US: NGC joins scheme to create retail PLM standards

NGC (New Generation Computing) is the latest firm to join the Association for Retail Technology Standards (ARTS) committee to develop retail PLM standards.

ARTS is the division of the National Retail Federation (NRF) that is dedicated to creating open technology standards through collaboration between retailers and technology vendors.

As a member of the PLM committee, NGC will work alongside retailers and technology vendors to develop an XML scheme representation for the product development lifecycle. 

When completed, the ARTS PLM standards will help drive more efficient product development lifecycles, improve communications between retailers and their trading partners, and improve data management.

The scope of work includes product quality and testing; product construction; merchandise calendars and hierarchy; colour and material management; and labelling, packaging and handling.

“PLM is a critical technology for helping retailers reduce costs, improve time to market, and increase profit margins,” said Alan Brooks, president, NGC. 

“We believe this will help drive further acceptance of PLM in retail – which in turn, can help retailers become more competitive.”