My last data column?

As I write I am hoping that this is the last time I will ever have to address this subject. Those of you who read my regular rants know that a recurring theme is the abysmal state of data in the aftermarket and how much it is costing us in lost sales, missed opportunities and wasted effort.

I have railed on the need for better standards adoption and compliance, an upgrading of systems to accommodate Web-based data updates and the need for an industry data warehouse.

My passion on theses issues has led to my involvement in myriad initiatives in pursuit of the aforementioned objectives. My voraciousness has made me a tedious conversationalist at many industry functions.

Recent developments lead me to believe I might be snubbed less in the future. In the last few months, a variety of data-related initiatives, both private and with the backing of industry trade associations, could lead to coordinated delivery of more accurate and complete data to the marketplace in near real time.

Private initiatives are being driven by two large resellers who, frustrated with third-party eCat providers, decided to create their own eCats. Both discovered the problem was less the eCat provider than it was the ability to get reliable data on a timely basis. These resellers now seem to be viewing the availability of data as a “shared” industry problem rather than an individual opportunity to control a competitive advantage.

Two other initiatives, which have the backing of our trade associations, stand apart from past attempts. A major difference this time is the mounting momentum of multiple initiatives and converging circumstances that are creating not just the opportunity for working together as an industry on a common problem, but the likelihood. We must move past the posturing, pandering and paranoia that has interfered with progress heretofore.

Manufacturers’ senior management need to understand that maintaining data for electronic vs. paper cataloging is different, and approaching one as you would the other is absurd. Additionally, they must invest the money and resources required to get their data cleaned up, standardized and synchronized. In an electronic age, not doing so will cost you business.

Resellers must take responsibility for assuring data is continually populating their catalog and POS systems. Commercial eCat companies need to realize that the industry working together to get more complete and accurate data to the marketplace is not a threat to their business, but a boon. If everyone has the opportunity for equal access to perfect data, then competitive advantages will be found in killer applications. Moreover, we all need to work together to get an industry data solution accomplished.

The initiatives show we recognize we have a problem and must do something about it. Now comes the hard part. Working together to get it done.