Welcome to the Center of Frequently Asked Questions on "SYNCFONIA" Electronic Product
Catalog of AMECE:
1.
Why is it necessary to align
products with trade partners?
This will allow efficient communications with trade partners to simplify
non-value adding administrative processes for companies, e.g., uploading a new
product in a store. This means that product information will be available in
this catalog for everyone in Mexico, as well as for anyone in the Global Data
Synchronization Network (GDSN). Also, data alignment has a major impact on the
generation of electronic and physical documents, from a purchase order to
billing of the delivered product. In other words, the product manufacturer or
owner will be responsible for the integrity of the information that will be
stored in databases of stores and points of sale.
2.
What is the "SYNCFONIA" Electronic Product
Catalog and its purpose?
SYNCFONIA is an
electronic data repository that may be accessed via Internet, where suppliers
will store commercial and logistics information of the products they
manufacture and sell in a standard format. Reliable and accurate data may be
found in this repository at any time, preventing multiple captures and errors,
that will generate important savings for both parties and will improve their
commercial relationships.
3.
Who should use SYNCFONIA?
Companies that buy or sell products and that need to exchange information on
their products: Manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, importers, chain
stores, electronic stores, virtual markets, among other. Company areas that
receive a direct benefit from the use of SYNCFONIA are those related to product
launch and updates, from product creation and production to marketing, such as:
marketing, sales, production, logistics, reception, purchase and systems.
4.
What are the data required to
access SYNCFONIA?
Basically, access codes are required, formed by a GLN (Localization Number),
a user name and password. For information on how to obtain SYNCFONIA access codes, please contact
the Call Center of AMECE: 5249 5249 (Mexico City and Metropolitan Area) or
Toll-Free: 01 800 5045400 (Rest of the Mexican Republic).
5.
What information can be found in SYNCFONIA?
SYNCFONIA includes
standard and product information of companies that are already part of this
system. This information complies with international standards and is used to
obtain data, such as: identification codes, descriptions, features, sizes,
packing information, images, supplier information, among other, that will be
very useful for all trade partners or for companies that wish to start a
commercial relationship with another company.
6.
What are the technical requirements
to access SYNCFONIA?
Minimum requirements to access SYNCFONIA son:
- Computer: Pentium or later, 16 MB of RAM (32MB or above recommended)
- Screen properties configuration: Minimum screen resolution 800 x 600
pixels, 16-bit color
- Operating System: Windows 95, 98, 2000 Professional, Millennium Edition,
NT, XP Professional, XP Home Edition or later
- Internet Access: Network access with an Internet server or modem installed
(33.6 Kbps or higher) and telephone line connected to the computer modem
- Internet Browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later (does not work
with Netscape or Firefox)
- Security: Implement basic security measures in your computer, installing
and maintaining updated antivirus software, antispyware and a personal
firewall
- Configuration for Internet: Cookies and scripts enabled
- Excel Template: Microsoft Excel 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007 and later, middle
security level or configuration to execute template macros for massive product
uploads
7.
How can a company become part of SYNCFONIA?
To use the service, a company needs to be affiliated with AMECE. Please
contact the Call Center of AMECE: 5249 5249 (Mexico City and Metropolitan Area)
or Toll-free: 01 800 5045400 (Rest of the Mexican Republic).
8.
How do I access SYNCFONIA?
Clicking the link in the homepage of AMECE (www.amece.org.mx) or accessing www.syncfonia.com.mx
9.
Only required fields of products
need to be completed
No, it is important to consider the complete data set included in the
Electronic Catalog. Keep in mind that some data are not required or mandatory
for the general market, as these will hardly apply to all products, e.g., a
flavor or color. If any of these features apply to cataloged products, then
these must be completed, even if they are or not required fields technically
speaking.
10.
What is the Massive Product Upload Template and how can I
get it?
This is a tool developed in Microsoft Excel to import or export information
on Company's trade items. To obtain this file, access SYNCFONIA, and go to "Massive
Upload" where you will find the source to download the file.
11.
How are required fields identified in the Massive Product
Upload Template?
Fields that are required by the SYNCFONIA architecture are identified
with a yellow field header.
12.
What are Hierarchies and their purpose?
Hierarchies are used to determine the order in which products are
distributed in the supply chain, and to allow a link between shipping and end
consumer units.
13.
What is a shipping unit?
The unit used to store or to distribute a product, usually not intended to
pass through the point of sale. Cases, boxes, displays, pallets are examples of
shipping units.
14.
