1SYNC Talk

GS1 Business Call - December 2011

2011-12-22T10:32:00.000-08:00

One of 1Sync’s (A GS1 Company) future goals is bringing Product Data Management to reality by providing a platform for simple distribution of all available product information. In their December 2011 business call, 1Sync describes centralizing “Aggregated product data links from Brand Owned data with Trading Partner Insights and consumer opinions.” Brand Owned Standard & Non-Standard (i.e. How-to Videos, Instruction Manuals, White Papers) information needs to be provided to give a full picture of products and their components.

With the rise of mobile shopping and social media interaction, the main focus is that Brand Owners/Consumers/Application Providers/GDSN all work together in providing a trusted data source.

As a Solution Provider for Data Synchronization, we at Rippe & Kingston Systems want to ensure that product information flows accurately through the supply chain to the retailer & ultimately to the consumer.

Item Synchronization

2011-10-13T11:46:00.000-07:00

The following are a couple current item synchronization updates from Rippe & Kingston:

1) Dollar General with its 9,600 stores is becoming more active in the Data Synch world. They want their suppliers/manufacturers to send all level items (Each/Case/Pallet) to be synchronized through the GDSN system. Their target goal is to be fully integrated by November 2012.

2) Dot Foods is starting to utilize phase II of the Food Service initiative. In their Dot Expressway Solution, access is given to the consumer to view all of their products. By clicking on the Blue "I" icon next to the item desired, more food data is presented such as Nutritional Value & Allergen Types. These new attributes are transported through the GDSN network and will assist consumers in their decision making for reviewing and purchasing specific products.

Let Rippe & Kingston be a Solution Provider & assist in your Data Synchronization requirements.

DSD Changes Are Coming

2011-05-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

With all the changes necessary to support Food & Beverage data, there will be a maintenance update to the Rippe & Kingston DSD product in mid-to-late June. This update coincides with the update happening at 1SYNC for the same purpose.

Along with these changes, the old interface will become obsolete. So if you are not already using the new Framework Interface, please make plans to start doing so. There is a short Browser Setup video on the R&K Portal that reviews the Internet Explore changes that will be required to run the new interface. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Rippe & Kingston.

Rippe and Kingston Releases Data Sync v6.6 to our 1Sync Client SaaS Service

2011-05-16T07:24:00.000-07:00

Rippe and Kingston Systems is pleased to announce that we have upgraded our 1Sync Data Synchronization Service application to version 6.6. This release keeps Rippe and Kingston Systems in compliance with 1Sync release 6.6. This release includes changes to attributes, attribute validations and XML messaging. New GDSN attributes in the following areas have been added: Item Descriptive Information, Packaging Types, Packaging Material, Package Marking, Peg Measurements, Trade Item Handling, Trade Item Ordering and Selling, Healthcare, Trade Item Manufacturing, Equivalent Trade Item, Food and Beverage, Foodservice, and Promotional Trade Item Extension.

If you would like additional information on this upgrade, please contact Rippe and Kingston at 877.751.7962 or email us at 1sync@rippe.com. To request information online, click here.

Kroger Co. Soon Supports Full Conversion to GDSN

2011-05-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Kroger Co. has announced in a letter to suppliers, dated April 2011, that their internal systems are in the final stages of re-engineering to be able to support a full conversion to the Global Data Synchronization methodology. One of the key components of this conversion requires that all suppliers be Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) compliant. As of the date of this letter, Kroger is reporting only 14% of their total suppliers have made this conversion. Kroger's intent is to resume data synchronization activities immediately. A schedule of conversions will be announced shortly.

The 1Sync Data Pool has been named Kroger's preferred data pool. Rippe and Kingston Systems in partnership with LANSA has been a certified solution provider for 1Sync since 2003. We offer a 1Sync certified, hosted, low cost data sync solution for our clients and the necessary help services to insure successful implementations with all retailers that support 1Sync and the GDSN.

To read the entire Kroger letter to suppliers, click here. To contact a representative from Rippe & Kingston for more information and begin the data sync process, please click here. You can also call us at 800-887-1834.

1Sync Item Manager GTIN Assistance from Rippe and Kingston

2011-04-25T07:28:00.000-07:00

Are you struggling with entering, maintaining and publishing your Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) data via 1SYNC's Item Manager? If so, allow Rippe & Kingston to assist you. We offer full service assistance for 1SYNC's Datapool and utilities.

R&K also offers both a user-friendly data sync interface and full service assistance with publishing your product data. Our user-friendly interface (using LANSA's Data Sync Direct application) makes the process easier for your employees. If your staff is just too busy to keep up with this process, then our staff at R&K can pick up the slack.

For tasks you only do a couple of times a year (or possibly less), it can make a lot of sense to outsource that work. In the long run, your company saves money and it relieves the frustration your employees may experience with the process.

If you would like to discuss these options further, please contact Rippe and Kingston.

How to Successfully Implement GDSN in Food Service

2011-04-07T13:29:00.000-07:00

Rippe & Kingston participated in the 1SYNC offering to review implementing GDSN processing for the food service industry. The GS1 US foodservice standards have been adopted by 63 founding member Brand Owners, Distributors and Operators and are endorsed by IFMA (International Foodservice Manufacturers Association), IFDA (International Foodservice Distributors Association), and the National Restaurant Association. The objective of this initiative is to

Drive waste out of the foodservice supply chain
Improve product information for customers
Establish a foundation for improving food safety and traceability

A few of the companies receiving the foodservice data are:

DOT Foods
Performance Food Group
US Foodservice

Rippe & Kingston provides GDSN hosted (SaaS) data synchronization services via the 1SYNC Datapool for numerous clients (from many retail segments including foodservice). If your company is interested in getting data on the GDSN, or if you have questions about 1SYNC, GS1 US, or the foodservice initiative, please contact R&K.

SUPERVALU Online Presentation 3/15/11

2011-04-07T07:04:00.000-07:00

· http://www.gs1us.org/customers/supervalu_inc

Rippe and Kingston recently attended an online SUPERVALU presentation on March 15, 2011. We would like to share some of the information we obtained from this meeting with our 1Sync clients via this blog. We assist many of our clients with data synchronization tasks and provide a 1Sync certified portal to the Global Data Sync Network. We assist our clients with synchronization activities to SUPERVALU as well as other major grocers and retailers. During the meeting we took a synopsis of current facts, requested improvements, and future plans for SUPERVALU to share with you, our clients.

Some facts we gathered from this meeting include:

- 800 suppliers are currently synchronized.

- SUPERVALU landing page on 1Sync's website points to DC/Market Groups for publishing. This can be found here: http://www.gs1us.org/customers/supervalu_inc.

- SUPERVALU states that any change in the Net Content attribute dictates forming a new GTIN.

- If any dimension or weight is greater than 5%, a new GTIN must be created.

SUPERVALU is requesting that suppliers perform certain activities to improve data quality. Some of these items include the following:

- Many suppliers are not currently publishing to all locations (DCs/Market Groups).

- Suppliers are currently not constructing GTINs on all levels (i.e. inner packs and standard pallets should be a part of the published hierarchy).

- SUPERVALU creates GTINs at all containment levels, even if the supplier does not synchronize. This means additional manual work for SUPERVALU and may ultimately lead to lost sales for the supplier.

- Promotional changes during holidays should force suppliers to create new GTINs, even if it is the same basic item but with different packaging.

For the future regarding SUPERVALU's plans include:

- SUPERVALU will measure vendor performances via a scorecard – the pilot program is in effect for the first quarter of 2011.

- SUPERVALU will be more aggressive in the Food Service Environment by capturing 100 additional attributes.

- An upgrade of SUPERVALU’s New Item product. This will occur in the third quarter of 2011.

- SUPERVALU will be attending the UConnect Conference in late May/early June 2011.

If you wish to contact Rippe and Kingston or have any further questions regarding our 1Sync service, call us at 877.751.7962 or email us at 1sync@rippe.com.

New 1Sync Supplemental Training Video Released

2011-03-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

Rippe and Kingston has updated their 1Sync Data Sync Direct training video series to include a supplemental training video. This video is designed to provide a reference for our clients for a variety of topics including how to sign on, a brief overview of operations, available resources in our 1Sync Portal, and a dictionary of common GDSN terms. More advanced topics include how to create and register a GTIN and how to interpret Messaging received from the GDSN and your trading partners. There are a dozen chapters of information available to the trainee. The video deploys technology that allows the user to play the chapter they are directly interested in so it can truly be used as a reference tool.

For further information on our service, please contact us at 877.751.7962 or email us at 1sync@rippe.com.

Full Service Assistance

2011-02-14T09:37:00.000-08:00

Rippe and Kingston offers a Full Service option in addition to our basic help desk services. This affordable option frees you and your staff to do other tasks. R&K personnel can load your GTIN data via spreadsheet or loaded manually depending on your needs and volume. If there has been turnover in your organization or if you load your 1SYNC information so infrequently, this could be a huge time savings for your organization.

