Changing Mindsets

We've all heard the same industry-speak time and time again as it relates to data sync: It boosts customer service levels, drives boundless internal efficiencies and is a vital primer step before implementing RFID. Where is data sync today? Are companies really utilizing its benefits? How can companies properly connect the data sync dots? These issues and more are highlighted in this exclusive interview with Bob Noe, CEO of 1SYNC. Noe's company, the culmination of both UCCnet and Transora, is working with both manufacturers and retailers of different sizes including, Wegman's, Ace Hardware, Wrigley, Gillette and Colgate-Palmolive in the name of synchronizing product information.

What are the main challenges that consumer goods firms are struggling to overcome as it relates to data synchronization and product information management?

Data synchronization is a business initiative at its core. It is designed to improve the way companies conduct business, and it requires process changes. Up until now, this has been predominantly an IT project and this needs to change. The most successful implementations are done when companies establish a cross-functional team with representation from all their key departments -- like IT, buyers, merchandising, supply chain and logistics. Data synchronization's benefits reach across virtually all aspects of a company's operations, so every department should be engaged in helping deploy it. Only by taking a business-focused approach and transforming internal processes to support data synchronization and improved data quality will companies maximize the value of data synchronization.

What are some easy steps that companies should be taking today to cleanse and align their product data?

In many cases, cleansing the data means correcting things that may have been in place for years or decades in legacy systems. Companies have to dig deep in their systems and analyze where their data is, the quality of the data, and the different internal systems and processes that the data touches. One key area is correct data usage. If you are not adhering to industry standards, you have a data disconnect. It is fundamental that companies are standards-savvy and follow guidelines so that compliance is complete and correct. Dimensioning services have become a big issue because companies are starting to realize the data associated with a product's weight, size dimensions, or other attributes was not as accurate as they believed.

Process automation is another area that needs to be considered. Any time you have processes that involve human interaction with data, you run the risk of human error. Automatic identification and data capture technologies can close these gaps, and solutions are now affordable for even the smallest of companies. In today's business world, a clipboard and a Number 2 pencil cannot be viewed as an efficient or accurate supply chain management strategy; you need to try and automate your data processes wherever you can.

Another area to focus on is the various data touch-points within the organization. Although companies may think particular data is consistent across their enterprise, many companies discover deviations within various internal systems. If certain systems or processes are not connected, you're duplicating data efforts and increasing the likelihood of informational inaccuracies. Companies need to truly integrate and connect their systems to enable end-to-end data consistency.

Why is it so important for consumer goods companies to do data sync before embarking on an RFID implementation?

Clean, accurate and up-to-date data is foundational for any business or supply chain activity, not just EPC/RFID. If you're not working with good data, all that EPC/RFID will do is allow you to move your bad data faster. In order to gain the benefits of new collaborative practices, good data has to be your starting point.

What is EPCglobal currently doing to better establish best practices as it relates to data sync and RFID?

From 1SYNC's perspective, we are working actively through GS1 and EPCglobal to promote a harmonized approach. We are also working with EPCglobal to identify and work with common customers as they begin to implement and integrate the two initiatives.

Best practices really come from the companies that are "road-testing" these initiatives. The experiences and knowledge gained from early adopters will make the next generation of best practices and actual implementations even better. Every day, more companies are deploying these technologies and it helps make the vision of data sync and EPC come into clearer and closer focus.