Why is the use of GTIN – 14 important?
Generation of GTIN – 14 is important, as this will help to make reception of
merchandise more efficient, and will generate links with trade units in SYNCFONIA.
15.
At what time of day are files processed in the
Massive Product Upload Template?
Response is immediate.
16.
Some customers do not have access to Company
products
Usually, it is possible that the exclusivity option was enabled during
product uploads; therefore, this option will need to be disabled.
17.
Is it necessary to pay a fee for every customer
requesting the SYNCFONIA
service?
No, AMECE charges a one-time annual fee, and this fee is valid for all trade
partners who become part of this initiative.
18.
How long does it take to register the Company in SYNCFONIA?
SYNCFONIA access codes
are assigned 24 hours after complete documentation and payment has been
received, and the training course is scheduled on the next closest date
available.
19.
Is it necessary to attach a list of products for
cataloging to begin my registration process?
No, as every company will integrate product information in the SYNCFONIA Catalog. This document
is not required to begin the procedure; however, importers and exporters must
include the product list.
20.
How long does it take for the product cataloging
process?
This will depend on the number of products and on the availability of
product information; however, in general terms, product upload, at the consumer
unit level (retail sale) and its shipping unit (case, for example) will take 8
minutes at the most once data are aligned.
21.
Who is in charge of capturing Company product
details in SYNCFONIA?
The manufacturer, who is usually the owner of the brand and the product,
will be responsible for providing all product information in SYNCFONIA.
22.
If I am a product importer, who will catalog
products?
The distributor or agent of the products in the territory (or, otherwise,
the person responsible for the commercial relationship) will be responsible for
providing information on trade items.
23.
If I am a supplier of own brand items of a trade
partner, should I catalog products?
No. The brand owner should integrate information details in SYNCFONIA
24.
Who will manage and maintain Company data in SYNCFONIA?
We suggest that you follow the recommendations included in the Data
Alignment and Synchronization Manual to establish responsibilities for your
information.
25.
Should I catalog all my products or only the goods I
sell to the trade partner that requires the use of SYNCFONIA?
We recommend that you integrate the detail of all the products you
manufacture or market.
26.
Can my competitors view details of my
products?
No. Information is intended to be used and viewed by customers. Also, if you
require that only some trade partners have access to data of Company items,
there is an option to assign view exclusivity for any cataloged item.
27.
How many people may attend the training
course?
Any individual who will be in contact with SYNCFONIA and, particularly the
person responsible for system management should attend the training
workshop.
28.
What is the cost of the training course?
The training course is free of charge for companies affiliated with
AMECE.
29.
What is the technological infrastructure required by Micro,
Small and Medium-Sized Companies to have access to SYNCFONIA?
Windows 98 or later, Internet Explorer 6.0 or later (it does not work with
Netscape or Firefox). Cookies and scripts enabled. For the Excel template: MS
Excel 2000 or later, middle security level for macros.
30. Do I need to belong to AMECE to be able to upload
my products in SYNCFONIA?
Yes, this is part of the service offered in the membership of the
Association.
31. When assessing data quality, will you be requiring
samples for every product and price change?
The data verification process to guarantee data quality requires a physical
comparison with Database information.
32. When will the cataloging project be
implemented for the textile sector?
Next year, tentatively. However, if the Alignment Committee raises the
priority, this will be informed at the time to the market.
33. As a distributor, may I be a member of AMECE representing
my suppliers?
Yes, because the trade chain makes the deal with the distributor, and the
distributor needs to view its product catalog.
34. What happens with Chains who ask exclusive products for
cataloging?
There is an option in SYNCFONIA to allow access to one or
more trade partners, and when they are identified as such, information will be
visible only for those configured with this attribute.
35. Talking about prices, will these be posted for
all?
Prices will not be posted in SYNCFONIA; only descriptions, sizes,
weights and additional product information will be posted.
36. What happens when a product has different prices? Will
all chains know this? Should prices be homologated to have a single
price?
The price is negotiated directly with the trade partner. However, from now
on, product information will need to be uploaded in SYNCFONIA to be able to negotiate
prices. Prices correspond only and exclusively to the individual negotiation
with every trade partner.
37. How will a file be uploaded?
Information may be uploaded directly in an Excel spreadsheet, provided that
the equipment used has access to Internet. On the other hand, if there is an
error in the information at the time of submission, the error detected would be
informed immediately.
38. Will an operations manual be provided to work in SYNCFONIA?
After you have accessed SYNCFONIA with your codes, you will find
the manual and guide to the left in the home page, under “General” for
downloading.
