Learn more about the retail industry’s best solution.

To learn more, click on one of the frequently asked questions below:

What is IRD?

IRD is a service that bundles our CERICOMX® eCatalog software; 1SYNC™, the retail industry's leading data pool; and the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) together in one streamlined package to help you coordinate more efficiently with your trading partners. With IRD, manufacturers and retailers come together to buy and sell electronically, using standards-based data that reduces errors and their associated costs. By bringing all the elements of data synchronization together for you in one-stop, we can help you save 40%-60% off the costs of doing it yourself. With IRD and IDEA, you’ll always have the help you need to conduct eCommerce through the industry’s leading data resources. 

Why should I trust IDEA over other vendors?

To begin with, IDEA is the only company that offers CERICOMX® software, known throughout the industry as the leading solution for data synchronization. With hundreds of satisfied customers, more than 75,000 GTINs in production, and more than 20 years of experience in data synchronization, CERICOMX® is one of the most proven and reliable solutions out there. In addition, our entire organization is built around adhering to—and even creating—standards. You won’t find a company more committed to quality data than IDEA. Finally, IDEA focuses only on data synchronization. It has been our passion since our founding in 1998 and our only business. So while others may feature data synchronization as one of many things in their bag of tricks, it is our #1 priority and we are driven to do it better than anyone else. 

What makes IRD better than other services?

need a service like IRD to help you get online. The primary reason IRD is better than other services is the price you save with our bundled package. When you synchronize your data through IRD, we onboard you with the 1SYNC™ Data Pool—a standards-based collaborative community of trading partners with the highest number of customers implemented within the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN). More than 4000 manufacturers and retailers count on 1SYNC™ to help streamline their transactions, including Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Wal-Mart, Target, and other leading firms. The IRD interface is powered by CERICOMX® to bring the benefits of 1SYNC™ and GDSN together for you in one-stop, saving significant costs over other methods of data pool access. Furthermore, IDEA’s CERICOMX® software makes it easier for you by providing a benefit no one else has—an item referencing capability that allows you to look up products via GTIN, product number, or catalog number to make searches easier for those who are referencing a catalog or other method to find your product. Finally, IRD’s interface is very user friendly to accommodate users at all levels and IDEA helps you every step of the way in getting set up and running. When you add it all up, there’s no better value than IRD. 

Do I need to be EDI enabled to use IRD?

No. If a company is not EDI capable, XML and Flat File formats may be used. In addition, we provide web form templates based on commonly used transaction sets. Just enter your information and we’ll map it into EDI and process it. 

What do I need to get connected to IRD?

To use IRD, you simply need an Internet connection (a direct connection or one provided by an Internet Service Provider) and web browser.