Synchronization
Industry Data Warehouse (IDW)
Whether you're a supply or demand partner, exchanging business transactions with inaccurate, outdated or incomplete product information costs time, money, productivity, and even sales. IDEA's Industry Data Warehouse (IDW) was built to make sure that doesn't happen.
IDW replaces the cumbersome system of sending and receiving pricing and product information using multiple versions and formats such as catalogues, faxes, CDs and manufacturer websites. It gives supply partners a centralized location to synchronize product information electronically with demand partners. The result? Standardized, accessible, and current information -- not to mention a significant reduction in order error rates and returns.
Key benefits:
- Eliminate product and pricing errors
- Increase efficiencies with trading partners
- Save on operation costs by simplifying processes
Proven in the electrical supply chain and available for use in any industry, IDW features a process that supports error-free data. Manufacturers input data from any file type, the data is verified and checked until it meets standards, and then the standardized data is delivered to authorized demand partners in the file format they prefer.
It's rare to find a solution that incorporates the needs of both supply and demand trading partners. IDW is one of those solutions. You continue to use your established business system and file formats to input or receive accurate and timely product and pricing information. But instead of using a confusing matrix of CDs, faxes, emails, catalogues, or other methods for information and updates, manufacturers can simply upload data to the web-based IDW where all authorized demand partners can access it anytime.
- Online synchronization platform for product and pricing data
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- Access or synchronize product and pricing data online, around the globe
- Enjoy process efficiencies throughout the supply chain
- Communicate updates throughout all stages of the product lifecycle to ensure proper phase in and phase out
- Reduce operating costs and errors
- Platform and format independent
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- Send and receive data regardless of what system or file formats you use—XML, EDI, Flat File, or others
- Continue to use your current system and software, but get more results from it
- Transparency in the source of the product information
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- Take full control over what product information you use
- Know whether the product information came direct from supply partner/owner or if it was approved by them
- Data validation
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- Scrub and validate data against industry standards before making it available to demand partners
- Data tracking
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- Access detailed reports on all data import and export activities, as well as file updates
- Multiple levels of access to data
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- Grant access to public and/or private pricing structures for each demand partner
- Send/receive net-into-stock or negotiated pricing efficiently and securely
- Flexible offerings
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Choose the amount of data you need from core (e.g. basic transactional data) to catalog and marketing information (e.g. product images, technical drawings, and catalogue descriptions)
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- Customizable reporting options
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- Run multiple types of reports, whether you're a supply or demand partner
- Built-in scheduler
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- Automate data uploads or downloads from trading partners on a regular schedule
- Fully supported
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- Access the service, support, and training you need to make the most of your investment
- Standards-based
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- Eliminate the errors and stalled productivity of inaccurate data
- Intuitive interface
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- Enjoy full-featured use with minimal training needed
- Quickly search and edit product information or correct minor data entry errors on the spot
- Top security ratings
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- Rest easy knowing your product and pricing information is secure
- Authorize demand partners before they receive product information to ensure it doesn't end up in the wrong hands
- 100% uptime since inception
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- Be assured that you're accessing a proven and reliable system
It's easy to realize financial benefits from IDW. To begin, there is no need to invest in any new systems or software to use IDW—simply access it online. By synchronizing product information in IDW, a demand partner and supply partner can cut costs by reducing order error rates.
Here are more of the ways you save with IDW:
- Save the cost of purchasing and invoicing errors due to outdated information
- Save manpower by eliminating labor-intensive processes
- Save time in the sales cycle with fast, accurate data storage and retrieval
- Save money with affordable implementation and start-up
- Save your sanity by having one data synchronization platform for all product and pricing information
Read the Journey through Data Discovery case study for an example of how a supply partner and demand partner cut costs by collaborating and using IDW together.
When you add it all up, you won't find a better value.
Taking everything listed into consideration, along with other variables, such as penalties that may be assessed or business that may be lost by trading through traditional means or non-standardized databases, you won’t find a better value than IDW. Contact us today and learn how we're streamlining the electrical, industrial, utilities, retail, medical and other industries with our data synchronization platforms.
You don't need any new hardware or software to implement IDW—just an Internet connection. From there, the implementation process is simple:
- Supply us with some technical information about your system using the forms we supply.
- Attend an orientation webinar tailored to your needs.
- Receive consultation on configuring your account and authorizations.
- Test flight the service with different trading partners.
- Start discovering the benefits of IDW!
Chances are, you already have the hardware and software you need to start sending and receiving product and pricing data with IDW. All you need is:
- Computer or server
- Current web browser
- Internet connection
- Ability to create Flat Files, EDI, or XML
- FTP capabilities
If you're not sure you have the above requirements, give us a call at (703) 562-4600 and we'll help you figure it out.
If you still have questions after reading the answers below, please contact us.
- What is IDW?
IDW is a second-generation data synchronization platform of supplier product, pricing, packaging, and catalog information. It is a standards-based application, created through a collaboration between supply partners, demand partners and service providers in the electrical supply chain. The IDEA Industry Standards Committee continues to maintain IDW standards and help shape IDW enhancements today. Proven as the leading synchronization solution in the electrical supply chain, IDW is well suited for other vertical markets such as PVF, Industrial, Data Comm, Plumbing, HVAC/R, and others. Supply partners that also sell to the retail industry and need to comply with GDSN standards use IRD CERICOMX®, our other data synchronization platform.
- Which manufacturers' product information is contained in IDW?
Our electrical industry database contains 85% of electrical product SKUs. For a list of our customers from all industries, please visit our Customers section.
- How do you obtain IDW information?
IDW information is available to customers on a 24/7 basis. The information is continually updated and uploaded by suppliers. Authorized demand partners are given a logon ID and password and can make download requests right off the IDW administrative website. You can even schedule to have your data automatically delivered on a regular basis—daily, weekly, or however often you choose.
- What is the format for IDW data?
IDW accepts manufacturer business information in any electronic format. The electrical industry standard is the EDI/832 format or the EZView/PIPE Flat File format. These standards were developed to enable the exchange of common data fields and terms between all industry-trading partners. Data output is in EDI/832 format, EZView/PIPE, or custom formats using the IDW map function. The custom map function allows distributors to create formats that are compatible with their software ERP programs.
- What are the benefits of IDW data?
- Transparency in the source of the product information (i.e. know whether it was received direct from manufacturer, third-party sourced and manufacturer approved, etc.)
- Data accuracy and timeliness, as supply partners are frequently uploading new product information
- Reduced transaction costs
- Supply partners send product and pricing updates once for all of their trading partners
- Demand partners receive product and pricing updates from one source for all of their suppliers
- Supply partners control which customers have access to all or portions of their data
- Customized file formats for both supply and demand partners
- What training is available for IDW customers?
IDW customers have numerous opportunities attend live training sessions or webinars focused on helping you get the most from your solution. We offer role-based training for both supply and demand partners, as well as an annual user group held at the IDEA E-Biz Forum where we address the topic of greatest interest to our users, based upon their input. You will also have access to the IDEA Portal where you can access on-demand eLearning modules including the IDW Data Synchronization Platform eLearning module.
- Can IDW provide location-specific net into stock pricing?
Yes, supply partners can disseminate special negotiated into stock pricing directly to their demand partners. You can learn more by taking our complimentary Net Price Synchronization eLearning module.