39. Are there major changes in the structure and fields vs.
“Catalógalo”?
Changes were made to improve the process. Information is completed in a
logical manner, in addition to having a friendlier data upload process.
40. What is the start date to upload data?
Information uploads were possible since June 4, and trade chains will begin
requesting information starting on July 1 for food and drinks, and on September
1 for beauty and health care products.
41. Will measurement rules be the same?
These are slightly different from previous rules, therefore the importance
to attend the training course to learn the modifications.
42. Information will be available for a large number of
companies; will my competitors be able to view the products?
Only companies that have that attribute configured by you will be able to
view your product information.
43. Where can I see what products are cataloged as food and
drinks, as our company markets juices and milk?
Subscribers (data recipients) may view all the products that are public for
them by category directly through SYNCFONIA. The supplier may also view
information on its own products by category in SYNCFONIA.
44. Why starting on July 2008?
This is part of an agreement defined by the Data Alignment and
Synchronization Committee of AMECE, which is integrated by companies
representing the Industrial and Commercial sectors.
45. Is it possible to check costs, sales, purchase orders or
stocks in SYNCFONIA?
It is not possible to check this type of information. Only information
related to technical specifications of products is available.
46. What should I do to become a member of AMECE?
You need to begin your affiliation process with AMECE. Requirements are as
follows:
Send the completed membership application to AMECE. You may download the
application at:
http://www.amece.org.mx/amece/SolFor_Descargas.php
Provide all the information requested (copy of the Federal Taxpayer
Registry, copy of the last income return, payment voucher).
The membership fee is assigned depending on the total annual income level
declared. See the Fee Chart:
http://www.amece.org.mx/amece/Cuotas_AMECE.php
The procedure will take a maximum of 24 to 48 hours after the information
has been received in the office of AMECE.
47. If I am not a member of AMECE, can I be part of
SYNCFONIA?
No. This an exclusive service for associates.
48. What is the implementation cost, as it will affect
product costs?
If you refer to the registration cost, this is based on your income tax
return and the price chart is included in the website of AMECE.
49. What happens if I do not belong to AMECE because I am an
importer?
You will need to register. Even if you only distribute the product, SYNCFONIA will be the means to provide
product information to your trade partners.
50. The electronic catalog does not guarantee a timely
de-cataloging, as this is still a manual process of the buyer. What are the
internal process changes being made by large retailers to make these processes
efficient?
Through SYNCFONIA, it is possible
to inform product cancellations to customers, either temporary or definitive
cancellations (availability dates). Thus, it is important to provide this
information when applicable.
51. Regarding data updates of a product that has been in a
system before, will this be forwarded in a special manner?
No. It will only require locating the type of activity. In this case, it
will be a modification instead of a new product upload, both on-line and in
FAST.
52. How do I know that data has changed?
Using the entry date.
53. Is upload made via Internet or is the application loaded
in the PC?
There are two methods: on-line (Web site) and Excel (FAST)
54. Is there any problem with Windows Vista? Will it only be
used with previous versions?
Minimum requirements to access SYNCFONIA are:
- Computer: Pentium or later, 6 MB of RAM (32MB or above recommended)
- Screen properties configuration: Minimum screen resolution 800 x 600
pixels, 16-bit color
- Operating System: Windows 95, 98, 2000 Professional, Millennium Edition,
NT, XP Professional, XP Home Edition or later
- Internet Access: Network access with an Internet server or modem installed
(33.6 Kbps or higher) and telephone line connected to the computer modem
- Internet Browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later (does not work
with Netscape or Firefox)
- Security: Implement basic security measures in your computer, installing
and maintaining updated antivirus software, antispyware and a personal
firewall
- Configuration for Internet: Cookies and scripts enabled
- Excel Template: Microsoft Excel 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007 and later, middle
security level or configuration to execute template macros for massive product
upload
55. I have attended the Cataloging training; do I need to
attend the SYNCFONIA course?
This is essential, as product uploading is different, even if you are
already familiarized with the packing measurement standards and assignment
rules.
56. How will AMECE and the Chains inform this campaign to
local or regional suppliers?
Through communications, e-mail, telephone, in Distribution Centers in
Chains, etc.
57. When will updates be available via XML – Web Service to
integrate automatically modifications in my product catalog?
