SEMA News—September 2015

SEMA DATA CO-OP
By Jon Wyly

Is Your Product Data Up to Speed?

See for Yourself on SEMA Search!

	Sign up at www.SEMAsearch.com for access to the newly launched online electronic catalog powered by the SEMA Data Co-op.

It’s been about eight months since the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) rolled out the Data Quality and Completeness Program, which is designed specifically to help suppliers increase their data quality level in an easy, step-by-step process. In that time, we have seen more than 250 “steps” made by participating suppliers as they have moved up through the quality ratings of Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, making their data more valuable to their customer base and creating more sales.

Now, with nearly 300 brands at the Bronze level or better and another 100 in the process of getting there, the rollout of SEMA Search couldn’t be better timed. Designed to be a one-stop resource for detailed product information, application lookups and more, SEMA Search also serves to visually illustrate just how effective a product data set is in a typical e-commerce-type presentation.

So how do you leverage those two valuable tools?

The first step is to be aware of the current level of your data. Talk with the team that is handling your data or take a look at the “Directory of Data Innovators” published quarterly in SEMA News. There you will find a brief description of your company along with its data level at the time of publication. The most recently published list can be found in the July issue, and an updated one will be printed in the October issue. If you are currently at any level lower than Platinum, you are making progress, but there is work yet to do.

Next, sign up at www.SEMAsearch.com for access to our newly launched online electronic catalog powered by the SDC. It’s free to the trade, and inclusion of your brand is free as long as you are a member in good standing of the SDC and have a data quality rating of Bronze or better.

Jump in and do some searches to see what your results look like. Use our “compare” feature to see how your brand stacks up against competitors in the same category. Check out your marketing copy, features and benefits, product specs and more. Are you happy with the results, or could they use some work? It will become very obvious to you what a difference it makes to maintain a high-quality, up-to-date data set.

And speaking of up-to-date, don’t forget to search for your latest products and vehicle applications. If they are missing or are incomplete, it’s time to revisit your data team and get some updates loaded! Remember, the SDC provides powerful and effective data-management tools and technical guidance, but the responsibility for keeping your data current and complete is yours and yours alone.

Speed to market is critical for us all, and there is nothing worse than launching a brand-new product only to have it lay on the shelves waiting for distributors and retailers to get the info loaded into their systems and websites. Don’t let distractions or misplaced priorities keep you from putting the best possible data into the marketplace in a timely manner. It will make a difference in sales you can feel.

Not involved yet with the SDC?

Contact us right away if you have not yet joined the SDC, and we’ll guide you through a smooth on-boarding process to get your data organized, standardized and published into the SDC repository. From there, you have total control to manage, improve and expand your data all the way up to Platinum level with the help of our highly qualified team of data experts. 15649.png

SEMA News—September 2015

SEMA DATA CO-OP
By Jon Wyly

Is Your Product Data Up to Speed?

See for Yourself on SEMA Search!

	Sign up at www.SEMAsearch.com for access to the newly launched online electronic catalog powered by the SEMA Data Co-op.

It’s been about eight months since the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) rolled out the Data Quality and Completeness Program, which is designed specifically to help suppliers increase their data quality level in an easy, step-by-step process. In that time, we have seen more than 250 “steps” made by participating suppliers as they have moved up through the quality ratings of Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, making their data more valuable to their customer base and creating more sales.

Now, with nearly 300 brands at the Bronze level or better and another 100 in the process of getting there, the rollout of SEMA Search couldn’t be better timed. Designed to be a one-stop resource for detailed product information, application lookups and more, SEMA Search also serves to visually illustrate just how effective a product data set is in a typical e-commerce-type presentation.

So how do you leverage those two valuable tools?

The first step is to be aware of the current level of your data. Talk with the team that is handling your data or take a look at the “Directory of Data Innovators” published quarterly in SEMA News. There you will find a brief description of your company along with its data level at the time of publication. The most recently published list can be found in the July issue, and an updated one will be printed in the October issue. If you are currently at any level lower than Platinum, you are making progress, but there is work yet to do.

Next, sign up at www.SEMAsearch.com for access to our newly launched online electronic catalog powered by the SDC. It’s free to the trade, and inclusion of your brand is free as long as you are a member in good standing of the SDC and have a data quality rating of Bronze or better.