Contact Rippe & Kingston for details on this service.

Phone: 877-751-Sync(7962)
Email: 1sync@rippe.com

Rippe and Kingston Systems 1SYNC Training Video Coming Soon!

2011-01-03T08:21:00.000-08:00

Coming soon will be a new training video that will review our latest release of Data Sync Direct (DSD) as well as provide educational material on 1SYNC and the Global Data Sync Network (GDSN). This material will illustrate the applications new features including how to create and register a GTIN, as well as provide information on messaging, containment, and publications. Screen overviews of the DSD framework are also demonstrated in the video. The video is divided into chapters to organize the information so you can jump directly to topics of interest to you. Registered users of our service will be able to access the video in the next few weeks.

If you would like information on our service, please visit us at http://www.rippe.com/RK_1SYNC_GDSN.htm or call us at 800-877-1834 and ask for 1Sync Team.

Rippe and Kingston Assists SUPERVALU Suppliers with Full Service Data Sync Initiative

2010-11-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

Rippe and Kingston supplies all the technology and services to help suppliers sync their product data to major retailers. In addition to basic help desk services, Rippe and Kingston offers a full service option using our Data Sync software or 1SYNC's IM modules. Our services deliver flexible global data synchronization solutions that benefit both retailers and suppliers.

Rippe and Kingston can help SUPERVALU suppliers with Data Sync services and improving their vendor "score card". SUPERVALU will begin measuring vendor performance by examining data completeness and accuracy along with publishing full item hierarchies.

SUPERVALU has been a dedicated member of 1SYNC. Today, over 800 suppliers in grocery, frozen food, dairy, general merchandising and others are syncing their data with SUPERVALU. They are introducing a major new release of eNew Item next year which will be an integral part of their Data Sync efforts. This new development will handle Direct Store Delivery and Fresh Food Service as part of the major investments in item management.

Rippe and Kingston along with 1SYNC, can assist existing and new suppliers with our full service Data Sync services. Let us help you improve your "score card" with SUPERVALU.

For more information contact Rippe and Kingston at 1sync@rippe.com or call us at 877.751.7962.

Creating Subordinate Organizations

2010-09-09T07:15:00.000-07:00

If you are a supplier to Wal-Mart who uses multiple company names or supplier numbers, it can be confusing working with 1SYNC and Retail Link. Rippe & Kingston Systems can help you to simplify the process.

By creating Subordinate Organizations (Sub-orgs), you can create a single connection to 1SYNC but still do business with Wal-Mart (and other retailers for that matter) under the desired business name. We can assist you with creating the Sub-orgs and registering them with Wal-Mart.

If this interests you, please contact Rippe & Kingston at 1SYNC@rippe.com or 877.751.7962.

Overview of how Wal-Mart uses 1SYNC

2010-09-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

Publishing new products to Wal-Mart can be a very complicated and nerve wracking experience. By entering your product information in 1SYNC, setting up the packaging structure to Wal-Mart specifications, and using Retail Link to manage the publication, there is a lot to do.

Rippe & Kingston Systems can help. Using the LANSA Data Sync Direct tool, you can use our services to enter, register, and publish your product information to Wal-Mart (and many other retailers). R&K can also help you through the process of managing your product within Retail Link. We can explain how you can review the status of your products, enter the additional information required by Wal-Mart, as well as correct any data problems that Wal-Mart may identify.

If you are interested in how Rippe & Kingston Systems can help you, please contact us at 1sync@rippe.com or call us at 877.751.7962.

New Version DSD 6.5 Available Soon

2010-09-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

Rippe and Kingston will be upgrading their 1SYNC Data Synchronization website to LANSA's Data Sync Direct Version 6.5 on Friday, September 17th, 2010.

The new version of Data Sync Direct offers many new features:

Flexible menu styles - you can select from a Tool Bar, Tree View, or a Table menu style.
Enhanced search tools - you can search GTINs by UPC code as well as sort the GTINs by Type, Status, and many other options.
Flexible navigation between screens - you can swap between the GTIN Manager, Containment Manager, and Publication without returning to the main menu. Once you select a GTIN to work with, you can go in and out of any other options for your GTIN never losing your place.

These features and more will be available September 17th. Rippe and Kingston Systems will be hosting some webinars introducing you to the new version of DSD 6.5 the week of September 13th through the 16th. If you have any questions please contact Rippe and Kingston at 1sync@rippe.com or call us at 877.751.7962.

Rippe & Kingston Delivers for Dot Foods, Inc.

2010-06-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

Rippe & Kingston delivers flexible data synchronization solutions for Dot Foods, Inc.

Dot Foods, Inc. is the nations largest food re-distribution company and is currently #137 on the Forbes list of the largest privately-held companies in the United States with revenue over $3 Billion. Read complete story.

Rippe & Kingston Supports Foodservice GS1 US Standards Initiative

2010-06-08T11:48:00.000-07:00

The Foodservice GS1 US Standards Initiative seeks to facilitate GS1 Standards adoption in an effort to make the industry's value chain more visible, secure, and sustainable with complete and accurate data. The goals of the initiative are to drive waste out of the foodservice value chain, improve product information for customers, and establish a foundation for improving food safety and traceability that companies can choose to adopt.

Rippe & Kingston partners with LANSA to support the Foodservice GS1 US Standards Initiative. Request additional information.

Lawson Software Partners with LANSA for Supply Chain Integration

2010-05-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

LANSA has announced a business partnership with Lawson Software that will let Lawson S3 Supply Chain Management customers extend their supply chain integration capabilities to include GS1 standards-based item alignment via the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) using LANSA Data Sync Direct as the synchronization vehicle. Both Lawson S3 and LANSA Data Sync Direct run on IBM i.

Need assistance with LANSA and 1Sync? Visit Here.

Wal*Mart Push for Data Synchronization by March 1, 2010

2010-02-15T17:25:00.000-08:00

Wal*Mart Vice President of Replenishment, Jerry Spencer, forwarded a letter to their Supplier's reinforcing Wal*Mart's desire for accurate standardized data through the GDSN for existing and new items. Benefits include:

Increased speed-to-shelf for new products
Improved purchase order accuracy
Optimal transportation and logistics
GRS preparation (Global Replenishment System)

Wal*Mart has requested that initial load of product data be completed by March 1st, 2010. Additionally, Wal*Mart must receive 100% accurate and consistent product data (i.e. item dimensions, weights). A scorecard to monitor data accuracy will be implemented soon.

If you need additional information on this initiative, please contact Rippe and Kingston Systems at 1sync@rippe.com.

LANSA Integrates with Oracle for Supply Chain Interoperability

2009-10-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

by Dan Burger

Supply-chain managers live in a snake pit. They try to synchronize data so trading partners have current information in their systems, but they forever wrestling with data quality and data classification issues that result in errors, inefficiencies, and sometimes regulatory compliance issues. Those working in this environment are familiar with the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) and its standards that make data synchronization a reality. That makes GDSN certification a big deal, especially in companies that have multi-platform systems based around Oracle software or the IBM AS/400. See complete article from ITJungle.

Information Video on Rippe and Kingston

2009-10-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

A short video was created for Rippe and Kingston Systems that discusses R&K's Systems company. We have placed the video on YouTube. Click here to check it out. It provides brief information on our services including our support for Google Apps with our clients.

Google Apps has a premier edition that is geared toward businesses. The application can help organizations reduce costs associated with e-mail and spam filtering, as well as, provide a wealth of new capability. Google Apps is all web based which allows access from any PC with internet connection for e-mail, spam filtering, management of office documents, sharing of office documents, web sites, video chat, voice chat, instant messaging and more....

For more information on Rippe and Kingston visit www.rippe.com. For specific information on our support for Google Apps, please visit www.productivity.rippe.com. By the way, the "productivity" web site was built with Google Tools.

Contact john.reuter@productivity.rippe.com for more info.

Get Started Publishing to Kroger

2009-10-16T11:53:00.001-07:00

Kroger has announced they are ready to receive product information via 1SYNC.
On October 14, 2009, Kroger release a letter to their vendors explaining their initiative. The letter also gives some resources that you can get answers to your questions. For a copy of this letter and additional information, go the Kroger landing page at 1SYNC.

As always, Rippe & Kingston Systems will be happy to assist you with publishing to Kroger, or any other retailer using 1SYNC. Please contact us at 877-RK-1SYNC (877-751-7962) or email us more information.

Creating new Sub-org GLN's with 1SYNC

2009-06-08T11:13:00.000-07:00

1SYNC allows a member to create "Sub-org" GLN's. A Sub-org GLN can be used to identify any physical or business unit within a member organization. Typically this is used when an organization has multiple but unrelated companies, each working with either different retailers or the same retailer but as completely different vendors.

