In a bid to improve the efficiency of its production network, Heineken UK is planning to implement some state-of-the-art product management software. This includes the integration of a data synchronisation network from Transora and SRC System Integrator's product data manager software.
The product data manager (PDM) software from SRC systems Integrators will enable Heineken to pull data from internal applications and prepare it for transmission to the Transora data synchronisation network. Transora will then manage all data synchronisation requirements including loading data into the data catalogue, and send it to the necessary data pools and/or third party providers.
This integration is the first in a series of initiatives that Heineken International is planning with Transora to accelerate its data synchronisation activities through one central connection point. It also indicates the readiness with which global companies are embracing e-commerce software.
In line with many other global companies, Heineken's strategy is to establish an international uniform IT environment. Transora has been employed to provide standards-based data pool services and to connect to retail organisations while SRC's software solution PDM will allow Heineken's local operating companies to organise their product master data and to manage the distribution of the data at the local level.
The technology is fast becoming an industry norm. According to AMR Research, data synchronisation reduces invoice and purchase order errors by more than 40 per cent, while decreasing the time to introduce new items by as much as three weeks.
"We are very excited that Heineken has chosen Transora as its preferred data synchronisation provider," said company president Ken Fleming.
"Heineken is an excellent example of how leading manufacturers can manage data behind the firewall while benefiting from one point of access to the Global Data Synchronisation Network. As Heineken expands its global data synchronisation strategy and sends data to more retailers Transora will manage the choreography of these exchanges with minimal disruption to Heineken's day-to-day operations."
Louis Eggen, corporate data architect of Heineken International and project manager of data synchronisation projects said: "Data synchronisation requires careful thought, planning and a clear business plan of how to achieve objectives both in the short and long term.
"Now we have the UK up and running, other operating companies will benefit from this project, allowing them to utilise our model to set-up connections and synchronise data in a shorter time period."
Transora is an e-commerce software and services company that specialises in data synchronisation. The company believes that such technology can help to reduce the cost of commerce and streamline trading relationships among manufacturers, suppliers and retailers.