GERMANY/INTERNATIONAL. Gebr Heinemann has hailed the “global approach and top management involvement” in the Travel Retail Data Innovation Group (TRDIG).
As reported, the TRDIG’s latest strategy meeting was held in Hamburg on 13 June, with momentum building to create industry standards for the exchange of product-related master data. The Moodie Davitt Report was invited to observe and report on this major industry initiative.
TRDIG is a group formed of suppliers, retailers and the service provider 1WorldSync, with the aim of creating a central and global data pool with standards for a digitised and automated data exchange. Over 30 brand owners and six leading travel retailers – Heinemann, Dufry, DFS, Lagardère Travel Retail, Aer Rianta International and Kappé International – are so far involved.
Gebr. Heinemann Executive Director Purchasing, Fulfillment and Logistics Kay Spanger lauded the “trail-blazing” initiative. “For me, it’s fascinating that so many industry representatives have come together with the same goal at the TRDIG strategy meeting,” he said. “I’ve never experienced that in my 39 years in the travel retail industry. All experts and decision makers used the day to make new important contacts and to exchange ideas. This is a crucial success factor for the TRDIG project.”
The current status of the initiative was relayed at the strategy meeting, Heinemann said. Standardised attributes have been set up and the first master data from suppliers has already been transferred via the data pool.
“This meeting was especially about a general commitment from all participants to start the project and a first go-live with the data pool solution [at the] beginning of 2019,” said Gebr. Heinemann Director Fulfillment Inken Callsen.
“A digital and automated exchange of data with only one interface worldwide increases data quality and reduces operational costs. In addition, high-quality master data guarantee compliance with statutory regulations within the markets for instance customs and target market specific legislations.
“Also, omnichannel retailing with its e-commerce profits from secure and reliable product information and can thus give our customers a comprehensive image of the products.”
Representatives from DFS, Dufry and Lagardère emphasised the major advantages that will result from the new data pool at the meeting, Heinemann said. “The optimisation of master data processes is a significant topic in all companies, which is why they are all focusing to participate as partners in the TRDIG,” the company explained.
The next milestones of the project were also defined: the expansion of the pool to all categories in travel retail and the enrichment of the data with item images and other marketing attributes.
“All retailers and suppliers are highly motivated and will push the project forward in their own companies with great vigour,” concluded Callsen. “The favourable response of the participating partners shows that we are on the right track with the global data pool. It is an important component of the global and digital alignment of the entire travel retail industry.”
Click here for our report on the TRDIG’s latest strategy meeting.
