You Spoke. We’re Listening. Together We’re Building Better Data.

Over the past few months, the IDEA community has shared valuable input through the Voice of the Customer Survey and our eBIZ conference. Your message was clear: Data quality isn’t just important — it’s essential to powering eCommerce success and efficiency across the electrical industry. Manufacturers, distributors, and contractors alike expressed a strong desire for clearer standards, better tools, and shared accountability to ensure product data is accurate, complete, and consistent. 

Defining What “Good Data” Looks Like 

One of the strongest themes we heard is the need for clarity around what defines quality data. Many asked IDEA to establish a clear baseline – a minimum mandatory attribute set that every manufacturer should provide to support distributor eCommerce and ERP systems. Critical attributes will help ensure every product has the essential information needed to power online search, filtering, and accurate product presentation. We are reviewing feedback from both manufacturers and distributors to define these standards together. 

Measuring Quality and Visibility 

Another common request was the ability to see and measure data quality. Manufacturers want to know how their data performs once it’s in the IDEA Connector, while distributors want visibility into completeness and reliability. Participants suggested tools like data scorecards, dashboards, and progress reports that make it easier to identify gaps and track improvement over time. IDEA is exploring how to make those ideas a reality — beginning with defining what metrics would bring the most value to all members. 

Improving Validation and Consistency 

Across the surveys, members pointed to recurring issues: mismatched UPCs or GTINs, inconsistent product identifiers, and incomplete or outdated attributes. These challenges slow down updates and create friction downstream. We’re reviewing options to strengthen validation rules and develop cross-field checks that flag discrepancies before they become errors. The goal: fewer surprises, more reliable data, and a smoother flow of information. 

Building a Shared Data Governance Framework 

The idea of shared accountability came up in every discussion. Data quality is a collective effort — and IDEA is committed to making that collaboration easier. That means setting clearer expectations for participation, improving communication about required fields, and fostering greater transparency around changes and progress.  We want to make easier for manufacturers to provide all the data for all their products with simplified loading processes.   

What’s Next? 

IDEA is using this feedback to shape a Data Quality Roadmap that reflects what the members needs most: 

  • Clear standards, definitions, and identification of critical attributes 
  • Transparent reporting tools and score carding  
  • Smarter validation and automation 
  • Open collaboration between manufacturers and distributors 

This roadmap will guide our next phase of improvements to IDEA Connector. You’ll see more opportunities to share input as the plan takes shape — because the best solutions come from working together. 

Join the Conversation 

We’re grateful for everyone who contributed their insights through the recent surveys and meetings. Your voices are helping define the next chapter of IDEA Connector. 

If you’d like to be part of ongoing discussions or pilot groups focused on data quality improvements, please join our User Group or reach out to your Account Executive or your IDEA Customer Success Specialist.