Jump in and do some searches to see what your results look like. Use our “compare” feature to see how your brand stacks up against competitors in the same category. Check out your marketing copy, features and benefits, product specs and more. Are you happy with the results, or could they use some work? It will become very obvious to you what a difference it makes to maintain a high-quality, up-to-date data set.

And speaking of up-to-date, don’t forget to search for your latest products and vehicle applications. If they are missing or are incomplete, it’s time to revisit your data team and get some updates loaded! Remember, the SDC provides powerful and effective data-management tools and technical guidance, but the responsibility for keeping your data current and complete is yours and yours alone.

Speed to market is critical for us all, and there is nothing worse than launching a brand-new product only to have it lay on the shelves waiting for distributors and retailers to get the info loaded into their systems and websites. Don’t let distractions or misplaced priorities keep you from putting the best possible data into the marketplace in a timely manner. It will make a difference in sales you can feel.

Not involved yet with the SDC?

Contact us right away if you have not yet joined the SDC, and we’ll guide you through a smooth on-boarding process to get your data organized, standardized and published into the SDC repository. From there, you have total control to manage, improve and expand your data all the way up to Platinum level with the help of our highly qualified team of data experts. 15649.png

SEMA News—September 2015

SEMA DATA CO-OP
By Jon Wyly

Is Your Product Data Up to Speed?

See for Yourself on SEMA Search!

	Sign up at www.SEMAsearch.com for access to the newly launched online electronic catalog powered by the SEMA Data Co-op.

It’s been about eight months since the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) rolled out the Data Quality and Completeness Program, which is designed specifically to help suppliers increase their data quality level in an easy, step-by-step process. In that time, we have seen more than 250 “steps” made by participating suppliers as they have moved up through the quality ratings of Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, making their data more valuable to their customer base and creating more sales.

Now, with nearly 300 brands at the Bronze level or better and another 100 in the process of getting there, the rollout of SEMA Search couldn’t be better timed. Designed to be a one-stop resource for detailed product information, application lookups and more, SEMA Search also serves to visually illustrate just how effective a product data set is in a typical e-commerce-type presentation.

So how do you leverage those two valuable tools?

The first step is to be aware of the current level of your data. Talk with the team that is handling your data or take a look at the “Directory of Data Innovators” published quarterly in SEMA News. There you will find a brief description of your company along with its data level at the time of publication. The most recently published list can be found in the July issue, and an updated one will be printed in the October issue. If you are currently at any level lower than Platinum, you are making progress, but there is work yet to do.

Next, sign up at www.SEMAsearch.com for access to our newly launched online electronic catalog powered by the SDC. It’s free to the trade, and inclusion of your brand is free as long as you are a member in good standing of the SDC and have a data quality rating of Bronze or better.

Jump in and do some searches to see what your results look like. Use our “compare” feature to see how your brand stacks up against competitors in the same category. Check out your marketing copy, features and benefits, product specs and more. Are you happy with the results, or could they use some work? It will become very obvious to you what a difference it makes to maintain a high-quality, up-to-date data set.

And speaking of up-to-date, don’t forget to search for your latest products and vehicle applications. If they are missing or are incomplete, it’s time to revisit your data team and get some updates loaded! Remember, the SDC provides powerful and effective data-management tools and technical guidance, but the responsibility for keeping your data current and complete is yours and yours alone.

Speed to market is critical for us all, and there is nothing worse than launching a brand-new product only to have it lay on the shelves waiting for distributors and retailers to get the info loaded into their systems and websites. Don’t let distractions or misplaced priorities keep you from putting the best possible data into the marketplace in a timely manner. It will make a difference in sales you can feel.

Not involved yet with the SDC?

Contact us right away if you have not yet joined the SDC, and we’ll guide you through a smooth on-boarding process to get your data organized, standardized and published into the SDC repository. From there, you have total control to manage, improve and expand your data all the way up to Platinum level with the help of our highly qualified team of data experts. 15649.png

SEMA News—September 2015

SEMA DATA CO-OP
By Jon Wyly

Is Your Product Data Up to Speed?

See for Yourself on SEMA Search!

	Sign up at www.SEMAsearch.com for access to the newly launched online electronic catalog powered by the SEMA Data Co-op.

