Conference usctr1::dunsdata

The starting notes are assigned as such:

     Note *1 - Conference Administration - purpose, guidelines, advisory board,
     			       policy, etc.
           2 - Introductions - Please REPLY even if you are only reading.
 			       This will help us understand who is using the
 			       data, how they are using it and the amount it
			       is being used.
          *3 - Reserved for future use.
          *4 - Open Log Items - When a question/issue is posted, I will log
			       it in here and send it to D&B for resolution.
          *5 - Closed Log Items - When a question/issue is resolved, I will
	  		       move the note from topic 4 to topic 5.
          *6 - Monthly Log Report - This is a monthly report. It is 132 
    		               characters wide.
          *7 - D&B Data Files Available - This has the current D&B data files
			       available, their file layout and who to contact 
                               for access.
           8 - D&B Data Questions - This will contain your questions/issues 
                               regarding the D&B data.
    
    		
     Notes with an "*" are set no reply. The entries will be controlled by 
     the moderator/Digital Program Contact.

    
	The moderator is:
				Toni DeMars	
				WW Logistics - Reference
				DTN 297-5327
				USIW::DEMARS
				MRO3-2/F7 (Mailstop)

	I am also the Digital Contact for the D&B Quality & Response Program.

	Please be sure to read all of note 1 and reply to note 2.

    

			DUNSDATA Conference Guidelines

   1) Do not post large documents in the conference. Post your problem/issue 
      in note 8, include in your note about 10 records as examples. Send the 
      large document directly to me at USIW::DEMARS. 

   2) Conference membership is unrestricted.

   3) All information in this conference is for DIGITAL INTERNAL USE ONLY.

   4) Keyword creation is unrestricted. Before you create a new keyword,
      use the SHOW KEYWORDS command to see if the keyword or a similar one 
      already exists. 

   5) Adhere to all Digital corporate policies on noting.  The actual policy 
      is in the Corporate VTX Library under Personnel Policy and Procedures,
      Policy Section 6.54.
    
   6) Adhere to common noting courtesies.  ALL CAPS IS SHOUTING. 

   7) The use of correct spelling and grammar are appreciated by all. 

   8) Descriptive titles on base notes and replies are encouraged.

   9) Before submitting a question/issue, search the conference for an
      an existing note on it. It may already be resolved. 
      To do this, type 
			SEARCH /NOTE=*.* "search string"
      
  10) When replying to a note you are currently reading, use the REPLY
      command, not the WRITE command. 
    

                  I N T E R O F F I C E   M E M O R A N D U M

                                        Date:     25-Feb-1994 04:03pm EST
                                        From:     CHARLIE FLINT  @MRO
                                                  FLINT.CHARLIE
                                        Dept:     U.S. Logistics
                                        Tel No:   297-7350

TO: See Below
 
Subject: DUN AND BRADSTREET QUALITY AND RESPONSE ADVISORY BOARD                 

Digital has made a significant investment in D&B products and services via the 
renewal of the contract.  The new contract provides for delivery of an 
incremental amount of D&B information, and access to virtually all of D&B 
products and services at a deeply discounted price.  In addition, D&B has agreed 
to a quality and response program as part of the contract.  A copy of the 
purchase requisition justification and back up documentation is being sent to 
you via hard copy mail.  In addition, the letter to D&B outlining the Quality 
and Response Program is included.  In order to protect Digital's investment and 
ensure that the needs of a diverse user community are served, the D&B Quality 
and Response Advisory Board is being formed.

The following is a draft of the Advisory Board operating document.  Your input 
and comments would be appreciated.  In the next several days, you will receive 
the current D&B quality program problem log and an action item list for the 
Board.  I am looking forward to working with you as Board members.

                    D&B Quality and Response Advisory Board

Background:

Digital has purchased D&B products and services for more than 20 years.  Over 
the years, the amount and complexity of information and services purchased from 
D&B has grown dramatically.  As Digital has grown, the organization responsible 
for the funding and purchases from D&B has changed.  The Knowledge Aquifer 
(K.A.) has identified the D&B data as a core component of the customer/supplier 
information set and has provided funding.  The breadth and depth of information 
purchased from D&B, coupled with the diverse use of the data across 
organizations and territories, dictates the need for a "Board of Directors" type 
of approach to managing information quality, content, communication and problem 
solving.


Charter:

Consolidate and manage Digital's cross-functional and multi-geographic 
requirements for D&B Information and Services.  The focus of the board will be 
on:
	o Business requirements vs. product and services purchased/available
	o Product and service quality
	o Information access and delivery
	o LRP for products, services, and technology 
	o Joint opportunities


Goal:

Maximize price performance by driving down the cost per information unit, 
improving product quality, expanding user knowledge and increasing access rates.


Operating Principles:

	o All organizations and territories have representation
	o Members provide organizations perspective and representation while 
		operating as a Digital Board member
	o Simple majority rules apply
	o No attendance at meetings or no response to electronic meetings
		means no vote on issues
	o Board meetings will be limited with electronic communications and
		concalls used whenever possible


Deliverables:

	o Monthly review of Quality and Response Program open item status
	o Setting Quality and Response Program problem priorities
	o Quarterly report on vendor performance
	o Quality problem escalation
	o Annual contract preparation
		- organizational requirements
		- justification/ROI
		- quality report card
	o D&B communications package
	o Evaluation of outsourcing, service bureau and other service programs
	o Recommendation for product/service enhancements/improvements


Membership:

Membership will be limited to ensure rapid and positive decision making.  The 
membership is voluntary and will be changed periodically as the needs of the 
corporation dictate.  The following is the initial member list:

	Name			Organization

	Charlie Flint		K.A.
	Chris Hallgren		Corporate Marketing Services
	Renate Baptiste		Purchasing
	Simms Pearl		Digital Info Technology
	Van Nichols		Finance Decision Support
	Arlene Fontanetti	Canada Sales/Marketing
	Aix Ho-Kong-Ciat	Europe DMO
        Byron Zanella		DMO


Assumptions:

	o Digital's requirements for information and services are worldwide and
		cross functional
	o Cost containment is a priority
	o Information and product quality directly impacts critical business
		decisions
	o Product and service awareness, training and access will drive the ROI
		and cost per access 


    

The following is an excerpt taken from:
		
		PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
                Section 6.54      
                Effective 01-DEC-90 
	        Proper Use of Digital Computers, Systems and Networks

(The full policy can be found on VTX.)

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| This policy covers all messages addressed to individuals and
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    I will be on vacation from Aug. 29th to Sept. 6th. I will answer any
    problems/question when I return.
    
    Toni DeMars
    The Moderator