Overview
The GDSN Data Syndication Self-Guided Implementation approach is designed for organizations that want to independently configure and deploy Innovit’s GDSN Connectors while leveraging guided setup tools, product documentation, and Knowledge Base resources.
This approach is intended for Freemium and Starter package customers implementing Innovit’s standard two-stage GDSN data flow model. The solution is delivered pre-configured with the latest GDSN attributes, code lists, data validation rules, and publication capabilities required for the selected GDSN data pool, allowing organizations with straightforward data syndication requirements to accelerate implementation with minimal configuration.
Successful GDSN implementations depend not only on technology, but also on well-governed product data and clearly defined data validation, approval and synchronization processes. Following the recommended implementation activities helps organizations manage trusted GDSN data, improve publication accuracy, and streamline ongoing product data synchronization with trading partners.
Important
Some implementation activities cannot be completed through self-service configuration alone. Test integration with the selected GDSN data pool, data pool onboarding activities, and production connectivity require coordination with Innovit and, where applicable, the relevant GDSN data pool.
Implementation Phases
The following phases outline a recommended implementation sequence for organizations adopting Innovit’s GDSN Connectors using the Self-Guided Implementation approach. Depending on the selected GDSN data pool, implementation scope, and organizational processes, additional activities may be required.
Getting Started
Objective
Establish the technical, organizational, and data pool prerequisites required to begin publishing trusted product information through GDSN.
Customer Activities
- Finalize subscription and service agreements
- Confirm target GDSN data pool(s), markets, and trading partners in scope
- Designate business and technical implementation contacts
- Review applicable GDSN data pool onboarding prerequisites
- Complete required registrations and authorizations with the selected GDSN data pool
- Schedule onboarding session(s) with Innovit
Innovit-Assisted Activities
- Review onboarding readiness
- Establish connectivity with the target GDSN data pool
- Configure authentication and endpoint connectivity
- Validate connectivity prior to implementation
Deliverables
Subscription activated, customer onboarding completed, data pool registrations completed, test connectivity established, implementation environment ready
Data Readiness & Planning
Objective
Prepare product information for GDSN synchronization by assessing data quality, confirming ownership, and establishing data governance and synchronization responsibilities.
Customer Activities
Data Readiness
- Identify authoritative source systems
- Identify data owners and approvers
- Review required and optional GDSN attributes
- Assess product data quality and completeness
- Identify data gaps requiring remediation
Data Syndication Planning
- Confirm products, markets, and trading partners in scope
- Review GDSN data pool upload and publication requirements
- Define review and approval processes
- Assign ongoing data stewardship responsibilities
Deliverables
Products, markets, and trading partners confirmed, source systems identified, data ownership established, product data quality assessment completed, governance and synchronization process defined
Solution Configuration
Objective
Configure the GDSN Connector to support product data validation, approval, and synchronization via the selected GDSN data pool.
Customer Activities
- Configure connector settings
- Configure users and security roles
- Configure approval workflows
- Configure notifications and alerts (if applicable)
Deliverables
GDSN Connector configured, user access established, approval workflows operational
Data Loading & Validation
Objective
Load product information, validate adherence to GDSN data pool requirements, and prepare synchronization-ready product records.
Customer Activities
Data Loading
- Import product data
- Review imported records
- Resolve import issues
Data Validation
- Perform data validation using built-in data pool rules
- Review warnings and validation errors
- Correct identified data issues
- Revalidate updated records
Deliverables
Product data successfully loaded, data validation issues resolved, publication-ready dataset prepared
Publication Testing
Objective
Verify that product data can be successfully validated, uploaded, and published before enabling production environment.
Customer Activities
- Prepare test publication datasets
- Execute publication testing
- Review acknowledgements and responses
- Resolve data validation or configuration issues
- Retest until successful
Innovit-Assisted Activities
- Support connectivity troubleshooting
- Assist with data synchronization diagnostics where required
Deliverables
Successful test publications, publication acknowledgements validated, production readiness confirmed
Production Readiness & Go-Live
Objective
Prepare production data and begin synchronizing trusted product data via the selected GDSN data pool.
Customer Activities
Production Preparation
- Load production-ready product data
- Perform final data validation
- Remediate outstanding errors and warnings
- Confirm production readiness
Go-Live
- Execute initial product publications
- Review acknowledgements
- Monitor data synchronization statuses
Innovit-Assisted Activities
- Assist with production cutover
- Validate production connectivity if required
Deliverables
Production environment operational, initial product publications successfully processed and acknowledged
Ongoing Operations
Objective
Maintain trusted product data synchronization while supporting ongoing product lifecycle changes, trading partner requirements, and GDSN standards.
Customer Activities
Operational Management
- Monitor data synchronization activity
- Review data validation and synchronization exceptions
- Maintain and synchronize product and packaging hierarchy changes
- Maintain alignment with GDSN standards, data pool specifications, and trading partner requirements
Continuous Improvement
- Monitor data quality dashboards
- Review data synchronization performance
- Adopt new platform capabilities and GDSN updates
Deliverables
Accurate and synchronized product information, ongoing publication monitoring, continuous product data quality improvements, alignment with evolving GDSN, data pool, and trading partner requirements
