2007 Conference Wrap-Up

Data Synchronization in the Alcohol Beverage Industry

ABI EC and industry members met at the GS1 US 2007 U Connect Conference^â in early June. This year’s program included five data synchronization-focused sessions, the annual industry networking lunch, the release of the first version of the “Data Synchronization Road Map for the Alcohol Beverage Industry” white paper, and an ABI EC Executive Committee meeting.

Data synchronization is moving forward rapidly in the alcohol beverage industry and the ABI EC presentations delivered views from various industry participants who described why and how they are involved in this key industry initiative. Click on the links below to review and/or download the conference presentations:

	A Data Synchronization Road Map for the Alcohol Beverage Industry Presentations from Glazer’s and LANSA, Inc. outlined the potential benefits of data synchronization to the industry and how to get started.
	The Importance of Accurate Product Information in the Alcohol Beverage Industry Presented by Southern Wine & Spirits and Constellation Wines featured a distributor’s and supplier’s views on why accurate data is the foundation for data synchronization and other critical business applications.
	Alcohol Beverage Data Synchronization in a Control State Outlined the efforts of the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA) and the State of Alabama to launch data synchronization in a control state. This effort includes several suppliers exchanging product and price information with Alabama continuously; also it was announced several other control states are preparing to start data synchronization.
	A Retailer’s Viewpoint: Why Data Synchronization is Important to the Alcohol Beverage Category Associated Food Stores’ DSD Category Manager described why and how data synchronization will benefit the category.
	Data Synchronization is Brewing in the Beer Industry The National Beer Wholesalers Association presented the initial findings from its research project studying how the industry will benefit from data synchronization and potential approaches by suppliers and distributors.

ABI EC released the first version of its “Data Synchronization Road Map for the Alcohol Beverage Industry” at U Connect 2007; this paper developed with LANSA, Inc provides a high level view of how to get started with special attention given to the needs of the alcohol beverage industry and its three tier system. This document was distributed to retailers, distributors, suppliers, solution providers and industry organizations attending the conference. Download now.

Bill Fitch.gif ABI EC sponsored its fifth annual networking lunch for industry participants at the conference. This popular event was attended by over 60 attendees from retailers, distributors, suppliers, solution
providers, government, and industry organizations. Southern Wine & Spirits’ Bill Fitch, Chairman of ABI EC, delivered the welcoming remarks and Bob Noe, President of 1SYNC, expressed appreciation for ABI EC’s relationship with GS1 US. All lunch attendees received an ABI EC flash drive that included the ABI EC session presentations in appreciation of their attendance.

In addition to the ABI EC sessions, attendees were able to hear presentations on a number of other topics including Electronic Product Code (EPC) / RFID, the importance and use of global standards, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), data governance, supply chain efficiency, and other supply chain related issues. Also, Senior Executives from Wal-Mart, Hewlett-Packard, P&G, Coca-Cola and other leading firms presented insights and information describing how their firms manage and operate their supply chains and what they are looking at for the future. ABI Attendees.gif

Next year’s event is planned for June 9th to June 12th at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Dallas. Join us as ABI EC presents another program of informational and educational sessions and valuable networking events.