The data pool will enable the sharing of information between trading partners, e-catalogs and those requiring the ability to perform computer look-ups to sell more parts. The first of its kind, the pool will be a comprehensive, one-stop service to SEMA’s membership and to all other suppliers and resellers in the North American aftermarket.
“SEMA leadership is keenly aware of the critical role that data plays in an increasingly technologically enabled specialty aftermarket,” said Chairman Rick Rollins. “Our members understand that selling more of our products through existing specialty channels and to a broader audience through replacement parts outlets requires readily available, complete, standardized and validated product information. This pool will provide that critical service.”
According to Bob Moore, "The SEMA Business Technology Committee (BTC) has spent the last three years closely studying the needs of the specialty aftermarket, as well as those of the replacement segment. All of our design specifications have been created to service those needs." Moore is chairman of the BTC.
“The SEMA marketplace relies more heavily on product attribute data than does the replacement parts aftermarket,” said Moore. “Because specialty products are more often about how they enhance a vehicle’s performance or appearance, data related to performance, appearance or horsepower is sometimes more important than the make and year of vehicles the product fits. That’s why the vision for this pool from the outset was to focus on product attribute data.”
Moore went on to point out that today’s market is served by a range of catalog and data providers who focus on make/model/year look-ups. “Our expectation is that providing an economical, easy to use resource for acquiring product data we will spur creation of applications that search on product attributes in addition to make/model/year. That eventuality will enhance the salability of specialty products at every level in both segments. Additionally, it will provide a potential for enhanced services by current providers of make/model/year lookups.
Product attribute information is critically important to the automotive aftermarket overall and today there is no reliable single source for it. The SEMA data pool will fill that void in a credible, cost effective manner. The SEMA BTC anticipates having a working data pool operating for initial participants by close of the 1st quarter, 2010.
For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765, phone: 909-396-0289, or visit www.sema.org or www.enjoythedrive.com.