1SYNC does have a requirement that parent company is already a member of 1SYNC, has a "Parent" level GTIN and their membership fee is of sufficient size to warrant "Sub-org" GLN's.

To create a GLN, you must fill out the 1SYNC "Organization Setup Request Form" and send it to 1SYNC. You can get a copy of this from the 1SYNC Solution Center or contact Rippe & Kingston for a copy.

Lowe's Hazardous Material Documentation

2009-06-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

Lowe's Home Improvement has asked for 1SYNC Service Providers to remind Lowe's suppliers the importance of providing Hazardous Material information for their products.

Lowe's requires their suppliers to indicate if a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is required for any product published to Lowe's Home Improvement. Along with the actual MSDS, suppliers must inform Lowe's about the existence of the MSDS via 1SYNC and the GDSN.

Using the 1SYNC "Hazardous Material Classification" attribute, the supplier must indicate the level regulation and reporting required for the product. The possible values are listed below along with the corresponding PCM HAZMAT Indicators.

NO_MSDS_AND_NOT_REGULATED_BY_DOT_(CFR49)

PCM HAZMAT Indicator - "N"

MSDS_AND_NOT_REGULATED_BY_DOT)_(CFR49)

PCM HAZMAT Indicator - "1"

MSDS_AND_ORM_A_WITHOUT_LIMITED_OR_REPORTABLE_QUANTITY

PCM HAZMAT Indicator - "2"

MSDS_AND_ORM_A_WITH_LIMITED_OR_REPORTABLE_QUANTITY

PCM HAZMAT Indicator - "3"

MSDS_AND_REQUIRES_SPECIAL_SHIPPING_PAPERS

PCM HAZMAT Indicator - "4"

Supplying this information will help Lowe's in many ways.

Provide people with the necessary information to handle sensitive products correctly and safely.
Insures compliance with all the required MSDS and DOT regulations.
Encourages the disposal of hazardous waste.

If you have any questions about this topic or how to report the hazardous material informatoin using 1SYNC and GDSN, please contact Rippe & Kingston System by email or call us at 877.751.7962.

Lowe's EAS Source Tags

2009-06-02T07:29:00.000-07:00

Last week, Lowe's Home Improvement conducted a teleconference explaining their program implement EAS Source Tagging. EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) Source Tagging uses disposable anti-theft labels during manufacturing and packaging to track and secure products.

Lowe's requires all suppliers with "high-theft/high-shrink" products to include Source Tags in their packaging. To determine if a given product requires a Source Tag, contact Lowe's; they will help you in identifying those products requiring Source Tags.

Along with the actual Source Tags, Lowe's requires suppliers to include some information about the source tags in the product publication sent via 1SYNC and the GDSN. These attributes are

* Source Tag Present
o This is simply a value that indicates if a Source Tag is present.
o The possible values are "true" and "false".
* Source Tag Location
o This simply informs Lowe's of where the Source Tag can be found.
o The possible values are.
+ "CONCEALED_INSIDE_THE_TRADE_ITEM"
+ "INTEGRATED_INSIDE_OF_TRADE_ITEM"
+ "ON_OUTSIDE_OF_TRADE_ITEM"
* Source Tag Type
o This identifies the type of Source Tag used.
o The possible values are
+ "ACOUSTO_MAGNETIC_EAS_TAG"
+ "ELECTRO_MAGNETIC_EAS_TAG"
+ "IN_OR_DYE_EAS_TAG"
+ "MICROWAVE_EAS_TAG"
+ "RADIO_FREQUENCY_EAS_TAG"
* Source Tag Commit Date
o This is the effective date that the Source Tag will first be found with the Trade Item.

If your products require Source Tags, you must fill in these four attributes when you publish the products to Lowe's. If not leave them blank; with the exception of the Source Tag Present flag, which should be set to "false".

For more information concerning Lowe's EAS Source Tagging program and requirements, you can reference Lowe's U.S. Vendor Requirements.

Rippe & Kingston Systems' Data Synchronization Service supports these attributes, along with all the other attributes supported by 1SYNC and expected by Lowe's Home Improvement. If you have any questions about publishing to Lowe's or would like a demonstration of how our system works, please contact us at email or call us at 877.751.7962.

Lowe's Introduces New Item Setup Process

2009-05-27T08:18:00.000-07:00

In a continuing effort to improve data quality, Lowe's is introducing a new process for setting up new items to their retail stores. The primary change that will affect most Lowe's suppliers is that it will now be required that you publish your data to Lowe’s and provide Lowe's with proof of this publication as part of submitting the Item Setup spreadsheet. The new process will be in effect as of June 1st, 2009.

This new process is a response to a number of inefficiencies in the current new item setup process. Under the current process, new item setup is delayed because Merchandising Assistants are not receiving the Publications quickly enough after a subscription when a product is created. Lowe’s goal is for the Merchandising Assistants to receive the Publications within 2 days of submitting the Subscription and for all items to be fully processed within 30 days of submitting the Subscription.

The new item setup process is as follows:

Vendor publishes items to be presented by Sales Representative.
Vendor runs a Publication Report. If you are a client of Rippe & Kingston’s Data Synchronization service, the Publication Report is found on the “Lowes” tab within our 1Sync Portal.
Vendor uploads the Publication Report into the enhanced Lowes New Item Set Up Form and send the completed form to your Lowes Merchandising Assistant (MA).
The MA subscribes to the reported GTINs ONLY IF all the items are flagged as being published. Never include any item that is not yet published!
Lowes should receive your Published data within 2 hours of the Subscription submission. This starts the “countdown” !
After Lowes receives the Publication, Lowes will review the Published data and respond with a Confirmation. This Confirmation will indicate if Lowe’s accepts the information.
- A ‘REVIEW” Confirmation indicates that Lowes identified one or more errors. This message will include additional information, identifying the errors and how to correct them. These error messages may also be retrieved from the Lowe’s PCM system via the Publication Status Reports.
- An ‘ACCEPTED” Confirmation indicates the Publication passed the first round of validations. This should occur within 2 days of the MA submitting the Subscription.
- Once you receive the “ACCEPTED” Confirmation, the Publication is then passed to the MA for a manual review. If the Publication passes this testing, Lowe’s will send another Confirmation; this one with a status of “SYNCHRONIZED”. This indicates your published data has been fully accepted and incorporated at Lowe’s. This should occur within 30 days of the Subscription.
- If Lowe’s doesn’t receive your publication, they will begin an error handling escalation process. This process is intended to insure the Publication is submitted and received by Lowes.

If you need help synchronizing your data to Lowe's or using the new item setup process, please contact Rippe & Kingston Systems at 1sync@rippe.com or call us at 877-RK1SYNC (751-7962).

Lowes Now Sends CIC Sync Messages via 1Sync

2009-03-30T06:51:00.000-07:00

In order to improve Lowe's suppliers user experience, Lowe's will be implementing the following change as of Monday March 30, 2009:

Lowe's will now send the status detail within the Catalogue Item Confirmation (CIC) message to inform their suppliers of why they have responded to the suppliers item hierarchy with a state of REVIEW. This means the supplier will no longer be required to log into PCM to check for error messages when a CIC REVIEW message is received. The supplier can now work with their solution provider or data pool for more information about the status detail and to understand where they will be able to view the status detail in the tool they use for data synchronization.

This change will improve the supplier's ability to understand why data failed in Lowe's PCM, and with this enhancement Lowe's expects to see quicker updates to product data.

Rippe and Kingston Systems provides data sync solution provider services to Lowe's as well as other retailers like Wal-Mart, Home Depot, AAFES, SUPERVALU, Wegman's, etc. To find out more, visit our website at www.rippe.com or call 877-751Sync(7962). If you prefer e-mail, the address is 1sync@rippe.com.

Register to Attend Lowe's Conference Call on New Item Setup

2009-03-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

Lowe's is conducting a mandatory conference call to discuss the modifications to Lowe's Item Setup process. Please register for one of the identical sessions listed below:

Lowe's is encouraging that both the sales and data sync representative from your organization attend this call. The objective for the call is to discuss the modifications to the PCM/GDSN Item Setup process to help make the process more efficient for both Lowe's and its suppliers.

Effective Monday, April 6, 2009, the Lowe's Item Set-Up Sheet will require vendors to provide proof of GDSN publication prior to Lowe's accepting the Item Set-Up Sheet. This will involve no incremental work from Lowe's vendors - solution providers have reporting tools that makes this easy - and should help in accomplishing our goal of getting items to the shelves faster!

For Rippe and Kingston 1Sync clients, if you would like additional information on how this effects you, please contact us at 877.751.7962 and we will show you the tools we have developed to assist you with Lowe's new item setup procedure.

