A Data Synchronization Solution for Windows Customers

UCCnet Direct

Sync or swim

Sync or swinA paradigm shift is happening in the way supply chains perform. Those with the leanest supply chain and the most efficient means to execute their business gain a significant advantage. Suppliers and retailers need to be able to communicate in a more efficient manner to obtain collaborative electronic commerce. UCCnet was launched as an industry-endorsed initiative to resolve product data inaccuracies among trading partners.

UCCnet value proposition

UCCnet is the Uniform Code Council’s not-for-profit tax-exempt subsidiary that is set up as a Business-to- Business (B2B) portal site for the retail and consumer goods industry. UCCnet forms the basis for electronic commerce and cost-effective transaction of data among trading partners. The Global registry is the core UCCnet service that contains product and partner information. Essentially UCCnet synchronizes product data between supply-side and demand-side trading partners. Inaccurate information at the Retailer accounts for lost shelf time and costly deductions. Implementing UCCnet industry standards-based electronic commerce forms a nonproprietary basis for collaborative capabilities among trading partners.

NCS has a compelling solution

Microsoft Windows ServerTo implement UCCnet supply-side transactions, data needs to be extracted from your back office systems and sent to UCCnet’s Global registry via XML. This can be a daunting task for those customers who are unfamiliar with Internet-based B2B transactions, XML, or how to integrate those required transactions with their Line-of-Business or ERP systems. The UCCnet Direct solution is based on award winning 4GL technology and takes the uncertainty out of complying with retailers' requests for UCCnet compliance. Direct integration is the solution.

The UCCnet Direct solution provides an easy-to-implement Windows solution that is preloaded with all the required UCCnet supplier-side transactions and functionality. This turnkey solution is installed on your Intel-based Windows server and simply maps to your specific Product Master files, or can point to any JDBC compliant database managed on other platforms. Transactions are sent directly to UCCnet from that server without the requirement for any other servers, B2B outsourcing services, or encryption/ transport software. You own the software and can transmit to UCCnet without any per transaction costs associated with third-parties. Most importantly, XML response messages returned from UCCnet are parsed and updated to the audit database allowing easy user inquiries via a Web browser.

UCCnet overview for Windows customers

UCCnet overview for Windows customers

 

UCCnet DIRECT features for Windows

  • Supports various configuration scenarios:
    • Entire UCCnet solution can reside on your production Intel-based Windows server (acting as both application and database server)
      -or-
    • Windows application server pointing to any JDBC compliant database on other platforms (UNIX, Linux, mainframe, etc.)
  • Direct integration to your back office ERP application files, including:
    • Mapping to your particular Item definition dataset
    • Product information aggregated directly from your existing Item Master file(s)
    • Can run standalone in the event that no formal product database exists
  • Solution files include:
    • Product extensions for Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) attributes not stored with your product files (such as Dimensional and Hazmat information)
    • Global Location Number (GLN) and Market-Group Tables
    • Transaction and message logs
    • Security and user files
  • Centralized Web-based product maintenance function allows you to maintain GTIN attributes as well as launch UCCnet transactions - right from your browser:
    • Add new GTINs as well as Publish, Change, Withdraw and De-list - full life cycle maintenance
    • Clone GTINs (same-as-except) to save time
    • Supports full Item Containment by linking various GTIN unit-of-measures (i.e., each's to cases)
    • Stage transactions for future batch posting
  • Easy-to-use Web-based administration
  • Extensive auditing capability:
    • Any transaction sent to the Global registry is logged along with the XML response from UCCnet
    • Any error/warning messages sent back are posted against the specific GTIN sent
    • Publication action by Retailers is appended to audit files (queried via UCCnet worklists)
  • Auto notification of Retailer publication actions:
    • Implemented via routable email alerts
    • Users can subscribe by GTIN, product grouping, GLN, or GLN notification groups
  • Workflow management included:
    • Internal users can subscribe to specific events - either UCCnet messages or GTIN maintenance
    • Users can take appropriate action based on subscribed messages in their work lists
  • Retrieve SyncPoint changes, allows you to sync up your local database
  • Query the Global registry right from your browser (either GTIN or Publication information)
  • Online Help is configurable to your business process flow
  • Uses LANSA Integrator as the foundation for XML transformation, JDBC access and secured HTTPS transport to the Global registry:
    • LANSA Integrator can be used to conduct e-business with any other trading partner via numerous protocols and file formats
  • Certified UCCnet solution - meets and exceeds all supplier-side requirements
    • Setup and implementation included as part of turnkey engagement (averages 4 working weeks)

Download the UCCnet Direct for Windows brochure (PDF 282KB)

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*UCCnet Direct is a certified solution of LANSA.

LANSA is a trade name and registered trademark of LANSA in the United States of America, Australia, the United Kingdom and other countries. All rights reserved. ©2003