Medart Marine Adopts MDX  

CHICAGO , January 14, 2008 - - Medart Marine recently implemented the Marine Data Exchange (MDX) and has been actively trading on the network as of December 1, 2007. Developed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the National Marine Distributors Association (NMDA), MDX automates the trade of purchase orders, acknowledgments, shipment notifications and invoices between parties on the MDX value added network (VAN). MDX is a form of electronic data interchange (EDI).

Medart Marine is a third generation, family-owned company headquartered in Saint Louis , Mo. , with additional warehouses in Kansas City , Mo. , Memphis , Tenn. , and Mobile, Ala. Adding MDX connectivity provides an additional vehicle for streamlining procurement.

“Connecting through MDX for key marine suppliers makes sense for us,” says Michael Medart, third-generation owner and NMDA immediate past president. “We’ve been using EDI in the other industries we serve, and we know that this type of e-commerce offers the scalability and efficiency we need to keep up with demand.”    

In 2007, the volume of purchase orders and other documents traded over MDX on an average monthly basis doubled compared to 2006 totals.  For some companies using MDX, benefits realized in the form of greater efficiency can help offset challenging market conditions and may even provide opportunities for growth. 

“The MDX network is expanding, not only in volume, but in terms of new buyers and suppliers trading,” says NMMA’s John Warnik. “We expect to add several key companies this year, validating third-party indications that these type of exchanges remain a viable solution for e-commerce over the long term.”     

MDX is uniquely positioned as an e-commerce solution developed by the marine industry, for the marine industry. MDX offers an affordable alternative to other trading networks, which charge monthly fees and add costs to every transaction.

To learn more about the MDX program, visit marinedataexchange.com  or contact Warnik at (312) 946-6295; jwarnik@nmma.org.

National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters in the United States . The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications.