If you have tools that are out on the edge, and are trying to break some ground, they're more than willing to take a chance with you simply because you offer a greater future for them in the project. Data Integration Is the Hardest Part Among the crucial components in category management are space management and the analysis that accompanies it, according to Intactix 1998 and 1999 surveys of its users. Further, they said data integration is the most difficult component of the process. But that's changing. While integration of category and space management is growing in many consumer goods sectors, others have yet to embrace the concept.
Available data is a particular problem in that class of trade.
Similarly, consumer insights are very limited. However HP has invested in some robust proprietary tools, as well as Intactix software, which Vardakis says will get them to basic consumer attributes for the supplies business. The company is already making some inroads with Wal-Mart. HP is currently working to develop metrics that could be used to objectively measure the category from quarter to quarter. He's quick to point out that it's not just data that's needed, but also a skill set and cooperative business model that goes along with that robust data.