Data interchange simplified

A supply of correct article master data forms the basis of a modern merchandise management chain, within which data are exchanged electronically via EDI (Electronic Data Interchange). The master data comprises information about every article that includes EAN (European Article Number), ILN (International Location Number), measurements, weight and dangerous goods information, as well as optional additional information.
But during every work process requiring article master data, whether manufacturers, providers of logistic services or retailers are involved, errors can creep in with reference to the relevance, accuracy and unambiguity of the data. In addition to this, any exchange of master data with an EDI partner necessitates an intensive process of coordination in terms of the content of the information to be exchanged, and the message or data formats. What is more, data links, update rhythms and contents, plus error control and handling must be clarified or agreed. This results in great expense for the individual company, since the process of coordination must be gone through with each individual EDI partner.
Article hierarchy in the solution for the "Building and Living" sector.
So if the market participants exchange article master data through a central data pool, the expense is considerably reduced for the individual. With this aim in view, retailers and manufacturers in Germany, the Netherlands and Austria have reached agreement on the use of the Sinfos master data pool.
The “Building and Living” sector is also dependent upon uniform and accurate article master data. Which is the reason why the master data service provider Sinfos GmbH of Cologne and Heinze GmbH of Celle – a service company in the building sector – have joined forces. The aim of their cooperation is to build up a central pool of article master data, where companies can capture and retrieve their master data in a uniform format.
The procedure is extremely simple: both suppliers and retailers access the data via merely one entry point. This obviates the arduous process involved in bilateral exchange of article passports and the rate of error in data exchange is considerably minimised. Trade and industry rationalise their movement of goods multilaterally and can invest the time and money saved elsewhere.
Sinfos and Heinze guarantee the uniformity and consistent quality of the master data in the pool. This is ensured on the one hand by the application of international standards to the…