• SAP Passes Conformance Testing
ARTS is pleased to announce that SAP AG, a leading provider of business software solutions, is the first vendor to be certified for POSlog conformance by consuming (inputting) the POSlog schema.  This standard XML schema captures and organizes point-of-sale (POS) data for use by POS data-dependent applications such as delivery, sale reporting, credit authorization, fraud analysis and inventory tracking. Consuming POSlog refers to SAP’s ability to easily integrate with conformant POS application providers using POS data to update their ERP suite.

 “Many retailers looking to enhance back-office functionality do not wish to make expensive changes to their POS system,” said Richard Mader, Executive Director of ARTS. “By proving their ability to consume POSlog, SAP expands retailers’ options.” 

See the full list of IXRetail and Data Model conformant vendors by clicking here.

• Standard RFP for Warehouse Management Systems Released
Retailers use Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) as a tool to manage and control the processes in their logistics operations and they are a key link in an efficient supply chain. When effective, these applications add lost dollars back to the bottom line through improved efficiencies in the warehouse.

The Standard RFP program (also called ITTs in Europe) is a big benefit to our members because it can significantly shorten the time they spend researching new applications suited to their business processes. The standard RFPs can be edited by retailers to only include the features they are interested in and include information about cutting edge technology and best practices.

The Standard RFP program is a joint project of NRF and ARTS, and members of both organizations can obtain them free of charge from the NRF and ARTS websites. Nonmembers may purchase them for a fee of USD 5,000. This is the fifth in a series; other RFPs are Point of Sale (POS), Worker Management, Loss Prevention Fraud Analysis and Signature Capture/Online-offline Debit Devices. Next up are Merchandise and Price Optimization, both due for release by January.

•UnifiedPOS Expands to Include Web-Connected Devices
The ARTS Board has expanded the mission of UnifiedPOS to provide architecture and infrastructure recommendations for UnifiedPOS device implementations to participate in the browser/web services programming model. A new work team is being created to undertake this assignment and participation is open to all ARTS members. If you are interested in joining this new work team please email arts@nrf.com.

•Data Model Committee Elects  New Chair, Vice Chairs
Monty Moncrief of Blockbuster, a longtime member of the Data Model Committee, was elected committee Chair at the most recent meeting May 12-13 at RadioShack Headquarters in Ft. Worth, TX.  John Morgan of Circuit City and Henry Tieding of RadioShack were elected Vice Chairs.

•ARTS Networking Dinners
ARTS and Adea Solutions will be hosting dinner and networking forums June 29 in Atlanta and July 14 in Dallas. Joining Richard Mader, ARTS Executive Director, will be IT executives from Home Depot and RadioShack speaking on the topic of using ARTS standards to reduce risk and costs in application selection and implementation.  Retailers wishing to attend should contact Ms. Germaine Palangdao.

•Conformance Testing for Item Schema Now Available
Conformance testing for the new Item Schema is now available. To be judged conformant, an application must successfully pass 30% or more of the use cases supported by the schema.  Click here to learn more about Conformance Certification.

• Upcoming Meetings

ARTS IXRetail and Data Model Committees
15-19 August 2005
NRF Offices, Washington DC

The IXRetail and Data Model Committees will both be meeting and continuing to work on ways to sync up the Schemas and the Data Model.  The new work team charge with developing schemas to ease integration of Warehouse Management Systems in association with the new RFP will also be meeting. Click here to register.

ARTS UnifiedPOS Committee
9-11 August 2005
Microsoft Headquarters, Redmond WA

The new AccessPOS team and OPOS group will be meeting August 9, UnifiedPOS will be meeting August 10-11, and the JavaPOS will meet the afternoon of August 11. Click here to register.

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