UCCnet Launches Version 2.0 Foundation Services
Upgraded Services Provide Enhanced Functionality, Pricing Information and New Browser Interface
SAN DIEGO--Feb. 4, 2002--Today at the Food Marketing Institute`s Marketechnics conference, UCCnet, a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization that provides data synchronization and item registration based on industry developed standards, announced the launch of Version 2.0 of the organization`s e-commerce foundation services. The upgraded version provides enhanced item information management capabilities and a new browser interface that provides subscribers with access to UCCnet`s online training tool, FASTtrack(TM).
Among the notable upgrades included in the second release of UCCnet services is the ability of trading partners to communicate price information. While UCCnet`s GLOBALregistry(TM) does not store pricing information, suppliers are now able to transmit it when conducting new item introductions, product information changes and other processes offered through UCCnet.
Version 2.0 offers item maintenance enhancements such as pending item changes, item versions, and version tracking. With these improved features, suppliers can stage changes to item attributes associated with an effective date, which is useful for manufacturer promotions that take place for a limited period of time. Users can also search the GLOBALregistry(TM) by past, current and future versions of an item, making UCCnet`s search and browse feature even more powerful.
With the new release, suppliers are also able to group similar items, making product information easier to manage. For example, a manufacturer may decide to group 12 lipsticks that have the same price and attributes, except for their color. Therefore, when the packaging graphics of the lipsticks changes, the items` information can be changed once, instead of 12 separate times, and communicated to the designated community of retailers.
"We listened to what the UCCnet community had to say about the next level of functionality and usability they required, and made those enhancements so they, and the companies that continue to join our community, can gain business efficiency through our services," said Fred Geiger, Senior Vice President of Product Management at UCCnet.
The latest version of UCCnet services requires all subscribers to have a Global Location Number (GLN), which uniquely identifies each trading partner`s locations on a global scale. In addition, UCCnet has enhanced the process of setting-up users, making it easier for an administrator to set up many users and assign their roles. Version 2.0 also enables administrators to complete multiple tasks on one screen, saving users valuable time.
SYNCpoint(TM)
In addition to functionality upgrades in the service, Version 2.0 includes the launch of SYNCpoint(TM), the new graphical user interface of the UCCnet Foundation Services. The interface provides access to the GLOBALregistry(TM) and GLOBALhub(TM) for users that manually interface with UCCnet. Subscribers can access SYNCpoint(TM) through the SubscriberBase portal at UCCnet.org.
SYNCpoint(TM) also features access to FASTtrack(TM), UCCnet`s new user-friendly, online training program for subscribers. The e-learning tool educates trading partners on how to use UCCnet services.
FASTtrack(TM) presents conceptual information using graphics and animations to reinforce learning points. The user can run a simulation of data synchronization in the "Let Me Try" section or train on new functionality in the "What`s New" section. Interactive questions throughout the program ensure that users have successfully learned the appropriate functionality.
"Version 2.0 is an exciting development for UCCnet as we continue to enable subscribers to integrate EAN-UCC standards-based data synchronization into their e-commerce systems," said Paul Benchener, President and COO of UCCnet. "Our constantly improving services continue to meet the needs of the industry we were created to serve."
Subscribers See Business Value Through UCCnet
The launch of Version 2.0 expands the functionality of the standards-based, data synchronization and item registry services that have been provided by UCCnet since launching in July 2000. The organization`s GLOBALregistry(TM) acts as an industry checkpoint, ensuring that all product information passed among trading partners is synchronized and standards compliant. In addition, the GLOBALregistry(TM) ensures that all trading partners within the UCCnet community are using synchronized item location information and have access to up-to-date trading partner capability profiles.
UCCnet services enable trading partners to reduce costly administrative errors in invoice pricing, purchase orders, product delivery and scanning accuracy. In addition, the companies will be able to increase velocity of getting new products to market and facilitate changes to existing item information. Synchronized data in a standard format also provides a solid foundation for realizing the true cost savings value of more advanced e-commerce tools such as scan-based trading and CPFR.
About UCCnet
UCCnet is the not-for-profit, tax-exempt industry leader responsible for providing a universal foundation for electronic commerce. 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 provides implementation methodology, allowing small, medium and large enterprises to integrate e-commerce into their business in a swift and efficient manner. For more information, visit www.UCCnet.org.
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CONTACT:
UCCnet
Jennifer Roberts
609/620-4688
jbroberts@UCCnet.org
or
Elias/Savion Public Relations for UCCnet
Mark Silvey
412/642-7700
mark.silvey@elias-savion.com
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