1. FEDAS CONCEPT OF THE PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION KEY
   
1.1 INTRODUCTION
   
1.1.1  Why a unique Product Classification Key for the entire industry?
   
  The various companies of our industry are working more and more with different IT supported merchandise handling systems.

In order to use these electronic systems in an optimal way they are already today linked in network and electronic communication will surely become even more important in the years to come. Electronically communication is not only a subject within the individual companies and business groups, but also within entire industries as well as with enterprises outside of the industry.
   
 
   
  Setting up a network of IT (Information Technology) systems only makes sense if the data required within the industry are gathered once at one source and then transmitted between the IT systems directly or with a minimum amount of manually processing (EDI = Electronic Data Interchange). For example, in order to transmit article data it is important that one can depend on industry standards. In this way, additional internal processing to translate external data into internal formats (manually or with conversion tables) can be avoided.

One example of this is the Product Classification Key. If this key is not uniform and definite it must always be translated manually into the internal Product Classification Key of each company before the data can be included into the internal IT systems. This is often done with the help of a conversion table.

So far each producer, supplier, etc. has his own Product Classification Key. Therefore this job has to be repeated frequently.

A uniform and unique Product Classification Key makes these jobs unnecessary. Therefore it was the goal of FEDAS to develop a uniform and unique Product Classification Key for the sports retail industry.
An additional advantage of a uniform Product Classification Key is the information contained in the key. If desired, it permits to make a unique and comparable analysis of the turnover of the various countries, regions, groups, etc.

Based on the experience made by the user during a first period, the key has been updated and optimised accordingly and a new Version 2.0 was launched in October 2002.

In order to transmit article and order data between two IT systems one needs a unique article numbering (SKU's) concept. The EAN-13 is generally accepted worldwide. Even bigger companies of the sports industries already use this numbering system. Therefore this numbering system, which is implemented worldwide, should clearly be used by the entire sports industry.

The EAN is an Identification Key for articles on the so called SKU level (Stock Keeping Unit) which means that an article is a variation of a model in a certain size and color (color combination), also known as consumer unit.

The EAN concept is a numbering system with the following advantages:

 a) uniform/integrated
b) clear/definite
(worldwide no other article with the same article number)
c) branch overlapping
d) international
e) Bar Coding

With a standardisation of the Product Classification Key and the Article Numbering System a big step has be taken towards the implementation of data transmission between the IT systems. This leads to a more optimal use of the IT investments.

Standardising of additional codes, as for example size ranges (shoes, clothes, etc.) would be a further step within the optimising process

In this context the Product Classification Key and the Article Numbering have to be treated with priority.
   
1.1.2 © FEDAS
   
  Further information concerning the FEDAS Product Classification Key can be found on the FEDAS Web Page (fedas.com). The Web functionality also give you the possibility to download the key in various format.
Copying the FEDAS Product Classification Key is not allowed.
   
 
FEDAS office: Laupenstrasse 5a, Postfach 5226, CH-3001 Bern,
Telphone: +41-31-3819361 / Fax +41-31-382 02 42
Internet: www.fedas.com / e-mail: info@asmas.ch
   
1.1.3 The Administration of the Key
   
  FEDAS is in charge of the administration of the key. Should there be the need of opening new groups, FEDAS has to be informed. FEDAS will then decide if this need is justified and then this request will be integrated in the existing system.

An international task force represented by various companies of our industry (manufacturer and retailer) is meeting regularly to discussed the requests and updates.
   
1.2 PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION KEY (PCK)
   
1.2.1 Introduction
   
  The objective of FEDAS was to define a Product Classification Key (PCK) with a logical structure. This is the reason why the new Product Classification Key (PCK) was defined with a structure showing the activity code, the product category as well as the main and sub product groups.

The FEDAS product classification key is a numerical six-digit code with the following structure:
   
 
Position Description
1 Product category (Hardware, Footwear, Textiles)
2 - 3 Activity code (type of sports)
4 - 5 Product Main Group of the activity
6 Product Subgroup
  Chart 2.2
   
  So far the structure of the product classification key (chart 2.2) allows an evaluation according to the categories Hardware, Textile and Footwear as well as according to activities, which is identical to the structure of a sports shop. The further structuring of product main groups and product sub-groups allows the detailed evaluation of an optimal processing system.
   
1.2.2 Examples
   
  In this paragraph you will find an example for Hardware, Textile and Footwear showing how these products are coded.
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
1.2.3 Product category (PC)
   
  The first digit of the product classification key is reserved for the product category.

This part of the code enables the grouping as well as the interpretation of the ranges "Textile", "Hardware" and "Footwear". As a maximum of 10 categories (0 - 9) is planned in this range, we therefore still have 6 categories free for additional allocation.

