Leading Retailers Recommend Sterling Commerce Data Synchronization Solutions to Streamline Multi-Enterprise Integration
Columbus, Ohio – August 9, 2004 Lamson Home Products, a division of Lamson & Sessions, recently selected business integration leader Sterling Commerce to synchronize product data through UCCnet™ Services with Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Ace Hardware and Wal-Mart.
Data synchronization is a way for suppliers and retailers to exchange and update standardized product information electronically, thereby reducing costly errors from mismatched items and prices. Like many suppliers in the home improvement market, Lamson Home Products received a mandate from its major retail customers to synchronize data by the end of the year. Working with Sterling Commerce and its expert data synchronization analysts, Lamson plans to be fully compliant by the end of 2004.
After a review of available solutions, Lamson chose Sterling Commerce because of its position as the top implementer of UCCnet Services and 30-year history of successful multi-enterprise integration. "The Sterling TR2 Hosted solution was recommended by some of our largest retail customers," said Dave Barnett, director of e-business for Lamson & Sessions. "Plus we’ve had positive experiences with Sterling Commerce products and services in the past. We feel comfortable working with them and trust in their ability to handle our business requirements."
Lamson initially considered an in-house solution but realized UCCnet Services standards were still evolving. With the Sterling TR2 Hosted solution, Lamson knew it quickly could meet all synchronization requirements without having to manage software in-house or worry about keeping pace with evolving standards. "Another advantage is Sterling Commerce’s migration path," Barnett said. "It’s not just a point solution. If, down the road, we want to bring the solution in-house and integrate it more fully with our SAP system, we have that option. Having a partner for the long term was a major factor in our decision."
Lamson Home Products has a long history of improving customer satisfaction through business integration initiatives. "We have always responded quickly to customer-driven supply chain initiatives, which has given us a competitive edge. It’s no longer enough to supply good products; you need to operate in a way that helps your customers keep their edge," said Gina McClendon, customer service manager for Lamson Home Products.
The company also sees an opportunity to improve internal operations. Currently, customer service and sales managers manually fill out item sheets for retail customers. Each spreadsheet is different and can take from hours to days to complete. With the new system, item data will be uploaded directly from Lamson’s SAP system to Sterling Commerce for all UCCnet Services messaging and communications. Retailers, in turn, will download Lamson’s data from UCCnet Services so all manual keying is removed from the process.
In addition, Sterling Commerce will ensure Lamson’s data is synchronized over time. When Lamson changes an item or its packaging, or releases new products, the Sterling TR2 Hosted solution will recognize the changes and send appropriate updates to customers through UCCnet Services.
"We are pleased that Lamson Home Products chose our hosted solution," said Nolan Rosen, vice president of global marketing at Sterling Commerce. "We know our solution will help them remain at the forefront of their industry with excellent service and accurate, reliable business data."
About Lamson Home Products
Lamson Home Products manufactures the Carlon brand of electrical products, which are sold across North America, Canada and Asia through large retail chains. They are one of three business units of Lamson & Sessions, a leading producer of thermoplastic enclosures, fittings, wiring outlet boxes and conduit for the electrical, telecommunications, consumer, power and waste-water markets. The company’s core competency in thermoplastic processing is the common tie through its three business segments: Lamson Home Products, Carlon and PVC Pipe.
About Sterling Commerce
Sterling Commerce, a wholly owned subsidiary of SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE:SBC), is one of the world’s largest providers of business integration solutions. For more than 25 years, thousands of companies have depended on Sterling Commerce expertise to optimize collaborative relationships through the integration of applications, external partners, suppliers and customers. With more than 25,000 customers worldwide, Sterling Commerce is the dominant business integration solutions provider in retail, consumer packaged goods, manufacturing, financial services and telecommunications. For detailed, up-to-date information on Sterling Commerce and our solutions, visit www.sterlingcommerce.com and sign up for our e-business newsletter, e-biz buzz.
SBC Communications Inc. (www.sbc.com) is a diversified communications company, owning several of the world`s leading data, voice and Internet services providers. Through world-class networks, SBC companies provide a full range of voice, data, networking and e-business services, as well as directory advertising and publishing. A Fortune 30 company, SBC Communications Inc. owns America`s leading provider of high-speed DSL Internet Access services and one of the nation`s leading Internet Service Providers. SBC companies currently serve 55 million access lines nationwide. In addition, SBC companies own 60 percent of America`s second-largest wireless company, Cingular Wireless, which serves more than 24 million wireless customers. Internationally, SBC companies have telecommunications investments in 26 countries.
Emilie Harris
Lois Paul & Partners
512-638-5321
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