New Tech Options Energize a Future Vision for Industry

The FEDA Data Portal’s new phase of growth sets the stage for technology transformation among foodservice equipment and supplies distributors and manufacturers.

By Tim O’Connor
Editor and Communications Manager

Technology has been a major driver of the foodservice equipment and supplies industry since its inception — from new ovens that offer faster cooking speeds to dishmachines that scrub plates clean at a fraction of the energy cost of previous models. Technological upgrades are a major reason foodservice operators invest in new equipment, but the technology that powers distributor and manufacturer operations has not always kept pace with the advancements happening in the equipment itself. Leaders in the industry are ready for that to change, which is why they continue to support the FEDA Data Portal project as it enters its third and most important phase of growth and functionality.

This year marks a major leap forward for the project. With a team of exceptional technology partners in place, distributors and manufacturers will soon benefit from new integrations and more detailed analytics that are needed to make possible future innovations. Breakthroughs such as supply chain planning that responds to real-time market conditions or customer product recommendations aided by artificial intelligence (AI) can only move from imagination to reality when companies have the reliable access to the standardized product data that the FEDA Data Portal provides.

As the FEDA Data Portal project reaches this pivotal stage, it’s the perfect time to look at how the relationship between distributors, manufacturers and their data has changed over the years and how those experiences shaped the creation and priorities of the FEDA Data Portal.

Developing the FEDA Data Portal

When digital business technologies began to crop up about 50 years ago, some of the first software solutions were designed to support the sale of complex products in the manufacturing, telecommunications and information technology industries. The foodservice equipment and supplies industry was a natural fit for this kind of solution, as software could help make sense of the breadth of equipment specifications and unique operator requirements that dealers needed to work out in every sales call. It’s no surprise, then, that dealers were among the industry’s earliest technology adopters and were at the forefront of driving technology companies to develop software designed specifically for the foodservice equipment and supplies industry.

Those initial efforts eventually led to the creation of what became two essential and intertwined industry solutions: a quoting tool called Configure, Price and Quote (CPQ) and an aligned equipment and supplies database filled with manufacturer product information — both of which grew into cornerstone technologies for the industry and are still in use today. But in response to interest from members for another option for CPQ technology, and in particular a solution that provided dealers and manufacturers greater control over their data, FEDA embarked in 2021 on a project to establish the FEDA Data Portal.

In addition to having more control over their data, dealers and suppliers were also looking for technology that would allow them to use their data to create their own analytics or link it to new solutions being offered by other partners. And, because members rely on affordable access to uniform product data to operate their businesses, FEDA took the lead on the project and began making financial investments to develop a product database that better served the needs of dealers and suppliers.

In building this new database, FEDA spearheaded the development of a solution that would allow dealers and suppliers to own their data, control who could access it and determine how it can be used. The FEDA-driven solution provides dealers and suppliers with the flexibility they need, but the quality of data is equally important. For it to be effective, the product information in the database needed to adhere to a common format that could be reliably integrated into business systems. To that end, FEDA established the Data Governance and Standards Committee. This group, consisting of representatives from distributor and manufacturer companies, helps govern how data is structured in the FEDA Data Portal, ensuring the data maintains its high quality and relevancy as the industry advances.

Moving to the Next Generation

As it enters its fourth year of ongoing development, the FEDA Data Portal is making another pivotal leap forward in its growth and functionality. The next phase is being made possible due to the efforts of the Data Portal plus Quoting (DP+Q) Partners, a group of technology companies that are experts in database and software development and system integration. Each partner was chosen for the DP+Q Partners initiative not only because of their skill in connecting dealer systems to the database, but also for their dedication to FEDA’s goals for data quality, modern technological capability and service excellence.

The most critical of these partners is the developer of a new, competitive CPQ option for the industry. Coming into the market this year, the new CPQ will work exclusively with the FEDA Data Portal and will be designed with input from FEDA dealer members to ensure it serves their business needs.

Further reinforcing its long-term commitment to this necessary industry initiative, FEDA incorporated the data portal into its regular staffing and operations last year with the hiring of Joe Durham, the association’s director of data governance and operations. Durham provides complete onboarding and ongoing support to distributors and manufacturers while also coordinating technology partners and overseeing the project’s progress. Matching a background in data engineering and systems integration with a family history in rubber parts distribution, Durham understands the data needs of distributors and is spearheading a vision that will position the industry for long-term technology innovation. He also works with a staff team of sales, marketing and education professionals to ensure full expertise and support for the project.

Possibilities and Visions

Having dedicated staff who can see that vision through has only become more crucial as the breadth of the industry’s technology adoption intensifies. It’s not only distributors and manufacturers who are looking to technology to make their operations more efficient and responsive. Operators increasingly expect their vendors to be technologically savvy, relying on their expertise to advise on systems or software that can relieve labor shortages and reduce workloads.

