The PSP program is inviting up to six companies to participate in The Joplin Project to implement the established data communications specifications for the Parts Suite. The Joplin Project will enable dealers to conduct Parts-related transactions with participating suppliers directly from within their existing business management system.

Already, industry-leader Honda has agreed to participate in The Joplin Project. Honda has been a strong advocate of establishing data communication standards in both the Automotive and Powersports industries. PSP National Managing Director Scot Begovich offers, “Having Honda involved signals to the market the PSP program has reached critical mass. Honda’s implementation together with Kawasaki and Suzuki’s ongoing implementations represent a significant share of he original equipment Powersports market. With other companies already PSP-Certified, such as Kawasaki, Helmet House, and Custom Chrome, and the additional companies who we hope will join The Joplin Project, the industry will begin achieving the benefits promised by the use of common data standards. Communication across the industry is about to get much easier.”

Companies interested in participating in The Joplin Project should realize several benefits. Begovich adds, “In addition to the long-term benefits of having fewer technology interfaces to maintain and communicating better quality data, the suppliers who join the PSP network early should realize some first-mover advantages. When dealers have the choice between different suppliers providing the same product, they likely will choose the supplier that offers the best ordering process. PSP is the solution that provides information where dealers benefit most – their business management system.”

The Joplin Project will begin in March 2009 with a 2-day kickoff meeting to be held at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego, site of the kickoff for the first group implementation project. Because of the hotel’s music-based theme, the decision was reached to name future projects after famous musicians, resulting in the name choice of “The Joplin Project.” Commenting on the success of the initial kickoff meeting, president of implementation partner Agility Analytics, Brett Herrmann says, “Our earlier kickoff meeting was a great event. The feedback from the participants was very positive. We were able to collaborate on the direction for the project and communicate important information that established a common understanding of the objectives. The next kickoff meeting promises to be equally successful.”

Companies interested in learning more about participating in The Joplin Project and joining the PSP network are encouraged to contact the PSP team. To maintain an effective combination, the number of companies participating in any one group implementation project is limited.

For more information about The Joplin Project and other PSP initiatives, please contact Scot Begovich at (949) 727-4211 x3072, email sbegovich@mic.org, or visit the PSP Web Site at www.psp.mic.org.

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