October Newsletter
Here’s what you’ll learn about in this month’s newsletter:
Innovation, Energy, and Connection in Nashville
eBiz 2025 wasn’t just a conference — it was an experience. Over three packed days in Nashville, the energy was high, the conversations were bold, and the ideas were game-changing.
– Keynote inspiration — Futurist Zack Kass set the tone with “The Next Renaissance: AI and the Expansion of Human Potential,” challenging us to think bigger about what’s possible.
– Breakout breakthroughs — From mastering product data and APIs to reimagining EDI and unlocking AI in B2B workflows, every session delivered insights attendees could take home and put to work.
– Hands-on learning — Roundtables, problem-solving pods, and the IDEA Connector feedback session gave participants a chance to dive deep, ask tough questions, and collaborate directly with peers.
– eBiz Night Out — A highlight of the week, the gathering at Luke Combs’ Category 10 mixed great food, music, and laughter with networking that will spark future partnerships.
– Innovation everywhere — The Innovation Hub and Expert Bar buzzed with conversation as attendees explored new solutions and shared fresh perspectives.
eBiz 2025 reminded us that when our industry comes together, we don’t just learn – we grow, we connect, and we create the future. Thank you to everyone who joined us in Nashville, and we look forward to seeing you at eBiz 2026!
Spotlight on HDM: Insights from Patrick Knight at eBiz
At eBiz 2025, Patrick Knight, President & CEO, underscored the transformative role of the Harmonized Data Model (HDM) in driving efficiency and trust across the supply chain.
Knight explained that the HDM is essentially a shared language for product and attribute data. In the past, manufacturers, distributors, and industry groups all used different structures—creating inefficiencies, redundancies, and endless cleanup.
HDM changes that by harmonizing multiple taxonomies and standards into a single, consistent model.
Highlights of current HDM progress include:
- 10+ million values normalized, covering about 90% of attributed SKUs.
- 450 unique product categories aligned—representing more than 3,000 categories across 200 manufacturers—with automated mappings to CAS and ETIM.
- 1.7 million SKUs processed, ensuring consistent flow across systems.
- Tens of thousands of business days saved by eliminating manual mapping, correction, and cleanup.
Looking ahead, IDEA will continue accelerating HDM adoption, with a focus on greater alignment with ETIM NA standards, more support content, and expanded opportunities for manufacturer and distributor feedback.
From “Sell More Stuff” to “Build Better Customers”
Whisper Stream Blog Series
Traditionally, managing a portfolio of customer accounts revolved around a simple goal: Sell more stuff. Today, the goal is more nuanced. As our ability to measure customer relationships has evolved, so too has our definition of success: Make them better customers.
Hear what Patrick Knight had to say about Data Whispers at eBiz and reach out to learn more about Data Whispers.
Data Analytics and Solutions
What’s New in the IDEA Connector?
Distributors have spoken — they need more complete product data to better serve customers and power their digital initiatives. IDEA is thrilled to announce that the following new data fields and codes are now available for manufacturers to populate:
- DOT Proper Shipping Name, Hazard Class, Packing Group, and UN Code – ensuring complete and compliant hazardous materials information.
- Preferred Products – highlighting faster-shipping or high-demand SKUs to improve order fulfillment and customer satisfaction.
- Corporate Logo URL – enabling consistent, branded visuals across distributor websites and eCommerce platforms.
- URLs for BIM Objects, Full Line Catalogs, Discontinued Product Lists, and IMAP Policy – providing direct access to up-to-date product documentation and resources.
- Certification Agency – Federal Specifications (GSA) – indicates which products meet or exceed the federal requirements and are approved for purchase by government buyers.
These enhancements support IDEA’s ongoing mission to provide comprehensive, high-quality data directly from manufacturers to authorized distributors.
Reach out to the IDEA Customer Success Team for support or to get started.