The free codes/digits are planned for other ranges as follows:
   
 
a) Kat. 5 = Services (Service work & rental service)
Only used by the commerce. Proposal of structure within the
Product Main Groups and Product Subgroups are available on the Internet.
   
b) Kat. 9 = Product categories, which are not key activities of sports shops, but are sold by some INTERSPORT shops (i.e. travelling arrangements, movies/photo articles, toys, tools, etc.).
   
1.2.4 Activity code (AC)
   
  As mentioned in the beginning, the product classification key has to be structured according to the activities. The second and third digits are reserved for the activity field.

Since the code has been defined as a numerical field, 99 activity codes are available. The experiences have shown us,, that these codes cover the need at the moment, but do not leave a big reserve for additional codes.

Many products are listed in different activity fields (type of sports). In order to get optimal management information not only for a product group of all activity fields, but also within a single activity field (type of sports), the activity code is integrated as part of the product classification key.

For products that cannot be put fix in an activity field (type of sports), that means that this product can be used for several type of sports, the activity field "Multisport" will be used.
   
  As already mentioned, this activity code will have two digits. The individual activities are structured as follows:
   
 
Activity (group)
Working concept		 Code-Range Activity (examples)
Name		 Code
       
Multisport 00    
       
Snow and Ice 01 - 14 Alpine skiing 01
    Cross country skiing 02
    etc. until  
    Leisure/fashion winter 14
       
Water Sports 15 - 21 Swimming 15
    Surfing 16
    etc. until  
    Kayak / Canoeing 21
       
Racket Sports 24 - 27 Tennis 24
    Squash 25
    etc. until  
    Table tennis 27
       
Ball /Team Sport 32 - 38 Soccer 32
    Basketball 33
    etc. until  
    Uni hockey / Field hockey 38
       
Track & Field Sports 45 - 56 Walking 45
    Jogging 46
    Track & Field Sport 47
    etc. until  
    Triathlon 56
       
Wheel Sports 60 - 62 Cycling 60
    Fun wheel sports 62
       
Outdoor Activities 64 - 75 Mountaineering 64
    Camping 67
    etc. until  
    Leisure / fashion summer 75
       
Indoor Sport 78 - 88 Fitness / Workout 78
    Boxen 80
    etc. until  
    Various games 88
       
Promotion activities     98
   
  These activity groups are just working concepts and not identified by own codes. This structure opens also the possibility of evaluating only these activity groups. The list of the individual activities can be found in chapter 2.

The structure of the first 3 digits of the product classification key shown so far permits providing information and evaluation of the whole activity as well as within a category (e.g. Hardware).
   
1.2.5 Product Main Groups (PMGr)
   
  By a further division into product main groups and product subgroups information can be prepared which is closer to the product.
   
1.2.5.1 Product Main Groups (PMGr), Hardware
   
  In Hardware, the product main groups are defined according to the individual requirements of the respective activities. Similar activities (e.g. racket sports activities: tennis, squash, badminton, ...) have been structured identically.

As for product main groups existing for several activities, the same activity code is used. This product main group was blocked for other activities, in order to guarantee a definite statistical evaluation.

One example is "balls" which exist in various sports activities. For balls, the product main group 88 was reserved. Therefore an evaluation of the product main group "can be obtained for "balls" of one activity, several activities or all activities.

So far, the following product main groups have been defined for Hardware (i.e. the code for the product group has been reserved).
   
 
70 = Skis and Snowboards
71 = Skis systems + sets
72 = Spezial skis
73 = Poles
74 = Bindings
75 = Accessories bindings/different bindings
79 = Fan articles
80  
 = 
 Vacant
83 =  
84 = Sacs / small bags
85 = Golfbags/Bike bags
86 = Bottles
87 = Mats/Matresses
88 = Balls (Pucks)
89 = Bags
90 = Backpacks
91 = Covers
92 = Helmets/Face protection
93 = Protectors
94 = Eyeprotectors
95 = Watches / Measure / Search-devices
96 = Tools, Care, Repair items
97 = Literature, videos, films
98 = Shoe accessories
99 = 
Various items/Accessories - Code 99 is also used in the respective product category in textile.
   
1.2.5.2 Product Main Groups (PMGr), Textile
   
  The structure of the product main group Textile was structured according to the human body. Therefore, the Textile products (product main groups) are defined from the head (headgear) to the feet (stockings), as well as from the "innerwear" (underwear) to the outerwear.
   
