SEMA Rebrands Product Data Program

SEMA Rebrands Product Data Program

The SEMA Data Co-op is dropping “Co-op” from its name to better reflect the growth in services and industry needs.

SEMA Data Co-op is now SEMA Data, expanding its services to bring tools, technology and information for an evolving industry.

With more than 550 automotive parts brands and more than 4 million unique parts, the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is evolving and dropping “Co-op” from its name to better reflect the growth in services and industry needs. Since launching nearly 10 years ago, SEMA Data has evolved and has expanded beyond being a central repository for data.

“We realized there were two things that happened: One was the manufacturers needed help to get standardized data to the co-op. Second, we needed to help the industry know what to do with it,” said Gigi Ho, vice president of SEMA Data. “We are now actively helping the industry progress and grow through data, and by dropping the ‘Co-op’ from the title, we wanted people to concentrate on the ‘Data’ aspects of what we do.”

SEMA Data began in 2012 as the first industry-owned and -operated data repository. Manufacturers would submit information about products in standard ACES and PIES formats, making it easy for resellers to find products quickly and efficiently. This would increase manufacturer sales, speed up the distribution process, and improve customer satisfaction.

With data standards just emerging, most businesses were still relying on paper catalogs, and manufacturers struggled to adapt to the new formats. Once the data was structured properly and included in SEMA’s repository, resellers struggled to see the value.

“The industry has been evolving slowly with product information, going from print to spreadsheets to XMLs, and now push or pull APIs,” said Ho.

SEMA Data began offering plug-ins, based on its APIs, early last year for popular ecommerce platforms for companies to power their websites or to power the data feeds into their business systems. The APIs (application programming interface, a set of specifications used by a software program to query another software program) make it possible for businesses to get updated information more frequently and, in turn, move products through the distribution channel much faster.

As an industry made up primarily of small businesses, many companies are looking for ways to better utilize standardized data. To remain competitive, businesses must adapt to online sales and processes quickly, which can be boosted with properly formatted data. By dropping the Co-op from its name and rebranding the industry program as SEMA Data, Ho hopes to put the emphasis on data and wants companies to view it as a power source for their businesses.

For more information about SEMA Data, visit www.SEMAData.org.

You May Also Like

National Auto Body Council Welcomes Empire Auto Parts

Empire operates from 39 locations throughout 24 states in the eastern U.S. with an inventory of more than 48,000 SKUs.

National Auto Body Council Welcomes Empire Auto Parts

The National Auto Body Council Body®  announced Empire Auto Parts has joined the organization as a level two partner. Empire operates from 39 locations throughout 24 states in the eastern U.S. with an inventory of over 48,000 SKUs.

As a level two partner, Empire Auto Parts will work alongside a consortium of collision repair facilities, rental car companies, parts and materials providers, insurance companies, automotive recyclers, salvage companies, towing companies, industry consultants and more to serve communities across the country with programs that help change and save lives every day, according to the NABC.

Auto Care Association Certified as a Great Place to Work

“This prestigious award is a testament to the association’s commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and dynamic work environment for its employees,” Auto Care said.

Auto Care Great Place to Work
NTEA Installs Jason Ritchey as 60th Board Chair

Ritchey has spent nearly 25 years in the work truck industry, and has served as president and owner of Curry Supply Co. since 2011.

NTEA Board Installs Jason Ritchey as 60th Board Chair
YANG Holds Regional Meetup in Conjunction with CAWA Forum

Sponsored by GB Remanufacturing, the event took place on Feb. 22 at the Silverado Resort & Spa in Napa, California.

YANG Regional Meetup
MEMA Welcomes Susan Pase in Strategic Retainer Agreement

Pase’s expertise spans many areas, including navigating industry trends, formulating strategies and increasing customer engagement.

MEMA Welcomes Susan Pase in Strategic Retainer Agreement

Other Posts

Opposition Grows for California’s Mandate Banning New Gas-Powered Vehicle Sales

SEMA members and industry consumers sent EPA over 5,000 letters in opposition to the ACC II Waiver.

Opposition Grows for California’s Mandate Banning New Gas-Powered Vehicle Sales
Mitchell Data Shows Continued Increase in EV Collision Claims

The frequency of claims submitted for repairable EVs rose to its highest level in 2023, ending the year at 1.97% in the U.S. and 2.86% in Canada.

MEMA Celebrates 120th Anniversary

MEMA said the milestone “underscores the association’s enduring legacy and its pivotal role in advancing the future of mobility and the interests of vehicle suppliers.”

Registration for ACC Annual Meeting Open

Early bird registration is open for the Automotive Communications Council’s 2024 meeting from May 21-23 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Automotive-Communications-Council-2024-Meeting