By Della Domingo
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The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has completed implementation of its online Product Data Management System (PIMS) with the launch of its ACES mapping tools, May 6, 2013. All beta-phase members have been migrated into the PIMS, and more than 150 suppliers and receivers have been trained on the new system and are successfully managing their product data using SDC tools. Training continues with another 200
participants, which is expected to be completed during the month of May.
"We are all very excited about the launch of this important feature," said Bob Castle, vice president of eBusiness and I.T. at the SDC. "It brings to bear the most complete and accurate data-management system the industry has seen, enabling suppliers to maintain total control of their data while meeting each receiver's specific data needs. Now suppliers can easily convert their unformatted vehicle application listings into standards-compliant ACES files without any special experience or knowledge required."
The SEMA Data Co-op's full featured solution includes comprehensive data validation tools, unlimited secure storage and an easy-to-use web interface for supplier members to manage their product data. Additionally, data receivers can get exports formatted specifically to their requirements and can manage delivery of data through a versatile scheduling tool.
The SDC invites all automotive product suppliers and resellers to check out their system, and is anxious to demonstrate its features and functionality to any interested parties. Designed to be very simple to use, the SDC PIMS requires no prior data management experience and has no setup charges, so joining the co-op is easy and affordable. In fact, no fees are collected until the on-boarding process is completed and data is being exported to receivers.
Jon Wyly, CEO of the SEMA Data Co-op, commented, "It's been a challenging project to build this technology, but we have a great product that we will continue to enhance with ongoing development, and we have the best data experts available making it all happen. In addition, we have begun the design and planning of a comprehensive web-based electronic catalog powered by the SEMA Data Co-op, which will be launched this fall, providing yet another benefit to SDC members."
The SEMA Data Co-op is an industry-owned and -operated project designed to bring full product data management capabilities to participating suppliers at the lowest possible cost. Features include a secure, industry standards-based centralized data repository, extensive on-boarding tools, expert live training and technical assistance, and unlimited standard or fully customized data exports.
To learn more about the program, visit www.SemaDataCoop.org, or contact Jim Graven at JimG@SemaDataCoop.org, or call 888-958-6698, ext. 4.