Global Data Synchronization (GDS) and Electronic Product Code (EPC) – new opportunities for logistics

The GDS model assumes the creation of a network of certified databases – so-called product catalogs, registered in one global registry and communicating with each other using standard messages. It is based on the identification and communication standards of the EAN.UCC system. The EPC system, known as the “Internet of Things”, is a combination of two technologies: RFID and the Internet. It includes a new coding scheme that allows for the unique identification of individual objects. Both technologies are interconnected, which is why the effective use of EPC requires prior assurance of proper master data synchronization.

Introduction
Research conducted last year by A.T. Kearney and the Kurt Salmon Association shows that in the near future, two new technologies will have a huge impact on the logistics of FMCG companies. These are: Global Data Synchronization (GDS) and Electronic Product Code (EPC). Standards for both of these technologies are being agreed upon by the EAN International Association, which has actively joined the process of their development and implementation.
In the USA, a 7-step scheme illustrating the process of achieving full electronic collaboration was developed within organizations bringing together manufacturers and distributors. Master data synchronization is the foundation without which effective collaboration is impossible. Both technologies, GDS and EPC, require the same basic steps for implementation: uniform data standards, a single global registration system, and synchronization of information flow. It often happens that electronic collaboration without data synchronization will only lead to a faster exchange of “bad” data between trading partners. This article briefly presents both technologies and the benefits resulting from their implementation.

GDS – Global Data Synchronization
One of the fundamental problems that trading partners face when implementing EDI is ensuring the compatibility of master data. Inaccurate product data and its inefficient exchange become a source of additional costs and often call into question the profitability of e-business solutions. On the other hand, the globalization of trade has intensified the need to ensure the smooth flow of goods inside and outside companies and better control of supply processes. Responding to the needs of trade, the Global Commerce Initiative (GCI), a voluntary body bringing together the largest FMCG companies in the world, in cooperation with EAN International and the ECR Europe and USA Councils, developed the Global Data Synchronization (GDS) model in 2002. This model assumes the creation of a network of certified databases – so-called product catalogs, registered in one global registry and communicating with each other using standard messages. It is based on the identification and communication standards of the EAN.UCC system. The launch of the GDS network is planned for October 2004. The implementation of this model is intended to ensure that the product data available to the recipient is exactly the same as that entered into the network by the supplier.

How does the GDS network work?
When undertaking any business transaction, one must first answer the question of who, where, and what is being traded. These are the basic data that are subject to synchronization. GDS uses the following EAN.UCC identifiers: Global Trade Item Numbers (GTIN) and Global Location Numbers (GLN). GTINs are unique numbers assigned to all products and services; GLNs are an internationally accepted way of identifying legal entities and locations, such as headquarters, factories, offices, shops, etc. The identification keys themselves do not yet provide sufficient information, and therefore they have been supplemented with defined attributes, including: location description, price, size, packaging, name, address, etc. These attributes are referred to as master data. One of the newly developed attributes is the Global Product Classification (GPC) – a universal, uniform classification announced as a standard in May 2002 at the ECR Europe Council conference. This classification makes it possible to indicate what type of goods a product is and which group of goods it belongs to. GPC plays a key role in the process of searching for goods in the GDS network. All attributes and their formats in various standards (such as EANCOM, XML, and AIDC) are already precisely defined and described.

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