Promising start for InstallData

First manufacturers live with product and trade data on InstallData!

Novellini and VSH were the first manufacturers from the sanitary and heating technology sector to make their product catalog available via InstallData.be. The brand new database for product and trade data was launched in April 2018. InstallData was founded by FESAH, the Belgian trade federation of wholesalers in sanitary and heating technologies, based on the Dutch initiative 2BA. The purpose of this datapool is to meet a need of the sector by enabling the uniform exchange of data between manufacturers, importers and wholesalers.

The demand for current and complete product and article data is growing. Electronic communication between companies can no longer be ignored. To meet the needs of the sector, one datapool was needed where manufacturers could supply data and wholesale data could be obtained.

InstallData is the neutral database of product and trade data in the sanitary and heating sector. Producers, importers, wholesalers can turn to InstallData to exchange information with the central database. All product characteristics are recorded in accordance with the ETIM classification model. The data is exchanged in accordance with the standards of the international BMEcat 2005 with ETIM Guidelines managed by ETIM International or the communication standard of Ketenstandaard Bouw en Installatie (from the Netherlands).

Users of data can read these uniform files into their (ERP) software. The wholesaler uses the data for publication on their own website and for the enrichment of their own catalogs. For manufacturers and importers, InstallData acts as one central point where product and trade data are collected, validated and distributed. In many cases, complete product and trade data according to the ETIM standard is decisive for the inclusion and maintenance of manufacturers' products at the wholesale trade.

At the beginning of February 2018, more than 45 manufacturers in the heating and sanitary sector joined InstallData. In March and April, FESAH organized two informative sessions at its premises in Zaventem where the manufacturers received technical information about what is involved in data distribution via a data pool such as InstallData. It was also indicated that in the case of structured management and exploitation of data, PIM software (Product Information Management) is indispensable. After the presentation, the participants were given the opportunity to orientate themselves on various software packages from PIM partners including; Syncforce, Compano, Guideline, Guidance, ProPlanet and Dutch Data Masters.

In short, a promising start for InstallData. Is this a first step for the entire installation industry?

Companies that are not yet members can always contact:

Bruno Van der Stappen, Project Manager FESAH  

b.vanderstappen.@fesah.be  

+32 2 720 40 80