It’s been about eight months since the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) rolled out the Data Quality and Completeness Program, which is designed specifically to help suppliers increase their data quality level in an easy, step-by-step process. In that time, we have seen more than 250 “steps” made by participating suppliers as they have moved up through the quality ratings of Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, making their data more valuable to their customer base and creating more sales.

Now, with nearly 300 brands at the Bronze level or better and another 100 in the process of getting there, the rollout of SEMA Search couldn’t be better timed. Designed to be a one-stop resource for detailed product information, application lookups and more, SEMA Search also serves to visually illustrate just how effective a product data set is in a typical e-commerce-type presentation.

So how do you leverage those two valuable tools?

The first step is to be aware of the current level of your data. Talk with the team that is handling your data or take a look at the “Directory of Data Innovators” published quarterly in SEMA News. There you will find a brief description of your company along with its data level at the time of publication. The most recently published list can be found in the July issue, and an updated one will be printed in the October issue. If you are currently at any level lower than Platinum, you are making progress, but there is work yet to do.

Next, sign up at www.SEMAsearch.com for access to our newly launched online electronic catalog powered by the SDC. It’s free to the trade, and inclusion of your brand is free as long as you are a member in good standing of the SDC and have a data quality rating of Bronze or better.

Jump in and do some searches to see what your results look like. Use our “compare” feature to see how your brand stacks up against competitors in the same category. Check out your marketing copy, features and benefits, product specs and more. Are you happy with the results, or could they use some work? It will become very obvious to you what a difference it makes to maintain a high-quality, up-to-date data set.

And speaking of up-to-date, don’t forget to search for your latest products and vehicle applications. If they are missing or are incomplete, it’s time to revisit your data team and get some updates loaded! Remember, the SDC provides powerful and effective data-management tools and technical guidance, but the responsibility for keeping your data current and complete is yours and yours alone.

Speed to market is critical for us all, and there is nothing worse than launching a brand-new product only to have it lay on the shelves waiting for distributors and retailers to get the info loaded into their systems and websites. Don’t let distractions or misplaced priorities keep you from putting the best possible data into the marketplace in a timely manner. It will make a difference in sales you can feel.

Not involved yet with the SDC?

Contact us right away if you have not yet joined the SDC, and we’ll guide you through a smooth on-boarding process to get your data organized, standardized and published into the SDC repository. From there, you have total control to manage, improve and expand your data all the way up to Platinum level with the help of our highly qualified team of data experts. 15649.png

SEMA News—September 2015

SEMA DATA CO-OP
By Jon Wyly

Is Your Product Data Up to Speed?

See for Yourself on SEMA Search!

	Sign up at www.SEMAsearch.com for access to the newly launched online electronic catalog powered by the SEMA Data Co-op.

It’s been about eight months since the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) rolled out the Data Quality and Completeness Program, which is designed specifically to help suppliers increase their data quality level in an easy, step-by-step process. In that time, we have seen more than 250 “steps” made by participating suppliers as they have moved up through the quality ratings of Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, making their data more valuable to their customer base and creating more sales.

Now, with nearly 300 brands at the Bronze level or better and another 100 in the process of getting there, the rollout of SEMA Search couldn’t be better timed. Designed to be a one-stop resource for detailed product information, application lookups and more, SEMA Search also serves to visually illustrate just how effective a product data set is in a typical e-commerce-type presentation.

So how do you leverage those two valuable tools?

The first step is to be aware of the current level of your data. Talk with the team that is handling your data or take a look at the “Directory of Data Innovators” published quarterly in SEMA News. There you will find a brief description of your company along with its data level at the time of publication. The most recently published list can be found in the July issue, and an updated one will be printed in the October issue. If you are currently at any level lower than Platinum, you are making progress, but there is work yet to do.

Next, sign up at www.SEMAsearch.com for access to our newly launched online electronic catalog powered by the SDC. It’s free to the trade, and inclusion of your brand is free as long as you are a member in good standing of the SDC and have a data quality rating of Bronze or better.

Jump in and do some searches to see what your results look like. Use our “compare” feature to see how your brand stacks up against competitors in the same category. Check out your marketing copy, features and benefits, product specs and more. Are you happy with the results, or could they use some work? It will become very obvious to you what a difference it makes to maintain a high-quality, up-to-date data set.

