The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) and National Merchant Buying Society (NMBS) have formed a strategic partnership to launch an industry data pool.

The initiative aims to create a centralised, digital platform for seamless product data exchange within the building materials sector. It will provide an industry-owned resource containing high-quality, e-commerce-friendly information on hundreds of thousands of products.

The BMF and NMBS hope the Industry Data Pool will deliver a range of benefits, including:

  • Centralised product data management for improved accuracy, consistency and accessibility
  • Enhanced supply chain efficiency through seamless data exchange
  • Increased regulatory compliance and transparency

The joint venture will be managed by Building Materials Digital Services Ltd, a non-profit entity equally owned by the BMF and NMBS. 

The structure provides an immediate opportunity for merchant, buying groups and software providers to also become shareholders in the company, helping to create a product data pool by the industry, for the industry. Other key financial elements of the project include a tiered subscription model for manufacturers and suppliers.

Gareth Thomas has been appointed as Managing Director of the start-up business. Thomas has extensive experience in data management and business change, and spearheaded the UK launch of the product data management data pool solution at EZ-base.

John Newcomb, BMF CEO, said: “We are excited about the potential of the Industry Data Pool to transform our sector. This collaborative, scalable platform will not only improve product data integrity but also drive overall industry efficiency. 

“It is a major step forward in the drive to achieve consistent, digitised product data throughout the building materials supply chain, which the BMF has been working towards through our support and promotion of the ETIM standard and the introduction of BMF Product Data Templates.”

Chris Hayward, NMBS CEO, added: “The Industry Data Pool represents a significant advancement in how we manage data and interact as an industry.  A digital solution is key, and by working together, we can leverage our combined expertise to deliver a solution that meets the needs of all parties involved.”