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GDSN Data Pool – Your #101 Guide

by Innovit Corporate Affairs | July 9, 2018 | Blog

GDSN Data Pool Overview

A GDSN network uses interconnected data pools that maintains data quality as information is shared with trading partners.  The GDSN protocols for data sharing was developed by GS1, or Global Standards. These standards are constantly being updated and are used for information sharing with retailers for logistics, shipping, and regulatory reasons.

Note that GDSN protocols are crucial for syncing data – and the GDSN data pool is intended to sync data using attributes that are considered valid on both the retailer end and with the party sending the data.  It all comes down to information flowing constantly with the idea of being both the sending party and retailer don’t have to worry about the quality of the data.

1WorldSync

1WorldSync is a GS1 certified GDSN data pool. This is a great option allowing customers to facilitate the links with brands, retailers, and the consumer while maintaining shopping experience quality.  A certified solution provider such as Innovit can help ensure a smooth process working with 1WorldSync so both the customer side and retail side remain satisfied.  Always important is the quality of rich product content – and 1WorldSync helps to make it much easier by maintaining a high-quality shopping experience.

1WorldSync Facts and Figures

A few key stats to note (United States, Canada only):

  • 1WorldSync is considered to be 1 GDSN data pool.
  • There is over 18,200 active trading partner GLNs on the network.
  • 863,610 unique registered items, or GTINs.

Who is Using GDSN

With GDSN utilization allowing companies to benefit from its automated content delivery, you can expect to see some big names using it like Kroger, Lowes, and Amazon. These companies undoubtedly love how it enables customers to get online for new experiences that are optimized for the digital world.

One good case study is how brands use a GDSN data pool to refresh their inventory with Amazon.  Furthermore, this automation of inventory data allows the brand to reach a wide audience, using fewer resources.

 

GS1

GS1 comes into play for cross-border trading. Global Trade Identification Numbers (GTINs) are used to identify products and can be used in any country without restrictions, or errors.  The GS1 standards is a system used over 30 years, in various world sectors. GS1 standards define unique identification codes that apply to real-world, tangible items such as:

  • Logistics units
  • Trade items
  • Physical locations
  • Documents
  • Service relationships

These standards also give a common language to identify and share supply chain data keeping that information accurate, and easy to implement.

How Does it Work?

In the above paragraph, we outlined a scenario where GTIN data for a product needs to be sent. Ideally, this info is sent seamlessly as it starts its journey as internal data. With multiple sets of information all for different products, it is essential that nothing gets lost in the process between the retail and the company and/or brand.

Using a solution provider like Innovit, your crucial data will be stored and updated to meet all GS1 requirements so it can be ultimately sent to the GDSN. Once the data is all set to meet validation requirements, you are able to publish your validated data to reach the 1WS and then on to the GDSN data pool and retailer.

Managing GDSN Processes

Some companies choose to assign all GDSN related tasks to IT. Sometimes the responsibility goes to the supply chain department – but either way, GDSN processes require a deep understanding of rich content to drive sales. Remember the intent of GDSNs is to allow companies to be more efficient. As such, keep this in mind when divvying up the job responsibilities so everything process related can be kept agile.

Some recommendations are listed below that could pertain to your company:

  • Divide up ownership of tasks based on responsibility rather than the department.
  • Don’t look at a GDSN as a big chain but rather a series of smaller steps towards your goal of increasing sales.
  • Keep logistics content with the supply chain people.
  • For non-logistics, it might make sense to work with a partner to knows the ins and outs due to substantial differences in the requirements.

Note that when mapping internal contents to what your retailer will require can oftentimes knit together eCommerce, sales, and logistics people.

Transform Your Content into eCommerce

Regardless of the industry your company operates in – you should be enlisting help necessary to take your content and translate it into e-commerce sales. Service providers that offer a globally certified data management solution can also assist with regulatory compliance with your GDSN data pool.

Log on to the Innovit website now to stay informed of current trends and have any questions answered.

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