Walgreens Catalog Certification

2009-03-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

Walgreens recently announced an initiative requiring their suppliers to verify their product catalog annually. This initiative requires all Walgreens suppliers to review and certify that their product catalog is current and all the information
about the cataloged products is accurate.

This process is comprised of two parts

The supplier must perform an annual review of all products reports to Walgreens to insure the list of products is complete and all the attributes (core and non-core) are accurate.

The supplier submits a Catalog Certification. this document includes the following.
- Statement of Understanding that the supplier is responsible
  for the complete and accurate reporting of all item and associated attributes required by Walgreens.
- Your understanding that if the information supplied is either incomplete or inaccurate and this causes any disruptions within Walgreens, Walgreens may submit an Item Cost Recovery Chargeback to the supplier.

The easiest way to conduct the review is to use 1SYNC! Simply review the list of GTIN's you have already entered, along with their attributes. Making any additions or changes as needed. Once the changes are complete, simply send the necessary updates to 1SYNC. The changes should automatically be sent to Walgreens.

If you want to discuss this topic, or anything else, please contact Rippe & Kingston Systems at 877-751-7962 or send us an email to
Rippe & Kingston Systems.

Synchronizing Product Information with the Metro Group

2009-03-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

Metro Group is ready to receive product information in four Target Markets (Germany, United Kingdom, the Russian Federation and Poland) and another three will be ready by the end of the year (Denmark, Czech Republic and Hungary).

Metro is asking for the support of the 1SYNC community. Any Metro supplier that is member of 1SYNC is encouraged to contact Metro with your contact information so that you can begin synchronizing your product data.

If you are a Metro supplier but haven’t joined a GDSN Data Pool yet, this is the time to join! Please contact Rippe & Kingston Systems at 877-751-7962 or send an email to 1SYNC@RIPPE.COM for additional information.

Sears Holding Presents Data Synchronization Initiative

2009-03-11T12:44:00.000-07:00

Sears Holding Corporation has announced its plans to begin synchronization product information with its suppliers. As you know, in 2005 Kmart Holding Corporation acquired Sears Roebuck and Company, forming Sears Holding Corporation. With over 3000 stores under the Sears Roebuck and Kmart names, Sears Holding is anticipating seeing many benefits from its data synchronization plans.

Sears Holding has partnered with 1SYNC to develop a data synchronization program that takes advantage of the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN). Sears Holding is looking to leverage the GDSN to accomplish the following goals.

* Streamline the supply chain
* Eliminate inefficiencies
* Improve speed to market

Sears Holding will announce the details of their synchronization program very soon, the following is known.

* Initially the program will include all products except for softlines.
* The initial rollout will only include new items.

In the mean time, you can take advantage of your 1SYNC membership by entering your product information and getting it registered with 1SYNC; this will allow you to get moving quickly once Sears announces the new details of the new process.

One thing is known; Sears Holding cannot do this alone. They need the help of their supplier base to get started with 1SYNC for this initiative to succeed.

Whether or not you are already a member of 1SYNC or need to join, Rippe & Kingston Systems can help you get started with 1SYNC. If you have any questions, please call 1-877-751-7962 or email us at 1SYNC@rippe.com.

Upgrade to Infrastructure Hardware & Software

2009-02-03T08:01:00.000-08:00

HARDWARE: Rippe & Kingston recently replaced their Generator at the 1SYNC Data Center. The generator operates on natural gas to provide immediate backup and no required delivery of diesel fuel. The final steps are being completed that include the secured enclosure and electrical hookups.

SOFTWARE: We are also pleased to announce that our new version of LANSA Data Sync Direct version 6.4 will be available in the next couple of weeks.

Lowe's Initiative to Decrease Time from Item Introduction and Acceptance.

2009-01-23T07:25:00.000-08:00

Lowe’s has announced an initiative to decrease the time from item introduction and acceptance. This initiative has three main components that directly affect you, the Lowe’s supplier using Rippe & Kingston’s 1SYNC Hosted Service.

Item Setup Sheets

Lowe’s has begun using a new Item Setup Sheet. This new spreadsheet, made up of 6 worksheets each requiring you to enter information about your company and the products you are introducing, allows you to enter the information the Lowe’s Merchandising Assistance needs to setup your products within PCM. An empty copy of this Setup Sheet has been posted at our 1SYNC Portal, simply sign on and go to the Lowe’s tab. If you don’t have access, please send us an email request.

New Choreography

Lowes expects all suppliers to submit the first publication for an item prior to submitting the Item Setup Sheet. By doing this, you will decrease the time between Lowe’s receiving the publication and Lowe’s sending the first confirmation. The sequence should be the following.

Enter all the GTIN’s and hierarchies for your product information into the Rippe & Kingston System’s Hosted 1SYNC website.
Register the GTIN’s with 1SYNC along with hieararchies.
Publish the hierarchy to Lowe’s.
Enter the supplier and product/GTIN information into the Item Setup Sheet.
Submit the Item Setup Sheet to your Lowe’s Merchandising Assistant.
Monitor for the confirmations.

Lowe’s will allow Rippe & Kingston access to PCM

Lowe’s has decided to grant Rippe & Kingston access to our client’s PCM data, assuming the supplier agrees. Currently you must access PCM, get the report cut/paste them and then send them to Rippe & Kingston for review. By granting Rippe & Kingston access to your PCM reports, we will be able to review any PCM Error Reports directly, greatly reducing the amount of time and effort involved.
If you want to give Rippe & Kingston access to your PCM reports, simply send the following text to Lowes.
“Please let this email serve as our written authorization that we are giving permission to Rippe & Kingston Systems to access the Lowe’s PCM site on our behalf.

Company Name: _______________________________
Lowe’s Vendor #: _________
GLN: _______________
Contact: ___________________________
Phone: _____________________
Email Address: ________________________________________________________”

Each of these three steps will individually help all you to service Lowe’s and help Rippe & Kingston to service you, our clients. Taken together, they will make your effort to service Lowe’s much easier and faster.
If you have any questions about the contents of this message, or anything else, please email Rippe & Kingston.

Partner with 1SYNC to Help the Visually Impaired this Holiday Season

2008-12-24T05:09:00.000-08:00

Dear 1SYNC Customer,

By publishing your product data to En-Vision America, makers of a "Talking Bar Code Scanner", you can do your part to help the visually impaired. This portable bar code scanner uses product data to allow a visually impaired person to scan a bar code and hear an audible identification of the product. En-Vision America has a database of over 2 million U.P.C's.

As manufacturers have embraced Global Data Synchronization to provide product data to their retailers, many have suggested that En-Vision America receive updates using this same mechanism, helping to streamline the maintenance of the data.

En-Vision America is set up as a "data recipient" (retailer) in the 1SYNC data pool to receive data from suppliers. By publishing your data to En-Vision America, your products will be more accessible to thousands of people that are either blind or have low vision. All you have to do is publish your data to En-Vision America's GLN (Global Location Number) following the process detailed below.

Publish to GLN: 0897356001009
Publication: Publish at an "orderable unit" in order to pass GDSN validations as you would with any other retailer. Publications can be either "New" or "Initial"Load".
Subscription: En-Vision America will subscribe at a GLN level. Once you have issued your first publication, please email Sharla Glass at sglass@envisionamerica.com with the GLN that you have published from so the subscription can be setup.
Confirmation:En-Vision America will respond with Confirmation messages for all product hierarchies published. For the first hierarchy published you will receive a "Review" status followed by a "Synchronized" status. For all subsequent published hierarchies you will receive a "Synchronized" status.

For more details, view the data sync information sheet located at www.aligntrac.com/envision.

Thank You and Happy Holidays,

Rippe & Kingston

En-Vision America makes use of your product information in a manner controlled by their Trading Partner Agreement. You can contact En-Vision America to receive a copy of this agreement. En-Vision America is supported by national organizations such as the National Federation of the Blind. For more information visit www.envisionamerica.com.

Save Money with Accurate Dimensional Sizes

2008-11-23T15:31:00.000-08:00

With UPS and Fed Ex shipping rates increasing by as much as eight percent next year, calculating accurate dimensional sizes for shipments are even more critical to a company’s profitability. Measuring boxes with a tape measure or a caliper is a slow and inaccurate way to calculate dimensional weight. You might want to consider something like Doran's 1200C Cubing Sytem.

Rippe & Kingston provides Consulting Services as well as Managed Services for 1SYNC.

New Lowes Extract Report from Rippe and Kingston

2008-11-14T07:51:00.000-08:00

Lowes product introduction process includes a spreadsheet that a supplier fills out and provides to the buyer at Lowes. This spreadsheet now includes a new tab called "Page 6 GDSN Published". Rippe and Kingston is introducing a Lowes Publication Report on our 1Sync Portal support site that will allow you to easily pull your publications for Lowes to Excel. Then you can place this information into Page 6 of the Lowes product introduction spreadsheet. Rippe and Kingston 1Sync clients can sign in and gain access to the extract. This report will be available by 11.28.2008. For more information please call 800.650.1999.

