having a proactive, centralised system.

The transformation helps protect product quality, maintain regulatory compliance and support the retailer’s long-term growth plans.

As DFI continues to grow its Own Brand business, the operational advantages of this approach position it well to adapt to evolving market demands and supplier relationships.