SEMA Data Co-op Members Lead the Way to Industry Standards

	The goal of the SEMA Data Co-op is to enable any manufacturer to take control of their product data, maintain its compliance to standards and provide a seamless means to distribute that data to approved data receivers of their choice in the most affordable way possible.

A limited number of spots are still available for companies to become founding members of the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC). Through the program’s beta phase, which launched earlier this year, suppliers and receivers have the opportunity to become founding members of a program that will change the way product data is used and managed.

“We’re well engaged now in one of the industry’s biggest challenges—that of managing product data,” said Jon Wyly, SDC CEO. “Current participants benefit not only by ensuring that their data is compliant, but they are also paving the way for everyone else in the industry.”

The SDC is an industry-owned and operated data management solution, with SEMA funding the entire construction. The goal is to create the most comprehensive and affordable industry data repository possible, supported by an expert help desk and web-enabled tools. The beta phase for the program began in April, with all supplier spots filling up within the first three weeks. Organizers expanded the program to allow more companies a chance to have their data tested, and the participant count grew to more than 100.

“Companies participating in the beta phase have been very impressed by what they’re learning and the progress they’re seeing,” said Wyly. “The SEMA Data Co-op is as much about education and training as it actually is about managing data. We have a full-time help desk dedicated to teaching the process from whatever level the customer needs. It’s exciting to see companies take ownership of this critical business element.”

Through the SDC, suppliers maintain direct ownership of their product data. All data is configured and stored in the accepted industry ACES and PIES standards, while data receivers have access to a supply of rich, complete, accurate product data to power their internal business systems, counter-top electronic catalogs and websites.

All SEMA industry suppliers and receivers are welcome to participate. To learn more about the program, visit www.SemaDataCoop.org, or contact Jon Wyly at jonw@SemaDataCoop.org or call 888-958-6698.

SEMA Data Co-op Founding Supplier Members: