ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The advantages of the PCATS Gateway will be shared with members of the Kentucky Grocers Association (KGA)/Kentucky Association of Convenience Stores (KACS) and the Texas Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association (TPCA).
In 2007, PCATS and 1SYNC Inc., a subsidiary of GS1 US Inc., conducted a data synchronization pilot with five retailer participants, ranging from six stores to more than 1,500, and six supplier participants including three large suppliers and three regional or local suppliers. Following the pilot, PCATS entered into an agreement with 1SYNC [image-nocss] to establish a coordinated data exchange to allow industry retailers and their suppliers to synchronize their pricebook or exchange product promotion information using PCATS-NAXML, via the PCATS Gateway, Powered by 1SYNC, Sponsored by NACS.
PCATS Gateway services are now offered to all members of the supply chain. According KGA/KACS executive director Ted Mason, "The PCATS Gateway demonstrates that a retailer of any size can electronically synchronize his or her pricebook with accurate information from their suppliers in a standardized format eliminating data entry errors and improving the reconciliation process. We want our members to understand why the PCATS Gateway is vital to this industry."
Doug DuBois Jr., director of member services and governmental affairs for TPCA, said, "The PCATS Gateway removes technology barriers and provides our members with a method to engage in electronic price synchronization. It is imperative that our members are kept informed of available technology options that will help make them more efficient in today's competitive market."
KGA/KACS and TPCA educate their members about PCATS Gateway services through opportunities at industry meetings and other events where technology issues are being presented or discussed.
"We are looking forward to promoting the PCATS Gateway and participating in the 2008 Texas Food & Fuel Expo on July 21-22, 2008, at the Gaylord Texan Resort, in Grapevine, Texas," said PCATS director of technology standards implementation Susan Hilaski. "Through association events and relationships, we are able to inform petroleum convenience industry members about the cost and time savings benefits of the PCATS Gateway," she added.
Founded in 1941, KGA/KACS is a joint statewide trade association representing approximately 550 member companies operating 1,700 business locations across the state. Membership includes retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and related suppliers to the retail food and convenience store industries.
TPCA was originally formed in 1949 under the name Texas Oil Jobbers Association (TOJA) to serve the common regulatory, legislative and educational needs of businesses engaged in the distribution of wholesale fuel, retail fuel and lube oils. The organization's name was changed to Texas Oil Marketers Association (TOMA) in 1972, and in 1995, it was changed to its current name to better reflect the services the association provides to its members. TPCA has 1,000 members representing petroleum marketers and c-store owners and operators who own, operate or supply approximately 16,000 c-stores, gas stations and other retail motor fuel outlets in Texas and the southwest United States.
PCATS was founded in September 2003 to continue the development and maintenance for standards work initiated under the NACS Technology Standards Project. PCATS' mission is to develop, maintain and help members implement a variety of technology standards. With more than 150 members, the group's membership represents more than 22,000 c-stores. Membership is open to any petroleum marketer, c-store owner/operator, other retail channels or any of their suppliers or vendors.Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.