Marketplace Update
Cross functional teams are collaborating on the Marketplace project across the organization. Several key milestones are on the horizon, read below to learn more.
Enterprise Spec Management Portal
The design of the Enterprise Spec Management Portal is complete. This is a shared system where product details and documents are stored and managed in one place.
Business Analysts are testing the system to identify issues so they may be fixed early. The goal is to have the portal ready for User Acceptance Testing (UAT) this month, with support from Quality and Product teams.
Once live, the portal will support three business units (GracoRoberts Distribution, SkyGeek, and Silmid) by managing product specifications and linking related products.
Specification Modules by Business Unit (BU)
Business Units (GracoRoberts Distribution, SkyGeek and Silmid) are building their own Specification Modules. These modules define how product data, documents, compliance information, and vendor details are shared.
These foundations are critical. Without them, automation and system integrations will not work correctly.
Website Storefronts
Website storefront development is progressing across all three brands. This are the web pages the customers will see and use.
The storefronts will support pricing, availability, ordering, along with:
- Buy-by-Batch
- Cross‑business availability
- Product allocations
Teams are focused on improving order processing, deliveries, and documentation to ensure smooth customer experiences.
Operations: New Ways of Working
Recent workshops established three standard workflows across all three Business Units:
- Product Specification Management – keeping product information accurate and up to date
- Product Onboarding – setting up new products so they are ready for customers
- Spec Product Association – linking products to the correct specifications
These workflows will be shared with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). Team adoption and leadership support will be essential for our success.
Data Readiness
Teams are cleaning and preparing data ahead of the portal launch. Quality Teams are working closely with the Business Analysts to confirm readiness and final steps before go‑live.
Product Ownership Workshops
Upcoming workshops will clarify product ownership across the product lifecycle:
- Responsible – who does the work
- Accountable – who ensures it is done correctly
These sessions will confirm ownership across all business units.
Product Mapping Progress
To support Marketplace, similar products across the three businesses must be linked. So far, the Product Team has mapped just over $93M in revenue—almost half of all revenue that can be included in Marketplace.
Alongside continued product mapping and onboarding, the team is also preparing the processes needed for launch.
Marketplace Success Starts With Us
As we move into the next phase, there are a few specific asks for each group:
• Operations Leadership — Build unity amongst all three Business Units to operate as a true enterprise.
• Quality Team — Continue participating in Spec Management Workshops and assist in documenting quality review and validation steps for the data cleaning process.
• All BU SMEs — Review and confirm the accuracy of active onboarding product lists against the updated Safety Data Sheets (SDS) protocol before new lists begin. Please remain flexible and available for upcoming Marketplace Workshops.
• Product Team — Update SDS, export data, and classification protocol documentation.
• Leadership — Formal approval is needed to establish the Global Catalog / Spec Management Team and to confirm responsible and accountable SMEs for both Product Mapping and Operational processes.
What’s Next
Operations:
- Assign key roles
- Finish data cleanup
- Roll out new ways of working
Catalog Team:
- Complete SDS checks
- Update protocol guides
- Begin planning for multi‑SKU products in early May
Development work remains on track for completion by June 12.