The SEMA Data Cooperative An Industry Solution for Data Independence
By Jon Wyly
As the SEMA Data Cooperative (SDC) gets up and running, its officers are getting a lot of questions and comments from participants, curious observers and skeptics. They range from those who are cur- rently active in managing their data to folks who are just realizing that product data management is fast becoming a requirement to do business in today’s marketplace.
In this article, we will address a few of the most commonly asked questions to clear away some of the fog surrounding this important, game-changing effort. As always, we are happy to talk one-on-one with anyone interested in learning more about the SDC and are available at 888-958-6698 or visit us online at
www.SEMAdatacoop.org.
Q: I’m a supplier who wants to take control of my prod- uct data, but we don’t know where to start. How can the SDC help us get on the right path? A: The SDC is as much about education and training as it is about actually managing data. Our fulltime help desk is dedicated to teaching the process from whatever level the customer needs, beginning with an introductory session to identify the current state of your data. Then we walk you through a process to gather key data points from your existing systems and create a standards-compliant version to build on. This process will require some time investment on your
part but will lead to a lifetime of benefits as you take ownership of this critical business element.
Q: I am already having my data managed through a third-party provider. Why do I need the SDC? A: An important part of the SDC is the data reposi- tory where all data is stored. Our goal is to create a centralized place for all industry data to securely reside, providing a one-stop resource for receivers [customers] of all kinds. We are already establishing valuable receiver relationships, and we will provide unlimited data exports in standard PIES/ACES for- mats or custom exports specific to the receiver’s needs, with only a small annual membership fee. This reposi- tory relieves you of the need to create and export data in countless formats and enables you to manage who gets your data though a custom online interface. We welcome data feeds from your third-party service, pro- vided they meet SDC requirements for completeness and pass our validation tests.
Q: I like what I am seeing in the beta phase. What is it going to cost once the production system goes live? A: As a non-profit association, SEMA is ideally suited to provide quality education, the latest technology and expert services at the lowest possible cost. There- fore, we are anticipating a total cost to suppliers for all on-boarding, data validation, secure storage and
New Discounted Hotel Options This Year at the SEMA Show
SEMA—along with its official housing bureau, Travel Planners—has negotiated discounted hotel rates with several properties for this year’s SEMA Show that have not been in the official block in a long time.
Many people know that downtown Las Vegas has numerous hotels that are consistently lower priced than hotels on the Strip. SEMA has part- nered with two hotels downtown— the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino and The Plaza Hotel & Casino, both of which have undergone extensive renovations and expansions in the last few years.
The Golden Nugget is rated four diamonds by AAA and the Plaza just reopened after a year-long renovation to all new hotel rooms, restaurants and amenities. Rates start as low as $65 per night at the Golden Nug- get with Show days $85 per night, and the Plaza is $65 for all nights of the Show.
74 SEMA Show Daily
With these new hotel partners, SEMA will provide complimentary shuttle service from Downtown Las Vegas to the Las Vegas Convention Center, further saving money and pro- viding value to attendees and exhibi- tors coming to Las Vegas this year. If you are looking for a new place to stay on the Strip this year, Manda- lay Bay has joined the list of official partner hotels at a low rate of $80 per night on many nights and $110 per night during Show days. This includes all the benefits of the $25 resort fee, which will be waived if you book through SEMA’s official hous- ing bureau, Travel Planners. SEMA will also provide complimentary shut- tle service between Mandalay Bay and the Las Vegas Convention Center during the SEMA Show.
If you want to stay in a hotel within walking distance of the Las Vegas Convention Center, and casinos are not your thing, SEMA has added the
For more information about the SDC or how to join, visit
www.SEMAdatacoop.org or call 888-958-6698.
unlimited data exports to range from $300–$600 per month, depending on the amount of storage space required. This will enable all companies—regardless of size—to benefit from the most state-of-the-art data facility and services while taking control and complete ownership of this valuable business asset.
Q: I don’t have a data expert on staff and know nothing about ACES and PIES. How will I be able to manage these complex data standards? A: A data expert is not required with the SDC, but you will likely find that you will want to assign responsibility for your data files to a trusted employee as you engage with the Co-op. Our help desk will work with that individual to gather your data in what- ever format you have (even a simple spreadsheet), and we will use our tools to begin the process of making your data compliant with the standards. As we iden- tify missing or inaccurate data, we will work with your contact to fill in the blanks, correct errors and prepare your new standards-compliant data for export to your customers.
As of this writing, the SEMA Data Cooperative has more than 90 leading companies engaged in the beta phase. We’re on target to show a working model of the production system at the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, with January as the target launch date for the full production facility.
Embassy Suites at the Las Vegas Con- vention Center to its list of partner hotels. The Embassy Suites is offering a discounted rate of $169 per night while supplies last. These will go fast, so book soon if you want to stay there. SEMA and Travel Planners have worked hard to ensure your hotel accommodations are easy to make and affordable. If you have any questions,
call Travel Planners at 800-221-3531. There are numerous travel agencies and brokers soliciting your business, yet SEMA does not approve or support any efforts by such companies. Travel Planners is the only authorized agent of the SEMA Show. All other agencies have no affiliation with SEMA and reservations made through such com- panies will be at your own risk.
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