Wakefern Synchronization Vendor Fact Sheet

2008-10-29T07:24:00.000-07:00

In order to synchronize data with Wakefern, you will need to submit the Vendor Fact sheet containing your company information and selected GPC codes for your products. You can find a copy of the Vendor Fact sheet here.

Wakefern Requests Suppliers to Engage in Data Synchronization

2008-10-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

In a letter issued by Wakefern, suppliers already members of a GDSN-certified data pool are expected to engage in data sync with Wakefern by Nov 1, 2008 and suppliers who are yet to sign up with a data pool must do so by Jan 1, 2008. If you want additional details on how to start data synchronization, please contact JReuter@rippe.com or call (513)977-4591. You can visit our web site at www.rippe.com.

U.S. Healthcare Industry Aligns to Improve Patient Safety and Supply Chain Efficiency

2008-09-13T15:48:00.000-07:00

In case you happen to miss the announcemnet in Forbes...GS1 Healthcare US welcomes the recent announcement of the Coalition for Healthcare eStandards (CHeS) and the Health Industry Group Purchasing Association's (HIGPA) agreement to work together to reduce healthcare costs and improve healthcare supply chain efficiency. CHeS, the leading industry-wide standards advocacy organization, will now serve as a committee under HIGPA, the preeminent organization that advocates on behalf of healthcare group purchasing organizations.

This news follows the recent announcement from the Healthcare Supply Chain Standards Coalition (HSCSC) to merge their working groups into GS1 Healthcare US to eliminate any redundancy in efforts.

Rippe & Kingston is uniquely qualified to assist the Healthcare Industry with their extensive background in both standards-based data pools (1SYNC and GDSN Services) and contract management (Contract Guardian) for the healthcare industry.

About GS1 US(TM) GS1 US, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the adoption and implementation of standards-based, global supply chain solutions. GS1 US operates subsidiaries EPCglobal North America(TM), RosettaNet, and 1SYNC(TM).

SUPERVALU and Wakefern Call to Action....

2008-09-09T14:26:00.000-07:00

Wakefern is requesting current suppliers begin the synchronization process by November 1, 2008. SUPERVALU is requesting all current suppliers synchronize accurate data by November 15, 2008. We can register you for a Retailer Seminar and review the details of the effort. Please call us at 800.650.1999 or e-mail us at 1sync@rippe.com.

If you need us to add either of their Retailer GLNs to your environment, please contact us.

Phase 5 Dairy Suppliers Data Sync Effort Continues

2008-02-06T08:15:00.000-08:00

Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), Associated Food Stores (AFS), Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), McLane, SUPERVALU, Wakefern, Wal-Mart and Wegmans Food Markets Continue to Collaborate on Department Focused Data Sync Campaign

In an effort to accelerate the joint value and benefits of synchronizing accurate data with their trading partners, these retailers are working together with 1SYNC in executing a supplier adoption campaign and are focusing our efforts on engaging suppliers in specific categories within departments. Phase 5 of our rollout plan starting February 5, 2008 focuses on the following categories (but not limited to) in the Dairy Department:

Milk
Cheese
Sour cream
Yogurt
Butter
Cream
Dips
Cottage cheese
Refrigerated bagels
Refrigerated cookies
Refrigerated juice

Please note that efforts continue in these areas:

Dry Grocery (phase 1)
Health and Beauty Aids (phase 2)
Frozen Foods (phase 3)
Fresh Foods (phase 4)

The first step towards engaging in data synchronization is to ensure that your data is accurate. Accurate product information is critical for the foundation of the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) and to the success of current and future supply and demand chain initiatives.

Retailers and suppliers both benefit when all items are 100% accurately synchronized as it enables a single, more efficient business process, accelerates the speed to shelf for new items, reduces logistics costs, and improves supply chain productivity.

Please contact John Reuter at Rippe & Kingston Systems for details on educational seminars. He can be reached at 513-977-4591 or jreuter@rippe.com. Please visit http://www.rippe.com/RK_1SYNC_Request_Quote.htm to request information on our data sync services. Our focus is to assist suppliers with this effort as well as provide the managed service to make this an easy process. To learn more visit: http://www.rippe.com/RK_1SNC_Overview.htm

If you are new to data synchronization you should plan to attend the web seminar scheduled for:

Date: Tuesday, Feb 12, 2008
Time: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM CST (2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST)
Register here to attend

This web seminar will have representation from us in order to ensure you understand the business benefits, our expectations, and get your questions answered.

Image Attributes via the GDSN Coming Soon!

2008-02-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

1SYNC Announces Capability to Synchronize Image Attributes via the GDSN
As part of the upcoming Item Management (IM) Release 6.2.2 (R6.2.2) in February 2008, 1SYNC will be releasing the much-awaited capability to synchronize image attributes via the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) in a standardized manner.
Key features of the Imaging Solution include:

Standards compliant: The attributes used to convey image information among trading partners have been approved by the GDSN
Flexible Options: Suppliers have the ability to utilize any certified image provider/storage center or choose to store the images themselves
Ease-of-use: 1SYNC will provide retailers with a Digital Certificate that will allow the recipients the ability to access images across multiple storage sites with one entry code

Key benefits of synchronizing images include:

Images will be stored and efficiently managed by suppliers
Retailers will have real time access to suppliers' updated images
Suppliers will have increased selling opportunities through extended retail channels, including Web, kiosks, special order sales terminals, print catalogs, retail publications, and in-store signage

How the solution works:
1. Suppliers determine if they will be storing images themselves or engaging a certified image provider.
2. Suppliers then populate the attribute values in the GDSN
3. Retailers obtain and install a Digital Certificate from 1SYNC to retrieve these images from the URL provided in the GDSN Message

The entity storing the images will allow access to retailers when their Digital Certificate is presented.
If you have any questions please contact John Reuter at Rippe & Kingston Systems, jreuter@rippe.com.

Wal-Mart Announces Changes to Item Creation Process

2008-01-16T14:49:00.000-08:00

During the year 2008 Wal-Mart will be rolling out changes to the item creation process for their suppliers. They will ultimately replace their Form 33 and involves the use of Global Data Synchronziation Network (GDSN). GDSN uses global standards to ensure the most efficient and effective exchange of item information between trading partners. Business Benefits include:

Faster Speed to Shelf for New Items
Reduced Out of Stocks
Lower Logistics Costs
Improved Productivity Across Functions involved in the Supply Chain

For further details, visit Wal-Mart's Retail Link.

LANSA Data Sync Direct Chosen by Food Logistics Magazine for 207

2007-12-26T04:40:00.000-08:00

MELVILLE, N.Y., Dec. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Food Logistics, the only publication exclusively dedicated to covering the movement of product and information through all channels of the food supply chain, this week announced its fourth annual list -- the Food Logistics 100 -- which features top technology solution providers that serve the needs of a unique segment of the food service industry. The list is compiled through end-user nominations. Each company listed is top in their field for assisting food, beverage and consumer packaged goods' companies to transform their supply chains.

Learn more about 1SYNC™ and GDSN Services from LANSA and Rippe & Kingston

Alcohol Beverage Industry Electronic Commerce Council

2007-12-18T12:59:00.000-08:00

Alcohol Beverage Industry Electronic Commerce Council endorses Global Data Synchronization

The ABIECC recommends Global Data Synchronization through the GDSN. They have produced a very nice video on the benefits of the Global Data Synchronization for the Alcohol Beverage Industry. The benefits and ROI also apply to many other industries as well. Take a moment and click here to visit their web site for additional details.

Rippe and Kingston Systems can provide hosting services for the supply side organization that would like to take advantage of these benefits. R&K utilizes the award winning 1Sync certified software developed by LANSA for our data synchronization service. For more details, please visit our website or call John Reuter at 513.977.4591.

Retailer Data Synchronization Assistance

2007-12-11T08:38:00.000-08:00

If you need assistance with synchronizing your product information with Associated Food Stores, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Wegmans, McLane, Wakefern, Ace Hardware, Lowe's, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, or AAFES please do not hesitate to contact our help desk at 800-650-1999 or e-mail 1sync@rippe.com for assistance.

SUPERVALU Completes Migration to New 1SYNC™ Data Pool

2007-12-10T16:58:00.000-08:00

As of today, over 30 retailers and over 3,900 suppliers are engaged or have completed their migration to the new 1SYNC Data Pool. We welcome SUPERVALU as the latest customer to complete the migration process. This migration required close coordination between 1SYNC and SUPERVALU in order to make the process as seamless as possible. If you are a supplier who is currently providing data to SUPERVALU in the Production environment, you may now resume sending data to SUPERVALU.

