FIDX Develops Excel Spreadsheet Format

August 27, 2012  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Retail Technology on August 28, 2012

The Furniture Industry Data Exchange has developed a standard Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to simplify e-commerce for use non-customizable catalog items.

While processing transactions in e-commerce has been relatively simple, building the electronic catalogs has been more difficult. A number of years ago, in order to accommodate the complex configurations associated with custom ordered products (primarily upholstery), FIDX developed a robust standard using XML technology. Unfortunately, more robust means more complex, which resulted in limited use within the industry. The new spread sheet, available for download here, is designed is to increase the use of industry standards, thereby reducing time and cost associated with building and implementing a company€™s e-catalog.

By using more common Microsoft Excel technology instead of XML, it should allow more flexibility within a company rather than being forced to get support from the company€™s IT department. The MS Excel solution can be used only for simple, non-customizable products. The XML solution should still be used for the more complex, configured-to-order products.     

Representatives from AHFA, Ashley Furniture, Furnituredealer.net, Grey Suit Retail, HFIA, MicroD, NHFA, and Wayfair.com participated in the discussion about the Excel electronic catalog standard.
 
FIDX is a working group that is jointly sponsored by the American Home Furnishings Alliance, the Home Furnishings Independents Association and the National Home Furnishings Association.