One Version of Truth

Maytag's philosophy for product information is to have "one version of the truth." Several years ago Maytag implemented an XML-based product information system to synchronize with legacy systems and maintain product content, publications, photography, etc. Given the development of this system, Maytag now benefits from delivering the product content to corporate consumer Web sites, corporate B2B Web sites and customer Web sites. Recent enhancements include the creation of product publications from the product XML. Internal and limited external uses proved very beneficial for Maytag, however communication of standardized product information to all retail trading partners was not a reality until the GDSN was in place.

A Springboard to Data Sync

Maytag's XML-based system served as a springboard to pursue data sync through 1SYNC with its preferred partner, Ontuet. While Maytag has the experience of XML, it did not have resources to dedicate to the intricacies of data sync, not to mention the perpetual certification required. In analyzing the state of data sync, Maytag's determined the process was not mature. Given these concerns, Maytag chose to enlist certified 1SYNC Solution Partner, Ontuet, to assist with data synchronization goals. "Ontuet was available whenever we needed a question answered and they always knew not only the data synchronization impact, but the business impact as well," says Joe Leahy, product information manager, Maytag. The on-demand solution allowed Maytag to rapidly implement data sync with minimal cost. "Whenever there was a concern between a retailer and Maytag, Ontuet was willing to become involved to resolve the issue," says Leahy. Maytag uses Ontuet's Supply WEB to register and publish hundreds of items to SuperValu, Wegman's, Wal-Mart and, in the near future, Lowe's. Maytag is also in the process of implementing Ontuet's integrated File Sync product for communicating product information directly from the Maytag product repository to 1SYNC and on to retail trading partners.

As more and more retailers make the move toward global data sync, the cost of doing business with those retailers continues to go down, which is a good thing for the entire supply chain.