SUPERVALU Converting from UCCnet Platform to 1SYNC Data Pool Solution

2007-11-12T17:46:00.000-08:00

1SYNC is working closely with SUPERVALU as they migrate from the Legacy UCCnet Platform to the new 1SYNC Data Pool Solution. During the migration process, it is necessary to have a period of inactivity in the item data synchronization process in which SUPERVALU does not receive any data transaction notifications. The migration period will begin on Monday, November 19, 2007 at 9:00 AM CST and will last through Friday, November 30, 2007.
If you are a supplier who is currently providing data to SUPERVALU in the Production environment, we ask that you refrain from sending any and all data transaction notifications during the time period specified above. These transactions include:

New Item Transactions
Initial Load Transactions
Changes
Corrections
Publications
CIN
CIP
Delete/Withdraw

SUPERVALU will begin accepting data transactions following the successful completion of their migration on Monday December 3, 2007.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us a 1Sync@rippe.com.

Rippe & Kingston 1Sync Migration Status Update

2007-11-11T08:23:00.000-08:00

R&K is in the process of completing our migration to the new 1Sync Platform. Our plan is to submit our new Synclist to 1Sync for activation on Monday November 19th, 2007. We will reactivate our site for publications upon activation by 1Sync. Training session schedules will be sent to the clients and posted to this site the week of 11.12.2007 and available for signup. New training videos will be announced soon. Thank you for your patronage and patience while we perform this data migration on the behalf of our clients. If you have any questions, please call 800-650-1999 or e-mail 1sync@rippe.com.

Wal-Mart, Wegmans, and Manufacturers are Syncing Data Via the New 1SYNC Data Pool Solution

2007-11-11T08:16:00.000-08:00

With the completion of the migration of Wal-Mart, Wegmans, and several manufacturers over the last week, 22 retailers and over 1,700 manufacturers are now on the new 1SYNC Data Pool Solution.

This is an exciting time to be a member of 1SYNC. With the entire community utilizing the new 1SYNC Data Pool Solution, all retailers and manufacturers will be able to benefit from advanced functionality.

If you are a supplier who is currently providing data to Wal-Mart and Wegmans in the Production environment, you may now resume sending data to both organizations. If you are a LANSA/Rippe & Kingston Managed Service customer, visit our 1Sync Portal for specific GLNs to send your publications.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 800-650-1999.

Rippe & Kingston 1Sync Migration

2007-10-22T06:57:00.000-07:00

R&K will be migrating our applications from Thursday October, 18th to Friday October 26th, 2007 to the new 1Sync IM Platform from the UCCnet database. This migration time will coincide with several major retailers like Wal-Mart and Wegman's. Stay tuned for further details or visit www.rippe.com or call 1.800.650.1999.

Item Management update

2007-10-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

A quick update from 1SYNC for their Item Management Software.

1SYNCä Data Pool Certified for GDSN Price Synchronization

2007-10-04T17:59:00.000-07:00

The 1SYNC Data Pool Solution is certified to support the recently approved Global Data Synchronization Network™ (GDSN) price synchronization standard. 1SYNC now offers a comprehensive solution, synchronizing both item and price information between trading partners within multiple industries via the GDSN.

The new price sync standard will help suppliers, distributors, and retailers eliminate paper-based processes and custom portals, reduce number of invoice errors caused by manual and handwritten entries, and improve order accuracy and processes leading to faster check-in and time to market.

To learn more about this new GDSN price synchronization standard, please contact Rippe & Kingston System at 513-977-4591.

Retailers Rollout Synchronization of Frozen Foods Department

2007-09-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Associated Food Stores, McLane, SUPERVALU, Wakefern, Wal-Mart and Wegmans Food Markets Collaborate on Department Focused Data Sync Campaign

1Sync and the above retailers announced today they are starting into Phase 3 of their department focused Data Synchronization. See highlights of their announcement below. The retailers are also providing staff members to conduct seminars to educate suppliers in their data synchronization efforts. If you are new to synchronization click here to register for a seminar. If you are synchronizing data already and need to synchronize with other retailers click here to register.

As communicated earlier, in an effort to accelerate the joint value and benefits of synchronizing accurate data with our trading partners, we are working together with 1SYNC in executing a supplier adoption campaign and are focusing our efforts on engaging suppliers in specific categories within departments. Phase 3 of our rollout plan (starting today) focuses on the following categories (but not limited to) in the Frozen Department:Pizza, Vegetables, Ice Cream, Frozen Meals, Juice/Drinks, Desserts, and Entrees

Please note that we continue to accept data from our Dry Grocery (phase 1) and Health and Beauty Aids (phase 2) suppliers.

Lowe's Migrating to the New 1SYNC™ Platform

2007-08-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

Notifications to Lowe's will be suspended from Thursday September 6 to September 13th. Please read if you are a Lowe's Supplier.

1SYNC is working closely with Lowe's as they migrate from the legacy UCCnet Platform to the 1SYNC Platform. During the migration process, it is necessary for there to be a period of time in which Lowe's does not receive any data transaction notifications. This time period will begin on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 5:00 PM EDT and will last until Thursday, September 13, 2007.

McLane Ready to Synchronize Data with the 1SYNC™ Community

2007-08-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

In order to begin synchronizing with McLane the following steps must be taken:

1. Contact McLane at supplierGDS@mclaneco.com with the following information:
o Your Company GLN
o State whether your company has previously registered items in the GDSN Registry™
o The name and contact information of the key contact for data sync at your company
2. Once McLane receives the above information they will take the following steps
o McLane will send a subscription to your GLN
o McLane will go straight into Production, rather than testing in a test environment
3. Publish a limited number of GTINs as an initial load
o McLane will provide feedback on the initial results and
o Take the necessary steps to accept the information that is accurate and complete.

Please contact McLane at supplierGDS@mclaneco.com or 1SYNC at +1 866.280.4013 with any further questions.

Retailers Collaborate to Launch Department Focused Sync Campaign

2007-07-29T15:20:00.000-07:00

Army Air Force Exchange Service, Associated Food Stores, McLane, SUPERVALU,
Wakefern, Wal-Mart and Wegmans Food Markets
Collaborate to Launch a Department Focused Data Sync Campaign

In an effort to accelerate the joint value and benefits of synchronizing accurate data with their trading partners, the retailers listed above will be working together with 1SYNC to execute a supplier adoption campaign focused on specific departments and categories. Over the next few months, they will align and focus their efforts on engaging suppliers within specific departments and categories starting with Dry Grocery.

They have decided to rollout the Dry Grocery department first. Categories include but are not limited to:

Tobacco
Shelf stable juice
Candy and confectionary
Baking goods
Canned vegetables & fruits
Snacks
Sauces
Cereal

There will be a series of web seminars starting with the Dry Grocery suppliers in the coming weeks. These seminars will be conducted by 1Sync our bussiness partner. Dry Grocery suppliers should plan to attend a web seminar at 10:00AM Central Time on one of the following dates: July 31, August 2, August 7, or August 9 by registering here. These web seminars will be supported by members of the retailers listed above in order to ensure the suppliers understand the business benefits, the retailers expectations and get your questions answered.

Actual Benefits from Synchronizing Accurate Data

2007-07-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

1Sync Reported the following information regarding the benefits of Data Synchronization.

To date, the greatest benefits from Global Data Synchronization have come from new, collaboratively designed business processes and operational improvements that minimized labor-intensive activities and maximized asset utilization. Benefits related to cost reduction include the following:

Improved Productivity within Distribution Network (Distribution)

*For the manufacturer: Through automation, and use of the Global Data Synchronization Network, one manufacturer condensed a five to six day, spreadsheet-based process used to align product information with its distributors into 48 hours – a 64% improvement.

*For the retailer: Due to several advances in Wegmans distribution network, it estimated productivity savings of $1 million in its warehouse operations.

*Source: Accenture Value Study - Synchronization – The Next Generation of Business Partnering

Visit 1Sync for a free download of the Accenture Value Study and learn more on how leading companies are delivering actual results from Global Data Synchronization.

Associated Wholesale Grocers and GS1

2007-05-31T17:55:00.000-07:00

Associated Wholesale Grocers Ready for Data Synchronization with 1Sync

You may have seen a letter from Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) indicating they have passed GS1 certification and are in the process of requesting their suppliers synchronize product data with them. Rippe & Kingston Systems' Managed Services can be used to synchronize product data with AWG.

Our clients can just contact their AWG representative and let them know they are a member of 1Sync using Rippe & Kingston as their certified service provider. AWG will subscribe to their GLN and products. Then our clients can publish their attributes to AWG.

Please contact John Reuter at 800/650.1999 for additional information.

1Sync Planned Outages in May-June 2007

2007-05-10T07:48:00.000-07:00

1SYNC is releasing a number of product enhancements and improvements across their platforms during the months of May and June 2007. The schedule to the right should give you information to plan your on-line activities with the registry.