The FEDA DP+Q initiative will strengthen dealers’ digital credibility by enabling new possibilities. It starts with the DP+Q Partners, who are setting the stage for that future by putting the connections and automations in place that are needed to support modern ERP systems that dealers rely on to manage every aspect of their businesses. But, that’s only the beginning. Making comprehensive product information available to members and their third-party providers opens the door for innovations that will reshape business operations and enhance end-user product interactions.

Putting the ‘Intelligence’ in AI

For the last few years, the potential of AI has been a major focus across all industries, and distribution is no different. As AI evolves, its ability to optimize space, efficiency and decision-making promises to become increasingly sophisticated, which is why so many companies are clamoring to implement AI-powered solutions now.

“By leveraging standardized product data from the FEDA DP+Q, AI-driven engines can analyze customer needs, kitchen layouts, energy consumption, and regulatory requirements to make intelligent product recommendations,” Durham explains. Such an integration would reduce errors in equipment selection while also enhancing upselling opportunities by identifying complementary products that add value to a purchase.

On the operational side, the product information database creates opportunities for dealers to realize AI-aided advancements in inventory and demand forecasting. A robust, software-as-a-service (SaaS) inventory management system could integrate real-time inventory tracking and sales data, giving AI models the information they need to predict when distributors should replenish stock based on historical trends and projected lead times. “This predictive capability would minimize stockouts and prevent overstocking, ultimately leading to better procurement and logistical planning,” Durham says. “As a result, manufacturers, distributors and end-users would enjoy improved efficiency while ensuring they have the right equipment and supplies available when needed.”

Visualizing the Virtual Kitchen

Similar to AI’s potential to revolutionize equipment recommendations, virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) technologies offer new ways for distributors and their customers to visualize equipment. Using standardized product information from the FEDA DP+Q, AR/VR platforms can generate 3D models based on detailed specifications, allowing users to interact with a digital facsimile of equipment in a realistically rendered kitchen environment before committing to a purchase. This capability can enhance the buying experience, Durham says, by giving customers greater confidence in product selection and ensuring it fits into their particular kitchen layout.

“The ability to virtually place equipment in a space before installation would reduce costly miscalculations and optimize the overall use of available space,” Durham notes.

Beyond helping close deals, AR/VR could also become an invaluable part of a dealer’s post-sales support arsenal. As the technology advances, Durham says it could be used for remote training. Kitchen staff could put on AR/VR googles or glasses and see a virtual version of a combi oven or cooking range appear in their kitchen then follow provided guides to familiarize themselves with the equipment’s operation and maintenance troubleshooting before it is even physically installed.

Expanding Connections

While many of the technologies that emerge out of the FEDA DP+Q will focus on improving operations or streamlining sales, the equipment itself will also benefit from better access to standardized data.

A future iteration of the FEDA DP+Q could integrate Internet of Things (IoT) data for predictive maintenance and smart equipment management, Durham says. Such an upgrade would allow IoT-connected commercial kitchen equipment to continuously transmit performance data, track maintenance needs and detect potential failures before they occur. The system could then use that equipment data to provide real-time alerts or automatically generate service requests, reducing downtime and preventing costly repairs — factors that will only increase operators’ perceived value of connected equipment.

“By optimizing maintenance schedules and enabling proactive issue resolution, IoT integration would not only extend the lifespan of equipment but also significantly reduce operational costs for foodservice businesses,” Durham says.

By centralizing and standardizing product data, the FEDA DP+Q has the potential to drive a smarter, more efficient and seamlessly connected industry. According to Durham, other impactful technologies that could use the database as a foundation include:

• Blockchain Integration: Enhance supply chain transparency by ensuring product authenticity and tracking the movement of equipment from manufacturer to end-user.

• Voice-Activated Ordering: Streamline procurement processes, making it easier for operators to request and configure equipment hands-free.

• Automated Compliance Reporting: Help businesses navigate complex regulatory requirements by instantly verifying certifications and standards.

Taken together, these technology solutions showcase how the FEDA DP+Q will become a catalyst for innovation in the distribution industry. By integrating AI, AR/VR, IoT, and advanced data analytics with an extensive database of product information and quoting tool, dealers and suppliers can unlock new efficiencies, enhance the end-user experience and drive smarter decision-making. “As technology continues to evolve, the potential for innovation in foodservice equipment and supplies is limitless,” Durham says. “Those who embrace these advancements will be better positioned to meet the growing demands of an increasingly data-driven world, ensuring long-term success and sustainability for their businesses.”