The need within the bicycle industry to share product information is only growing, observes platform formula DST. For that reason, the platform recently received a major upgrade. The latest 3.0 version offers space for even more specified product information and is thus immediately the largest database for the bicycle industry in Europe and beyond.
“No other standard is as complete,” says interim platform manager Harmen van Es. “The need for qualitative product information is only growing. We hear this in the Netherlands, but also through our contacts abroad where work is still often done without or with very limited product data. Retailers realize that the DST platform has added value because all data that enters and is stored there is unambiguous. This also means that no manual actions are required to load incoming information into the program.”
“In the past, suppliers introduced new collections once or very occasionally twice a year. That has changed. Now you see them introducing new products or improved versions more regularly based on the need of retailers or signals from the market. If more frequent delivery is a growing desire, that requires a live data feed to load the relevant data into the (point-of-sale) system. Everyone knows that these systems are becoming increasingly important for retailers, also as a source of current information. For them, it is important that new product information/product specifications are immediately clearly visible within such a system. Where suppliers previously provided all information via a CSV (text) file, that method is no longer sufficient. The complexity of data exchange requires a more layered structure in which the various bicycle components and attributes of parts and accessories can be included. The new DST product standard offers that possibility.”
DST is entirely in English. This applies to all code lists and fields. Can a choice for another language for the code lists then be made during retrieval?
“The basis is English, which is attractive for suppliers. The user (retailer/dealer) receives the information in their preferred language. For example, a Belgian retailer can use both French and Dutch data. In principle, suppliers can enter their product data into the system in any desired language. Our platform thus serves the European as well as the Asian market.”
The 3.0 version makes it easier for retailers to connect their international brands to DST. They no longer need to retrieve product data from another location as well.
“That is correct. For foreign suppliers, this new version makes it even easier to connect to the DST platform and thereby reach the large network of affiliated retailers. Retailers looking for information can, in turn, access the product information they are looking for directly via their point-of-sale systems (after authorization by the supplier). In doing so, they do not only receive the information from that single supplier, but the authorized data from all suppliers is unlocked.”
So it becomes more attractive for foreign suppliers to join DST
“Yes. And that is also interesting for the retailer, who can thus come into contact with new brands. More and more suppliers see the added value of the platform and are joining. More than 60 brands are already represented and available within the system."
“The DST platform is also gaining more prestige outside the Netherlands. In Europe and even worldwide. For instance, there are contacts with Australia to start using product data from the DST platform there. This indicates how unique the platform is. The added value is not only recognized by suppliers, by the way. Veloconnect, the exchange platform within B2B in the bicycle industry, also recognizes DST as the standard for data. We consider that an honorable recognition, a confirmation of quality.”
The retailer/dealer will be the most satisfied?
“We certainly assume so. The new 3.0 version of our platform offers a much more extensive standard. The previous version still had limitations in processing large volumes of data. For that reason, the system was redesigned from the ground up, also with an eye on e-commerce. Take, for example, all the information about e-bikes in the system. You then want to have not only the specific data about the new model at your disposal, but also the extensive product data of the motor, the display, or the controller, for instance. Specifications regarding all parts of all accessories are now stored automatically and are therefore quickly findable within the system.”