And speaking of up-to-date, don’t forget to search for your latest products and vehicle applications. If they are missing or are incomplete, it’s time to revisit your data team and get some updates loaded! Remember, the SDC provides powerful and effective data-management tools and technical guidance, but the responsibility for keeping your data current and complete is yours and yours alone.

Speed to market is critical for us all, and there is nothing worse than launching a brand-new product only to have it lay on the shelves waiting for distributors and retailers to get the info loaded into their systems and websites. Don’t let distractions or misplaced priorities keep you from putting the best possible data into the marketplace in a timely manner. It will make a difference in sales you can feel.

Not involved yet with the SDC?

Contact us right away if you have not yet joined the SDC, and we’ll guide you through a smooth on-boarding process to get your data organized, standardized and published into the SDC repository. From there, you have total control to manage, improve and expand your data all the way up to Platinum level with the help of our highly qualified team of data experts. 15649.png

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

Another Successful Hot Product Showcase in the Books

The ARMO Hot Product Showcase allows members to highlight their products at Spring Carlisle for only the cost of shipping.

Each year, restoration parts manufacturers that are members of the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) have the opportunity to highlight parts at the Hot Product Showcase in order to gain brand exposure. This year marked the 18th annual event at Spring Carlisle, which is known to be one of the world’s largest gatherings of automotive restoration enthusiasts. The event was held April 23–25, 2015, with more than 80 different products from a variety of member companies on display.

For only the cost of shipping their products, these ARMO-member companies received an incredible amount of attention. In addition to the onsite exposure to consumers attending the collector-car swap meet, corral and auction, all of the product entries were professionally photographed. The photos are available to the manufacturers for their own use. They also appear with product descriptions on the ARMO webpage, for those who weren’t able to make it to the event in person. The products will receive additional exposure this fall, when the photos are shown both at the ARMO reception and at at the ARMO booth at the 2015 SEMA Show.

Next year’s event will take place April 21-23, 2016. Members are encouraged to mark their calendars and begin thinking about which products they would like to showcase in 2016. As a part of the application process, each of the products will be screened to ensure that it is from an ARMO-member company, will be market-ready by the opening of the Showcase and demonstrates unique or innovative technology to benefit the restoration community. Applications will be accepted starting in January.

The four-day event also provides quality networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders. An integral part of the week is the ARMO Networking Mixer, which takes place annually on Thursday night in the Hot Products Tent. Attendees may grab a beverage and spend time interacting one on one with council leadership and staff from fellow ARMO-member companies. It’s an event that holds enormous potential for new ideas and partnerships as members network with industry friends. The mixer is also open to prospective members who want to try the council on for size and learn more about how they might benefit from involvement in the group.

	Todd McClure

ARMO Welcomes Todd McClure to the Select Committee

Todd McClure is ARMO’s newest select committee member. While it is his first time serving in this capacity, he brings a unique perspective to the group. McClure shared a little bit about himself and his goals.

SEMA Member News: What is your industry background?

Todd McClure: Every summer during high school and college, I worked at The Right Stuff, programming CNC tube benders to make tubes for classic cars. I also was lucky enough to travel to a lot of automotive events to promote products. So I have been involved in the restoration market for nearly 20 years now, and I have never stopped enjoying the people and the cars.

SMN: Why do you feel that it’s important to serve on the select committee?

TM: I see a lot of value in ARMO companies sharing experiences and information that will advance the interests of the industry as a whole. I want to be sure to contribute to restoration not only continuing but also growing in the years to come.

SMN: How might your experience benefit ARMO?

TM: I have worked in manufacturing, purchasing, sales and marketing, promoting both retail and wholesale sales. So I think I have a strong understanding of all facets of business in the restoration market. I hope to learn from current and past council members about progress with existing programs while helping to promote new programs to entice younger men and women to get involved in the hobby of restoration.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

Another Successful Hot Product Showcase in the Books

The ARMO Hot Product Showcase allows members to highlight their products at Spring Carlisle for only the cost of shipping.

Each year, restoration parts manufacturers that are members of the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) have the opportunity to highlight parts at the Hot Product Showcase in order to gain brand exposure. This year marked the 18th annual event at Spring Carlisle, which is known to be one of the world’s largest gatherings of automotive restoration enthusiasts. The event was held April 23–25, 2015, with more than 80 different products from a variety of member companies on display.