  The following list shows the fix product main groups of the category "Textile":
   
 
Product main
group number		 Product main
group description		                                                    
   
01 - 59 Standard Clothing / Textile
   
01 Caps / hats / peak caps
02 Headbands / sun screens
03 Scarves / shawls
04 Gloves
05 Sports bra
06 Undershirt
07 Underpants
08 Panty hose
09 Underwear set
10 Bodies
11 Bustier / Tops (Bustiers)
12 T-Shirts / Tanks
13 Shirts
15 Polos
20 Turtlenecks with zip
21 Turtlenecks without zip
25 Pullovers
26 Pullunders
27 Sweatshirts
28 Under jackets (cardigan) /Knitted jackets
29 Hooded sweatshirts
31 Overalls
32 Suits
33 Track suits
34 Jackets / Blazers
35 Shell jackets
36 Blousons
37 Jackets/Anoraks
38 Multi function jackets
39 Windbreakers
40 Waistcoats (vests)
41 Coats
42 Ponchos
43 Track pants long
44 Jet- / Racing pants
45 Stretch pants
46 Bib / Strap pants
47 Pants long
48 Pants 3/4 to 7/8
49 Knickerbockers
50 Bermudas
51 Shorts
52 Hot-Pants / Briefs
53 Tights
54 Dresses
55 Skirts
56 Pantskirts
59 Stirrups
     
60 - 69 Bathingcloths  
     
60 Bathing caps  
61 Bikinis  
62 Bikini Top  
63 Bikini Pants  
64 Swimsuits  
65 Swimsuits supported  
66 Swim-bermudas  
67 Swimshorts  
68 Swimming trunks  
69 Swimming suits  
     
70 - 79 Replica  
     
70 Fan-Headgear  
71 Fan-T-Shirts / Polos  
72 Fan-Tricots  
73 Fan-Sweat / Top part  
74 Fan-Jackets / Waistcoats  
75 Fan-Rainwear  
76 Fan-Pants  
77 Fan-Suits  
78 Fan-various textiles  
79 Fan-Accessoires  
     
80 - 88 Rainclothing  
     
80 Rain jackets  
81 Rain pants  
82 Rain ponchos  
83 Rain coats  
84 Rain overalls  
85 Rain combinations  
88 Rain hats  
     
90 - 98 Team and Referee clothing
     
90 Team tricots  
91 Team pants  
92 Goalkeeper tricots  
93 Goalkeeper pants  
94 Referee clothing  
95 Tricots garniture  
96 Stirrups  
97 Marking vests  
98 Various Team clothing  
     
99 Accessories  
   
1.2.5.3 Product main groups (PMGr), Footwear
   
  For the category Footwear the product main groups have been structured according to the individual requirements.
   
1.2.6 Product Subgroups (PSGr.)
   
1.2.6.1 Product Subgroups (PSGr.), Hardware
   
  The product subgroups of the category Hardware have been structured for each product main group according to the individual requirements of each group. Wherever possible care was taken to identically define the product subgroups of similarly structured main groups, which appear in several activity groups.
   
1.2.6.2 Product Subgroups (PSGr.), Textile
   
  The product subgroups in the category Textile are divided to Unisex/Men, Ladies and Children. For some main product groups, the sub-groups have been further divided according to "short or long" Textile units or other characteristics/features of the main group.
   
 

The following list shows an example:

a) General structure of the Product Subgroups (PSGr.)

Example: Textile, Leisure / Fashion Winter, Gloves (2.14.04.1 - 6)

   
 
Code Product Main Group Product Subgroup
     
2 Textile  
    14      Leisure / fashion winter   
        04          Gloves   
    1 Gloves men/unisex
    2 Gloves ladies
    3 Gloves children
    4 Mittens men/unisex
    5 Mittens ladies
    6 Mittens children
   
  b) General structure of the Product Subgroup (PSGr.) for Upper parts and Overalls
   
 
    Example: 
    2.00.12.1-9 Textil / Multisport / T-Shirts
     
  1 - 3 sleeveless  1 sleeveless men/unisex
    2 sleeveless ladies
    3 sleeveless children
     
  4 - 6 short sleeve 4 short sleeve men/unisex
    5 short sleeve ladies
    6 short sleeve children
     
  7 - 9 long sleeve 7 long sleeve men/unisex
    8 long sleeve ladies
    9 long sleeve children
   
  c) General structure of the Product Subgroup (PSGr.) for Under parts
    (as far as not already subdivided in Product Main Groups)
   
 
    Example: 
    2.00.46.1-9 Textil / Multisport / Bibpants/pants with straps
     
  1 - 3 kurz  1 short men/unisex
    2 short ladies
    3 short children
     
  4 - 6 halblang 4 knee-length men/unisex
    5 knee-length ladies
    6 knee-length children
     
  7 - 9 lang 7 long men/unisex
    8 long ladies
    9 long children
   
1.2.6.3 Product Subgroups (PSGr), Footwear
   
  The product subgroups of this category are, with a few exceptions, structured according to Unisex/Men, Ladies and Children. The following description gives an example of this structure:

Example: Footwear, Multisport, Indoor shoes (3.00.07.1 - 9)
   
 
Code Product main groups Product subgroups
     
3 Footwear  
    00      Multisport  
        07          Indoor Schuhe  
    1 low Men/Unisex
    2 low ladies
    3 low children
    4 mid Men/Unisex
    5 mid Ladies
    6 mid Children
    7 high Men/Unisex
    8 high ladies
    9 high children