If you have any questions, please contact our help desk at 800-650-1999 for assistance. Rippe and Kingston Systems is here to assist with your 1Sync data management needs.

2007 Data Synchronization Summit - Conference Highlights

2007-04-20T10:39:00.000-07:00

This year, founding sponsors the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), the Grocery Manufacturers Association/Food Products Association (GMA/FPA) & 1SYNC™ have joined with the Alcohol Beverage Industry Electronic Commerce (ABI-EC) Council and the American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA) to present the 2007 Data Synchronization Summit on June 6 & 7.

Scheduled in conjunction with the U Connect Conference® held June 4-7, at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, Florida, the 2007 Data Synchronization Summit sessions are designed to help companies accelerate their data sync efforts. Additionally, industry-specific data sync sessions will also be part of the U Connect agenda.

Associated Food Stores (AFS) Ready to Synchronize Data with 1Sync

2007-04-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

Associated Food Stores (AFS) is ready to begin data synchronization with the 1SYNC Community. In order to begin synchronizing with AFS, please make note of the following:

Contact your representative at AFS to begin the data synchronization process.
Be prepared to provide AFS with your contact information and GLN.
AFS will send a subscription to your GLN.
AFS will go straight into production, rather than testing in a test environment.
A. Publish a limited number of GTINs as an initial load
B. AFS will provide feedback on the initial results and go forward from there

Please contact AFS for any further questions.

AHold Ready to Synchronize Data with 1Sync

2007-02-23T10:35:00.000-08:00

1Sync posted the following community announcement on February 23, 2007.

Ahold, the international supermarket operator based in the United States and Europe, is ready to begin data synchronization with the 1SYNC community.

Ahold would like to begin receiving your data starting March 5, 2007. In order to begin synchronizing with Ahold, please make note of the following:

Send Global Location Number (GLN) and all Global Product Category (GPC) information to Michele Rogers, Data Synchronization Specialist at mrogers@aholdusa.com or Shannon Willis, Data Synchronization Specialist at swillis@aholdusa.com before you begin sending your data to Ahold.
Ahold does not have any Product Type (Trade Item Descriptor) restrictions, so you may send in all of your Items (including Displays and mixed Modules).

Ahold will be happy to accept your data beginning March 5, 2007. However, you may begin sending the requirements (as reflected above) at any time.

Please contact Shannon Willis or Michele Rogers at the email addresses shown above for any further questions.

1SYNC Accomplishments in 2006

2007-02-01T17:40:00.000-08:00

1Sync recently published accomplishments for 2006 a look back.... We thought this made sense to share this with our users. Enjoy!

Looking back at 2006, the industry has made significant progress in data synchronization. Our positive momentum generated renewed energy and accelerated adoption, helping customers maximize their return on data sync investments. With the realization that we are now responsible for over 80% of the activity in the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN), it is clear that 2006 was an incredibly successful year for 1SYNC and our customers, as we continued to steer the direction and progress of the industry together.

We would like to take this opportunity to highlight our key contributions in 2006. These achievements would not have been possible without the support and dedication of our community members who have worked tirelessly in advocating the adoption of data synchronization.

Increased AdoptionToday there are more than 10,000 users in the GDSN (up from about 3,700 in the beginning of 2006) and over 1,161,183 Global Trade Item Numbers® (up from 466,229 in February 2006), indicating the increased activity this past year. Though 1SYNC has been responsible for the lion’s share of this activity, we did see increased participation from GS1 Columbia (CABASnet) towards the end of the year.

Registered GTINs in 2006
With the help of our customers we grew our trading partner connections from 3,000 to over 5,400, and increased our active retailers from 11 to 17. In addition, we rolled out aggressive retailer ramp-up campaigns that were effective and helped increase connections.
Key retailer adoption programs included:

Lowe’s: In the beginning of 2006, Lowe's was synchronizing data with only 37 suppliers. However, with the help of a supplier enablement campaign, today Lowe’s is synchronizing with over 800 suppliers – a number that continues to grow rapidly. Series of training and educational sessions were conducted for internal teams at Lowe’s (including buyers, category managers, merchandising, replenishments, and logistics teams), as well as for their supplier community, encouraging them to adopt and implement data synchronization.

Wal-Mart: On October 25, 2006, Wal-Mart announced they were re-energizing their data sync initiative in a letter to their suppliers urging them to join a GDSN-certified Data Pool by January 2007. Wal-Mart followed this by sharing their plans and expectations at the 2006 Data Synchronization Summit that was held in Las Vegas the following week. 1SYNC complemented Wal-Mart’s efforts by launching a community development campaign that included targeted marketing communications and free educational web seminars. As a result, nearly 200 new suppliers signed with 1SYNC by yearend. 1SYNC will continue its community development efforts to drive GDSN adoption as Wal-Mart continues its strong support of data synchronization throughout 2007.

SUPERVALU: SUPERVALU also embarked on a supplier enablement campaign and today has over 500 suppliers actively synchronizing data with the company.
The immense success of these campaigns can be attributed to the determination and internal focus these organizations demonstrated as they incorporated data synchronization as a corporate objective. The benefits resulting from each campaign illustrate the advantages gained by an organization when its senior management buys in and fully commits to data synchronization initiatives.

Global Alliances In 2006 we strengthened 1SYNC’s position as a leading player in the global marketplace, grew our active GDSN markets (countries) from 5 to 13, and entered into some significant alliances with GS1 Canada, GS1 France,and SINFOS to enable direct standardized global data synchronization through the GDSN between 1SYNC customers and the local Canadian, French, German, and Finland markets.

Contributions to Industry Advancement Our commitment to mobilizing and promoting accurate data synchronization via the GDSN led us to co-sponsor the first ever study to be conducted on capturing quantifiable data to help educate and impress upon the industry the value of data synchronization. The study, Synchronization – The Next Generation of Business Partnering, was authored by Accenture and co-sponsored by Wegmans Food Markets, Food Marketing Institute (FMI), Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and 1SYNC. The study revealed some outstanding findings that reinforce our position on the value of data synchronization.

Furthering our commitment to data synchronization via the GDSN, we also sponsored the first ever industry-wide data synchronization event, Data Sync Summit in conjunction with FMI and GMA. The event was well received by the industry which was highlighted with the Excellence in Data Synchronization Awards that were presented by FMI and GMA to various companies, representing multiple industries. The objective for these awards was to recognize companies that have displayed leadership and dedication to data synchronization for the betterment of the industry and their organizations.

The winners for the Supplier Awards were The 3M Company, Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages, Colgate-Palmolive, ConAgra Foods, Inc., The Campbell Soup Company, The Clorox Company, The Coca-Cola Company, Dean Foods, Georgia Pacific, The Hershey Company, HJ Heinz Company, Johnson & Johnson, Kimberly-Clark, Kraft Foods, Nestle, The Procter & Gamble Company, PepsiCo, Sara Lee, The J.M Smucker Company, and Unilever.
Wegmans, SUPERVALU, Wal-Mart, and Lowe’s each received the Retailer Award. Lowe’s also won the Rapid Adoption Award for their commendable achievement this past year.
We collaborated with the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) and the Petroleum Convenience Alliance for Technology Standards (PCATS) to pilot a service offering, PCATS Gateway that supports the synchronization of price book data between trading partners in the petroleum / convenience channel. 1SYNC is also participating in the GDSN Price Pilot. These two pilots will be completed by Q2 of 2007 and will be the stepping stone for the industry in the adoption of price synchronization.

New Customer Adoption1SYNC added nearly 600 new trading partners to its customer community over the past year, with some notable additions including Canon, Husqvarna, Stanley Home Tools, Samsung, Dow Chemical, Philips Corporate, The Department of Defense, The National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA), and The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA).

We successfully expanded into new verticals such as Government, Healthcare, Alcohol, Publishing and Electronics and continued growth in existing verticals such as Consumer Packaged Goods, Grocery, and Hardlines.

Rippe & Kingston Adds New 1Sync Clients

2007-01-24T08:06:00.000-08:00

Weidenhammer Systems Inc. (WSC) and Rippe & Kingston Systems, Inc. (R&K) have merged our 1Sync Managed Services under R&K. This merger provides benefits for our valued clients. There are a number of 1Sync network infrastructure enhancements and modifications that are planned for implementation in 2007. As a result of this merger, all accounts will be transitioned together without interruption. The consolidation allows us to expand the resources dedicated to 1Sync.

R&K will be incorporating our essential Portal to the 1Sync Managed Services practice which will provide new capabilities including access to our 1Sync Knowledgebase, 1Sync's membership site, various retail news feeds for current industry information, as well as links to major retailers sites.

Wal-Mart Sponsored Web Seminars

2006-12-04T08:32:00.000-08:00

Wal-Mart Sponsored Data Sync Web Seminars

This e-mail letter was posted by 1SYNC on 12.01.2006 and is published here for quick reference.

