Alexandria, VA (May 14, 2003) – In a move to lay the
foundation for launch of the Global Data Synchronization Network
(GDSN), UCCnet and the WorldWide Retail Exchange (WWRE) announced
today the commencement of a two-phased launch of interoperability
to be completed by the end of this year. Ten WWRE retailers
and suppliers will participate in the WWRE-UCCnet initiative,
which is expected to demonstrate the value of the GDSN and
add considerable momentum to the industry’s push toward
the adoption of global standards. CVS and Schering Plough will
be the first two participants and have announced their intention
to subscribe to UCCnet’s GLOBALregistry.
"What we’re doing is a first of its kind. We’re
showing the industry’s commitment to cooperatively developing
a global registry and creating an interoperable network of
data pools around the world," said Leo Hartnett, Vice
President of Efficient Consumer Response for CVS. “With
a single process to synchronize information among all of our
trading partners, we will eliminate confusion in the marketplace
around the path to data pool interoperability."
“UCCnet recognizes the tremendous value inherent in
partnering with the WWRE, an organization that shares a similar
vision for the global registry and its value to data synchronization,” said
Fred Geiger, Sr. Vice President for UCCnet. “This partnership
is an important step in bringing the benefits of data synchronization
to the global market place.”
Among the WWRE manufacturers and retailers backing this initiative
are Ahold, Albertsons, CVS, Eckerd, Food Lion, Schering-Plough,
Safeway, Walgreens, and Wyeth.
“The launch is especially significant because it brings
industry leaders together to work collectively to develop one
process for managing product data,” said Jim Williams,
Manager Business Information Logistics for Schering-Plough. “When
you begin thinking about this globally, you can envision the
sheer magnitude of the savings for the industry that will be
derived from a single network of interoperating data pools.”
“When we took the leap alone, without standards in place,
we found we were spending too much time scrubbing data and
correcting problems,” said Gavin Jeffs, Assistant Vice
President Logistics/eBusiness for Wyeth. “Now, the WWRE
and UCCnet are applying the best solutions derived from a wider
array of implementation experiences, and we are finally getting
to the point where we can see and start realizing the benefits
of data synchronization.”
“The industry has recognized that collaboration is necessary
for the long-term success of any industry initiative seeking
standardization and interoperability,” said Cindy Cruzado,
Director of WorldWide Item Management at the WWRE. “More
companies are coming aboard the WWRE each day because it has
emerged as the best way for the industry to achieve that unity,
bringing manufacturers and retailers together on a neutral
platform where all members retain an equal voice over governance.”
About UCCnet
UCCnet is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt neutral organization
that provides item registry and data synchronization based
on industry-developed standards. UCCnet provides a foundation
for electronic commerce and cost effective transaction of data
among partners. Through its support of global EAN•UCC
standards, UCCnet delivers an open platform for collaborative
commerce services, including compliance verification, synchronization
of product information, registry and lifecycle management of
synchronized products, user locations and user trade capabilities.
As a subsidiary of the Uniform Code Council, Inc., the global
standards organization, UCCnet leverages its position to enable
the rapid, clear development of industry Internet standards
and practices. In addition, UCCnet certifies technology solution
providers and provides implementation methodology, allowing
small, medium and large enterprises to implement item registry
and data synchronization services into their business in a
swift and efficient manner. For more information, visit www.UCCnet.org.
About the WWRE®
The WWRE is the premier Internet-based business-to-business
exchange for retailers and suppliers. Designed to facilitate
and simplify trading between retailers, suppliers, partners
and distributors, the WWRE currently consists of 64 members
from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America
with combined sales of approximately U.S. $900 billion. To
date, the WWRE has saved its members over $900 million through
the use of its solutions. For more information, visit the website
at www.wwre.org or www.worldwideretailexchange.org.
WorldWide Retail Exchange, LLC. All rights reserved.