While a lot of time and energy has been focused on entities over the years, less attention has been given to the Product side of AGIIS, and the original design  is now more than 12 years old. With the addition of new Councils with new types of products and increasing interest in expanding eConnectivity in existing councils, the time has come to take a step back and consider what we have today and what we need from a Product Directory perspective moving forward. This is the task of the PTF, aka the AGIIS Products Task Force.

This group is focused on reviewing the current rules, process and application of the product aspects of AGIIS and creating a recommendation on a path forward to reduce barriers to use. The goal is to create a create a path forward to increase value, use, and consistency of the Products in AGIIS, and support the eBusiness needs for all councils. They will consider the needs of all segments and will coordinate with the Seed Council AGIIS Product Task Force (also focused on products) and with new Ornamental Horticulture Council Adapting AGIIS to Horticulture – Unique Product Definition, Product Trackable Attributes Task Force.

The kick off meeting, hosted by BASF in Research Triangle Park, NC on April 6 and 7, focused on setting the foundation for the task and level setting the team’s understanding of the current AGIIS product business rules and processes. Led by Steve Leary (Winfield Solutions) and Marilyn Hunter (AgGateway), this team has weekly conference calls and face to face meetings scheduled at the 2011 Committees, Councils and Projects Meeting in June and another scheduled for early October. They will present their recommendations to the DOC in October and if approved, will present to the general membership at the 2011 AgGateway Annual Meeting & Conference in November.

If you are interested in participating in the Input Feedback group or have any questions about this task force, please contact Marilyn Hunter at marilyn@aggateway.com.