SYNCFONIA is a catalog compliant
with global GDSN standards, meaning that all trade items information may be
extracted in the format directed by the standard itself, that is, under a
scheme defined in XML. Currently, product data uploads to the catalog may be
performed using two specific forms: directly, capturing information in the Web,
or using an Excel file (Fast), which allows uploading products in batches,
among many other functionalities. Any additional development required by a
company, aimed at integrating data in a more automated manner, either from
their Systems to SYNCFONIA or vice
versa, will be performed by the company or by some technology provider.
58. Does SYNCFONIA apply to private brands?
It is possible to upload master data to the catalog of any trade item
identified by a standard code in the GS1 system. The decision as to who will
perform data uploads specifically is the responsibility of the companies
involved in the commercial relationship. We recommend that cataloging is
performed directly by the manufacturer.
59. With the use of synchronized catalogs, may intermediary
data suppliers used to transfer purchase orders be eliminated?
SYNCFONIA allows integration,
sharing and organization of master data on trade items, that will be used in
other processes of the trade cycle, such as purchase orders, billing, inventory
reports, merchandise receipt and dispatch, sales reports, among other. The
technology, actors and other resources used for these processes are not
replaced by SYNCFONIA, due to the system function in the supply chain.
60. If my company products are not in a Certified Data Pool,
will Chains be able to catalog my products?
No, if the product is included in the phases defined by the Data Alignment
and Synchronization Committee (Manufacturers and Chains). Phase I (July 1): for
any product that is a new product upload or subject to a price change, master
data will be cataloged through a certified Data Pool in the Food, Hygiene and
Beauty product categories. Phase 2 (September 1): for any product that is a new
product upload or subject to a price change, master data will be cataloged
through a certified Data Pool in the Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and
Pharmaceutical product categories.
61. Based on the previous discussion, then, there will not be
intermediate tools for product cataloging with chains, such as their systems,
templates, formats, etc.?
Synchronization of product master data, aligned with the global standard
will be made from the Certified Catalog, which does not imply that support
tools will be omitted for independent processes of every customer. The use of
these tools will be minimized gradually.
62. Can any trade chain force me to use a Certified Data
Pool?
To upload products based on the strategy defined by the Data Alignment and
Synchronization Committee, adoption of a Data Pool will be part of the regular
process; therefore, it is necessary that companies are aligned with this
definition.
63. As a supplier of edible products, should I have the
synchronization list ready for the deadlines in July?
The 1st of July covers all suppliers of edible foods. Any pre-packed product
identified with a GTIN (standard barcode for trade items identification) should
be considered. Any item in the categories considered that does not meet these
characteristics will not be synchronized through a Certified Electronic Catalog
(bulk products, for example).
64. What is the time estimated for integration of the
Confectionery and Cigarette categories?
Although the strategy has been defined for certain categories, this does not
limit or restrains cataloging and reception of master data through a Certified
Electronic Catalog.
65. Who is the leader of project of each commercial
chain?
CASA LEY: Miguel Borbolla E. miguel.borbolla@casaley.com.mx
T. 01 667 759 1111 CULIACAN, SIN.
CHEDRAUI: Alejandro Reyes E. aareyes@chedraui.com.mx T. 1103-8018
MEXICO, DF
COMERCIAL MEXICANA: Juan Carlos Vázquez E. jvazquez@comerci.com.mx T. 5270-9117
MÉXICO, DF
COMERCIAL VH: Karen Montaño E. kmontano@comercialvh.com.mx 01
662 259 16 16 ext. 205, HERMOSILLO, SON.
FARMACIAS BENAVIDES: Azucena Rivera E. azrivera@benavides.com.mx T.
018127-4000 Ext. 1812 MONTERREY, NL
GRUPO CORVI: Hernán Aguilar Medina E. aguilar-h@gcorvi.com.mx T. 5628-5100
Ext. 2208, MÉXICO, DF
HEB: Hilda Ruiz E. hruiz@hebmex.com T. 018153-1200 Ext. 1543
MONTERREY, NL
MERCO: Fernando Valdés E. Fernando.valdez@merco.com.mx T.
0181 8625 – 8673 MONTERREY, NL
SORIANA: Ángel Pérez E. angelrpg@soriana.com T. 0181 8329 – 9000
MONTERREY, NL
TIENDAS GARCÉS: Miriam Camacho E. Miriam.camacho@tiendasgarces.com
T. 01 722 212 8411 TOLUCA, EDO. DE MEX.
WAL – MART MÉXICO: Marcelo Castro E. marcelo.castro@wal-mart.com T.
5283-0210 MÉXICO, DF
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