SAGE, a technology partner of PPAI, announced that 130 suppliers have adopted SAGE Connect, an application programming interface (API) for integration with SAGE services.
- This breakthrough is due to a 73.4% increase in supplier participation over the past six months, according to SAGE.
- Those 130 suppliers represent over 212,000 products in the SAGE database.
SAGE Connect’s Utility
The technology behind SAGE Connect is intended to strengthen the partnerships between distributors and suppliers.
- The service offers “bi-directional integration” for suppliers to deliver direct and real-time information to distributors through SAGE’s database.
Suppliers that utilize SAGE Connect can offer immediate updates of the following information to SAGE’s network of 45,000 distributors:
- Product data
- Pricing
- Inventory
- Order status updates
This requires no additional inquiry by the distributor.
“SAGE Connect is a one-stop-shop for industry integrations, and we’ve seen a lot of growth over the last six months with more suppliers than ever integrating their backend systems,” says Dana Porter, MAS, VP of information services at SAGE. “Real-time inventory and order status are pivotal to our customers’ success in today’s marketplace.”
PDX Compatible
SAGE Connect shares a common data structure with Promo Data eXchange (PDX), an open standards formula supported by PPAI.
- Leveraging the technology of both platforms lead to huge strides in eliminating friction in the promotional products industry through reduced phone calls and emails.
PDX is tailored to set a new industry benchmark for efficiency and responsiveness.
- SAGE provides free technical support to all PPAI members who want integrate using PDX.
“Together we will provide better service to everyone, and ultimately the buying client,” says Dale Denham, MAS+, president and CEO of PPAI. “At the same time, we’ll waste less money and enjoy the work more.”
