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What is Global Data Synchronization (GDS)?

Global Data Synchronization (GDS) is an industry-endorsed initiative that was created to eliminate product data inaccuracies in the supply chain. Using GDS means that inefficiencies and costs inherent in using manual or proprietary systems are avoided. Instead, all companies using GDS only enter their product/item data once, in a single place, and can send/synchronize this data to multiple users, nationally and globally. The standards body that governs GDS is GS1.

Why GDS is important to your business

Different versions of product information in the supply chain can cause serious business issues – and they increase every time information is manually processed. GDS cuts through this and ensures that you and your trading partner always use the same version of the data. This empowers the supplier to manage the information flow in the supply chain and not rely on the trading partner or other third-parties to manipulate their data.

The foundation of GDS is that:

  • Product data is updated consistently between trading partners
  • Data is validated against standards and business rules ensuring its accuracy
  • Trading partners classify their products in a common, standardized way
  • Trading partners have a single point of entry through their chosen data pool, reducing the cost of using multiple vendors
  • The uniqueness of items, such as products, cases, pallets etc, is guaranteed through the GS1 Global Registry

The benefits realized by adopting GDS are:

  • Trading partners working in a standardized way, thereby reducing duplicate systems and processes
  • Reduced costs through the removal of inefficiencies and exceptions
  • Improved on-shelf availability resulting in increased sales
  • Improved collaboration between trading partners
  • Support of new supply chain processes, for example, home shopping or RFID

The key elements of GDS

There are three key elements to GDS. The first is data synchronisation; this is about ensuring that the retailer’s product database – or catalogue - contains the same information as the supplier’s database. Then we have global standards that manage how the product data is stored and formatted, and finally we have a network, so product information can be published by its source and subscribed to by a recipient.

The Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) is comprised of a growing number of Data Pool’s that store the product information and attributes. These Data Pools all talk to each other through the GS1 Global Registry that acts as the ‘Yellow Pages’ to locate products/items.

The GDSN enables the registration and publication of product information (e.g., descriptions, weight, dimensions, etc) by providing a global repository for standardized item, location and trading partner data. Suppliers send this data to the GDSN via their chosen data pool. The data pool (e.g., 1SYNC) then checks the data for compliance to GS1 (EAN.UCC) standards and validates it with demand side partners via the GS1 Global Registry, ensuring that all trading partners are using identical, updated standards-compliant data.

Essentially, the GDSN facilitates the synchronization of Item data between supply-side and demand-side trading partners. Inaccurate information at the retailer accounts for lost shelf time, less efficient logistics (warehousing & transportation) and costly deductions. Implementing GDSN standards-based electronic synchronisation services forms a non-proprietary basis for collaborative capabilities among trading partners.

This diagram show the GDS Network steps

LANSA reduces the cost and complexity of GDS compliance

LANSA provides an out-of-the-box business solution that makes it easy is to comply with GDS mandates. Manufacturers can quickly fulfill retailer requests as well as benefit from the efficiency gains of end-to-end supply chain automation. LANSA provides everything you need from Product Information Management (PIM) to real-time item synchronization with certified Data Pools.

LANSA's GDSN on-boarding solution – called LANSA Data Sync Direct - has been designed for demand-side and supply-side implementations, providing full-service functionality in a single affordable package. An easy-to-use browser-based product, it is completely scalable and adaptable to different business processes allowing you to on-board and quickly achieve compliance. More than 300 companies worldwide are currently using LANSA Data Sync Direct.

LANSA is a certified 1SYNC™ Synchronization Suite 6.1 Solution Provider as well as a GS1 Solution Provider for multiple regions including GS1 Netherlands and GS1 France. This means that we stay at the forefront of the standards-making process and are often first to implement new standards and enhanced functionality.