For only the cost of shipping their products, these ARMO-member companies received an incredible amount of attention. In addition to the onsite exposure to consumers attending the collector-car swap meet, corral and auction, all of the product entries were professionally photographed. The photos are available to the manufacturers for their own use. They also appear with product descriptions on the ARMO webpage, for those who weren’t able to make it to the event in person. The products will receive additional exposure this fall, when the photos are shown both at the ARMO reception and at at the ARMO booth at the 2015 SEMA Show.

Next year’s event will take place April 21-23, 2016. Members are encouraged to mark their calendars and begin thinking about which products they would like to showcase in 2016. As a part of the application process, each of the products will be screened to ensure that it is from an ARMO-member company, will be market-ready by the opening of the Showcase and demonstrates unique or innovative technology to benefit the restoration community. Applications will be accepted starting in January.

The four-day event also provides quality networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders. An integral part of the week is the ARMO Networking Mixer, which takes place annually on Thursday night in the Hot Products Tent. Attendees may grab a beverage and spend time interacting one on one with council leadership and staff from fellow ARMO-member companies. It’s an event that holds enormous potential for new ideas and partnerships as members network with industry friends. The mixer is also open to prospective members who want to try the council on for size and learn more about how they might benefit from involvement in the group.

	Todd McClure

ARMO Welcomes Todd McClure to the Select Committee

Todd McClure is ARMO’s newest select committee member. While it is his first time serving in this capacity, he brings a unique perspective to the group. McClure shared a little bit about himself and his goals.

SEMA Member News: What is your industry background?

Todd McClure: Every summer during high school and college, I worked at The Right Stuff, programming CNC tube benders to make tubes for classic cars. I also was lucky enough to travel to a lot of automotive events to promote products. So I have been involved in the restoration market for nearly 20 years now, and I have never stopped enjoying the people and the cars.

SMN: Why do you feel that it’s important to serve on the select committee?

TM: I see a lot of value in ARMO companies sharing experiences and information that will advance the interests of the industry as a whole. I want to be sure to contribute to restoration not only continuing but also growing in the years to come.

SMN: How might your experience benefit ARMO?

TM: I have worked in manufacturing, purchasing, sales and marketing, promoting both retail and wholesale sales. So I think I have a strong understanding of all facets of business in the restoration market. I hope to learn from current and past council members about progress with existing programs while helping to promote new programs to entice younger men and women to get involved in the hobby of restoration.

Robert Hight, drag racer and corporate executive for John Force Racing Inc.

By Jason Catullo

The deadline to get additional publicity in SEMA publications and online for the industry icon, TV personality, celebrity or famous vehicle appearing in your booth is tomorrow, Friday, September 4.

Let SEMA know about your famous guest by submitting the Celebrity Appearance Notification form.

Simply include your company name, booth number, the date and time that the special personality or attraction will be available to Showgoers.

The information will be included in the SEMA Show Celebrity Appearances section on www.SEMAShow.com and will also be provided to attendees and media during the 2015 SEMA Show.

Robert Hight, drag racer and corporate executive for John Force Racing Inc.

By Jason Catullo

The deadline to get additional publicity in SEMA publications and online for the industry icon, TV personality, celebrity or famous vehicle appearing in your booth is tomorrow, Friday, September 4.

Let SEMA know about your famous guest by submitting the Celebrity Appearance Notification form.

Simply include your company name, booth number, the date and time that the special personality or attraction will be available to Showgoers.

The information will be included in the SEMA Show Celebrity Appearances section on www.SEMAShow.com and will also be provided to attendees and media during the 2015 SEMA Show.

Robert Hight, drag racer and corporate executive for John Force Racing Inc.

By Jason Catullo

The deadline to get additional publicity in SEMA publications and online for the industry icon, TV personality, celebrity or famous vehicle appearing in your booth is tomorrow, Friday, September 4.

Let SEMA know about your famous guest by submitting the Celebrity Appearance Notification form.

Simply include your company name, booth number, the date and time that the special personality or attraction will be available to Showgoers.

The information will be included in the SEMA Show Celebrity Appearances section on www.SEMAShow.com and will also be provided to attendees and media during the 2015 SEMA Show.