FEDA NEWS & VIEWS
MISSION FORWARD
Building a New Industry Data Structure
FEDA’s latest initiative will improve product data quality and options for the foodservice equipment and supplies industry.
A critical component of any trade association’s mission is to respond quickly to the evolving needs of its members. Currently, that means finding ways to support a supply chain disrupted by shortages and
logistics delays. To that end, over the past few months, the association has been working on the FEDA Data Repository, an open source and easy-to-use product database that dealers can use to access accurate and robust product information uploaded by manufacturers. Using this information, FEDA members will be able to more quickly provide equipment and supplies options to customers. FEDA is very grateful
for the
volunteer efforts of 15 dealer and manufacturer members serving on the association’s Data Governance and Quality Committee, which has overseen development of the FEDA data repository and data quality initiative. This group not only has the collective tech and industry knowledge to help FEDA address dealers’ immediate product data quality concerns but will also provide important support, guidance and testing for FEDA as we continually assess evolving data needs. As we recently shared with members, the overall
FEDA’s new data repository and will help build data uniformity across product categories over time, yielding greater efficiency for all users. Because all the data and equipment specifications will
follow
a standard entry process, FEDA members can be confident that using the repository will save everyone time and reduce frustration. The FEDA Education Foundation Learn Institute
will provide ongoing training on the new protocols, including on-demand webinars and a
special
“…the overall purpose of the project is ‘to ensure that dealers have transparent and affordable access to quality product data that meet uniform standards established by FEDA, as guided by distributor and manufacturer needs.’”
purpose of the project is “to ensure that dealers have transparent and affordable access to quality product data that meet uniform standards established by FEDA, as guided by distributor and manufacturer needs.” The data quality standards will guide how product specifications and details are entered into
presentation from 2-3 p.m. CDT Sept. 22 at the FEDA annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee. This presentation will be offered onsite and virtually. FEDA has also identified several
optimal ways for members to access and use this enhanced product data after Jan. 1, 2022, via options that are compatible with members’ current operating systems. We will begin sharing information and providing support on these options with members in September. In addition to the great work
of the Data Governance and Quality Committee, FEDA deeply appreciates the important and helpful input we received from so many members as we developed this project. I continue to encourage members
with questions feedback about the project
and to
contact me at
tracy@feda.com or 224-293-6501 or George Maul at
george@feda.com or 224-293-6506. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and relying on your expertise to shape this critical initiative that will greatly improve supply chain efficiencies and the value that dealers provide.
Tracy Mulqueen is the CEO of FEDA.
8 FEDA News & Views
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
