This article was originally published in https://www.eda.org.uk/news/edata-latest-manufacturers-to-join/ on April 30th, 2021. Click here for the original article.
Leading manufacturers join sector-led EDATA
Thirty nine electrotechnical manufacturers have signed up to the not-for-profit data pool, EDATA, to distribute their product information to wholesalers.
The latest manufacturers to choose the self-service portal, and in doing so to play an active role in EDATA’s development, are:
- Airflow Developments Ltd
- Atkore
- BEG (UK) Ltd
- BELL Lighting
- Deligo Ltd
- EnviroVent Ltd
- Europa Components & Equipment PLC
- Gewiss UK Ltd
- JCC
- NVC Lighting Ltd
- Securi-Flex® Ltd
- Termination Technology Ltd
- Timeguard Ltd
- WAGO Ltd
EDATA opened its doors to manufacturers and wholesalers in early 2020, starting with a three-year commitment from 25 Founders: 10 wholesalers and 15 manufacturers. Since then, a further 24 leading manufacturers have subscribed to the service.
EDA’s CEO explains EDATA’s guiding principles
EDATA principles
- EDATA was created to help digitalise the UK’s electrotechnical sector
- EDATA is not-for-profit: any surplus from annual subscriptions is ploughed back to develop the service or returned to members
- All the product data inside remains the property of the manufacturer: each business is responsible for its upkeep through the self-service portal
Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO at the EDA, explains EDATA’s guiding principles,
“EDATA was created to help digitalise the UK’s electrotechnical sector and, crucially, is not-for-profit: any surplus from annual subscriptions is ploughed back to develop the service or returned to members. All the product data inside remains the property of the manufacturer: each business is responsible for its upkeep through the self-service portal.
“Industry collaboration is central to EDATA, and subscribers have an active voice in its development: regular round-tables monitor progress and prompt discussion. There are also opportunities for businesses to join working groups: subject-specialists work in partnership to set data standards that benefit everyone in the sector.”
Highest quality product data is top priority
EDATA is on-target to hold 250,000 SKUs by the end of 2022 but volume is not the only measure of success as Richard Appleton, General Manager at EDA Data Services, explains:
“Our focus is to offer the highest quality product data possible and that is not achievable overnight. We won’t jeopardise quality in the push for data volume.
“Our objective is to provide wholesalers with accurate, consistent, fully populated and reliable product data sourced directly from their key suppliers. The manufacturers that sign up to EDATA receive a full package of support, tailored to where they are on their product data journey – and each company is at a different stage.”
EDATA is a strategic initiative of the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA) under the EDA Data Services Limited banner. Its mission is to facilitate digitalisation of the UK electrotechnical sector bringing tangible benefits for all members of the supply chain. This will be achieved by the creation, management, and transfer of accurate, consistent, high quality product data with ETIM at its heart.