On July 1, 2023, Platform DST introduced the new DST 3.0 standard and the completely new 3.0 platform. This means that entrepreneurs in the bicycle industry can access the product data of more than 60 suppliers faster, better, and more securely. What does this mean for suppliers, retailers, and POS suppliers?
Through the DST platform, standardized product information for more than 2,000,000 products from over 60 suppliers, wholesalers, and brands is exchanged with the point-of-sale systems and webshops of retailers in the bicycle industry. Over the past ten years, DST has supported more than 5,000 users from home and abroad in exchanging data. To respond optimally to current market developments and technical innovations, DST has introduced the new DST 3.0 standard and the new platform. This standard is more comprehensive, and the platform is faster and more secure.
The benefits of version 3.0
The new platform offers enhanced security through the use of authentication. The new standard includes more information fields to specify bicycles and parts even better, ranging from images to geometry, materials, and batteries. Thanks to the new advanced technology, data exchange is now many times faster. In addition to a user-friendly and modern admin interface, the new version offers suppliers a dashboard with statistical insights regarding the sharing of their data.
Old version 2.1 discontinued as of October 1
To facilitate the complex transition to the new version, the old version 2.1 remained available for a considerable time after the launch of DST 3.0. This is now coming to an end; platform version 2.1 will be discontinued as of October 1, 2023.
What does the discontinuation of 2.1 mean for users?
DST has various users:
- Retailers (i.e., bicycle entrepreneurs, retailers) who use one of the well-known software suppliers, for example for your point-of-sale system or webshop. These entrepreneurs do NOTHING. These system suppliers are already working with the new standard and will handle the new connection.
For anyone who is not yet set up for 3.0, it is high time to take action quickly so that all users can benefit optimally from the 3.0 environment.
- Almost all suppliers have already switched. For suppliers who still need to do so, the information is available here.
- All system suppliers have already switched. Retailers who use a POS supplier do not need to do anything.
- Retailers who have a direct connection to the DST database via an API, for example for their webshop, are advised to contact the helpdesk. They will then receive a 3.0 account and a manual by email.
Data quality
DST provides the industry with an advanced system that allows suppliers to share their product data safely and efficiently with their customers. The bicycle industry has been leading the way compared to other retail sectors for years. The better suppliers monitor the quality of their data, the greater the ease of use for customers.
Suppliers and POS suppliers have made a tremendous effort to complete the complex transition to 3.0, for which DST is very grateful. Nevertheless, it is possible that users experienced some inconvenience during the transition phase, which we naturally regret. We are working hard with suppliers to provide everyone with the best quality.
More new features coming soon
Later this year, a portal for retailers will be introduced with the following features:
- viewing assigned products;
- viewing granted authorizations
- requesting non-granted authorizations
- updating company details
More information
For questions, please contact support@stichtingdst.nl or call +31 853 03 48 20
All information for switching can be found here >