Wal-Mart has worked with other retailers and a large percentage of our supplier base to bring forward the strategy of providing item data electronically via the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN). No longer just an idea or "bleeding edge" technology, the GDSN is now a mature solution providing tangible benefits for Retailers and Suppliers. Supplier benefits include:

· Shorten the 10 - 30 day item maintenance window to only 1 - 2 days
· Improved purchase order accuracy
· Reduced administrative costs
· Decreased out of stocks
· Improved speed to shelf
· Simplified order track and trace
· Significant logistics cost savings

As Wal-Mart continues to move forward with supply chain initiatives like RFID - data accuracy, consistency and timeliness will become even more critical. For these and other reasons, Wal-Mart has a renewed focus to ensure all our trading partners are taking advantage of the efficiencies and benefits of Data Synchronization.

To continue on the path toward a more efficient supply chain, we would first like to thank those vendors that have already begun the process and request that you synchronize 100% of the items we carry at Wal-Mart by January 1, 2007.

Vendors that have not yet begun the process should start immediately and, as a first step, join a GDSN-certified Data Pool by January 1, 2007. While you may chose any GDSN-certified Data Pool, Wal-Mart has chosen 1SYNC as our GDSN-certified Data Pool of choice and have asked 1SYNC to schedule and conduct the educational "Get Started" web seminars on December 12, 2006 and December 14, 2006 at 2PM EST.

Click here to register and attend either session.

We strongly encourage you to register for and attend this seminar. It is the most efficient and effective way to complete step 1 by the required date of January 1, 2007.

Please review the documents below for further information.

Detail's on the 1SYNC Wal-Mart Supplier Program, here
Letter signed by Wal-Mart's, Doug Degn & Claire Watts, here

Who is using the Global Data Sync Network

2006-12-01T07:58:00.000-08:00

If you want to find out who is using the GDSN then look here. You can find out what retailers and suppliers are members. Good information.

Wal*Mart Data Sync Goals

2006-11-07T11:09:00.000-08:00

Wal*Mart Data Synchronization Goals

Suppliers currently performing data synchronization with some of their product information with Wal*Mart should be 100% synchronized on all existing items through GDSN by January 1, 2007.

– All Suppliers should at least have started the data synchronization process by joining a GDSN certified data pool before January 1, 2007.
– Suppliers that join GDSN by January 1 should be 100% synchronized by June 1, 2007

R&K is a Certified 1SYNC Solution Partner

2006-11-05T12:36:00.000-08:00

Rippe & Kingston Systems, Inc. is a member of the GS1 US Solution Partner Program™. When using Rippe & Kingston, your firm can now use 1SYNC's On-Boarding Service annual subscription fee schedule and our implmentation service is included in 1SYNC's membership fee. You become a member of 1SYNC's Community by filling out the on-line Trading Partner Service Agreement (TPSA). Enter our partner number, 522, and R&K will be your exclusive help desk and implementation facility. We offer 1 step signup for 1SYNC and our on-boarding service for one low price.

Our on-boarding service includes customer and technical support help desk, 800# access, e-mail and knowledgebase support. Your company will benefit by accessing the GDSN through a single Solution Partner, enabling you to implement 1SYNC and GDSN Services quickly and efficiently. To receive additional information, click here to contact us or call John Reuter at 513.977.4591.

Wal*Mart Letter to Suppliers

2006-10-30T11:07:00.000-08:00

Wal*Mart sent a letter to all their Suppliers in late October 2006. This letter indicates all Wal*Mart Suppliers need to select a datapool like 1SYNC and start the Data Synchronization process by January 1, 2007. R&K personnel are certified implementation staff with 1SYNC. We can get you to your goal and fulfill this request from Wal*Mart as well as any other Retailer you may do business.

For additional details, please contact John Reuter, Rippe & Kingston Systems at 513.977.4591 or e-mail me at jreuter@rippe.com.

GS1 Canada & 1SYNC™ Enter Alliance

2006-10-04T14:23:00.000-07:00

1SYNC announced they have established a relationship with GS1 Canada for data synchronization services. GS1 Canada will utilize the 1SYNC Data Pool solution as part of a broader North American collaboration that will help accelerate the adoption of GDSN.

GS1 Canada currently provides data synchronization solutions using the ECCnet platform for over 3,000 companies in the Grocery, Foodservice, and Pharmacy sectors. This alliance will drive the North American GDSN adoption for sectors such as Hardlines, Mass Merchandise, Electronics, and Office Products by utilizing the 1SYNC Data Pool Solution.

Wal-Mart Revitalizes Data Synchronization

2006-07-24T18:39:00.000-07:00

Wal-Mart wants to drive supplier adoption in 2006 with a focus on its Dry Grocery and Health & Beauty Aids (HBA) departments. Wal-Mart also is focused on synchronizing all catalog items with existing production suppliers.Currently 92% of Wal-Mart departments have synchronized at least one item, representing about 22% of their sales volume in the United States. The company is considering expansion of its data synchronization efforts across other countries such as China, Argentina, Brazil, Japan and Central America. It already is working with initial suppliers in the UK and is ready to pilot in Canada, Germany and Mexico.

Wal-Mart's future plans include adopting global data synchronization for its SAM'S CLUB business in 2007.Wal-Mart has also realized that receiving accurate data via a global standards process is key for its future success and that quick adoption by suppliers will help them speed their own return on investment as they maximize supply chain efficiencies. In fact, one large Wal-Mart supplier reported savings of over $1.1 million.

1SYNC Site Maintenance Schedule

2006-06-14T06:14:00.000-07:00

Please be advised that 1Sync will be launching Release 3.0.04. In order to migrate changes to the Production environment the R&K ASP 1Sync website will not be able to communicate with the Registry on

June 17, 2006 from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm EST - Release 3.0.04 Upgrade
June 24, 2006 from 09:00 am – 5:00 pm EST - Migrate System Changes

The R&K site will be available for data entry and maintenance only. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

1SYNC Announces 1,100 Hardlines

2006-06-13T08:23:00.000-07:00

Recently, implementation of data synchronization within the Hardlines community has experienced tremendous growth. 1SYNC has over 1,100 Hardlines members and over 300 of them have begun implementing with a hardlines retailer.

1SYNC Site Maintenance

2006-06-13T07:34:00.000-07:00

Please be advised that 1Sync will be launching Release 3.0.04. In order to migrate changes to the Production environment the R&K ASP 1Sync website will not be able to communicate with the Registry on June 17, 2006 from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm EST. The R&K site will be available for data entry and maintenance only.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Supervalu Announces Synchronization with 500 Suppliers

2006-06-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

The following business update was released from 1SYNC on June 7, 2006. This is Great News for Data Synchronization!

It is with great pleasure that we announce that SUPERVALU has reached its goal of syncing with 500 suppliers. These 500 suppliers represent 60% of their non-perishables business.

By implementing the 1SYNC Data Pool solution utilizing the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN), SUPERVALU and its suppliers realized benefits including: reduced new item set up time, improved data accuracy, reduced logistics costs, reduction of purchase order and invoice errors, and greater speed-to-market for new product introductions.

Please click here to review the press release announcing this accomplishment.

Thank you to all the trading partners who have helped SUPERVALU to reach this goal. This achievement is just another example as to how this initiative continues to grow.

Regards,
1SYNC

U Connect Conference

2006-05-02T06:52:00.000-07:00

U Connect is the premier event for supply chain professionals interested in bar codes, electronic commerce, data synchronization, RFID/EPC, and automated business processes. It will be held June 6 - 8 th, 2006 in Nashville, TN at Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Stop by the LANSA Booth and ask for John Reuter.

Lowe's Useful Links

2006-04-20T13:38:00.000-07:00

1SYNC Talk - Click here to visit Lowe's Vendor site with useful links.

Lowe's Data Sync Plans

2006-04-19T21:06:00.000-07:00

Lowe's is syncing data with over 100 suppliers today. They started their supplier sync enablement program in November 2005. Their goal is to have all suppliers to be completed in 2006.

If a supplier is not syncing data with them, Lowe's has indiciated they will not accept new items beginning as early as April 2006.

1SYNC Retailers

2006-04-13T08:56:00.000-07:00

1SYNC Data Pool has the most experienced and established base of retailer customers in the world. Rippe & Kingston helps suppliers using our managed services to prepare their data and provide the communications technology to trade information with these retailers. A partial list of retailers that participate in 1SYNC and the GS1 are:

ACE
Associated Food Stores
Lowe's
Office Depot
Nash Finch Company
Staples
SuperValu
Wal*Mart
Wegmans

Welcome

2006-04-12T20:42:00.000-07:00

1SYNC Talk's mission is to provide a forum to share information on Data Synchronization efforts related to 1SYN and GS1.