DIAMOND BAR, Calif. After just eight months, the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has reached a milestone with its 150th supplier member joining the group. The program, which launched its beta phase in April, now includes 150 manufacturer members and 90 data receivers, with more participants being added every day.
"Signups are running well ahead of projected goals, and we successfully demonstrated over 25 functional features of the production system at the SEMA Show," said Jim Graven, director of membership of the SDC. "We met with over 200 companies in four days, and by all indications the show was a huge success for us."
The SEMA Data Co-op is an industry-owned and operated project designed to bring full product data management capabilities to participating suppliers at the lowest possible cost. Features include a secure, industry standards-based centralized data repository, extensive on-boarding tools, expert live training and technical assistance and unlimited standard or fully customized data exports.
Tracking on schedule for a launch in January 2013, the SEMA Data Co-op’s complete solution includes comprehensive data validation tools, unlimited secure storage and an easy-to-use Web interface for supplier members to manage their product data, according to the association. Additionally, data receivers can get exports formatted specifically to their requirements, and can manage delivery of data through a versatile scheduling tool.
Jon Wyly, CEO of the SEMA Data Co-op, commented, "Industry support has been outstanding. We look forward to expanding our capabilities when we go live in January, and our goal of educating and training suppliers to manage their own product data is being very well-received."
The SDC continues to encourage suppliers and receivers to join the free Beta phase in preparation for the full system launch in January.
To learn more about the program, visit www.SemaDataCoop.org.