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ALIGN TRADE ITEM v. 2.0.2 |
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This section includes Best Practices and Examples
explaining how to best use this data model. It also includes implementation
guides for a variety of the more complicated issues encountered when designing
the standards outlined by this document. It also provides an overal review of
the basic precepts used when developing this data model.
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Basic precepts of this data model
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- This model was designed
with the intent of providing all industries with a generic template with which
to build their own data model. GS1 currently has identified 23 different
industries which participate in its standards development and application
processes. While it is recognized that each industry has different needs, this
model attempts to provide a flexible data model framework, which covers what is
common across industries and upon which these industries can append their own
unique needs.
- The data model assumes a
base level of business transactions and agreements between buyer and seller, which
then leads to an exchange of information deemed to be necessary for conducting
normal business transactions. This set of information is herein called a data
dictionary.
- This model was developed
with the understanding that there are three different types of attributes, as
type relates to industry:
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- Core – these attributes are absolutely necessary to
facilitate the accurate sharing of data sets between parties of all industries.
The combination of these five attributes guarantees the uniqueness of that data
set. The definition and use of these attributes is common to all industries. In
this data model, the five core attributes are: GTIN (or alternate item
identification) of the trade item, the GLN of the information provider (or
alternate party identification), the target market in which this data set is
valid, a GS1 external classification value, and a system generated product
description (see below).
Product identification as a process is mandatory. Either
a GTIN or an alternate item identification must be used. Party identification
as a process is mandatory. Either GLN or an alternate party identification must
be used.
- Extension – these attributes are shared among
several industries. The definition for each attribute is agreed to by all
industries. The determination of whether these attributes are mandatory or
optional is made based on the business need of each industry. It is important
to share the responsibility for maintenance of these attributes and to maintain
a common definition across industries since the buyer receiving data may
receive it from multiple industries. Where industries use an attribute in
different ways, a new attribute must be developed. (e.g. size).
In addition to
mandatory/optional, when industries build their own data models from this
generic base, they may also choose to change the other conditions attached to
each attribute as it is relevant to their industry.
- Industry specific
extension – these attributes are such that they are only relevant to one
industry. The definition of these values is determined by this industry. If a
buyer or seller does not deal in this trade item class, it is not expected that
they build attributes related to this industry into their data model. (e.g.
degree of wort is specifically relevant to the beer industry)
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Application notes |
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The complete data model
for an industry is made up of a combination of these three types of attributes.
It is expected that attributes may be added or deleted from the model in the
future.Also, as more industries become involved in the GS1 GSMP process, it
is expected that more industry specific extensions will be created.
In most cases, the agreement reached by the two parties that will be
communicating data will include only a portion of the data model. This is because
this model is designed to capture all possible business needs of the industry.
In many cases, the buyer will only require a subset of these attributes in
order to conduct business in the manner that they are accustomed
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Key data attributes
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This data model works off a
basic principle. The entire set of data attributes assigned to a GTIN may vary
depending on who provides the information, and in which target market the data
is relevant.
Within the global data
synchronization environment, the combination of three key attributes, GLN of
information provider, GTIN of the trade item, and the Target Market identifies
a unique set of values for the trade items’ attributes. This combination can
also affect which attributes are communicated. The values of attributes can
vary for a GTIN when GLN of information provider or Target market are changed.
Example – “orderingLeadTime”
may vary depending on target market. (US delivery within 3 days, delivery
within Belgium is less than 1 day)
Example – “cataloguePrice”
may vary depending on the information provider (catalogue price equals $1.00
from manufacturer, but is $1.05 in the information set communicated by a
distributor)
All variation must be
compliant with GTIN allocation rules per the General GS1 Specifications.
Variations that do not comply will require a new GTIN.
Example – “orderingLeadTime”
may vary depending on target market. (US delivery within 3 days, delivery
within Belgium is less than 1 day)
Example – “cataloguePrice”
may vary depending on the information provider (catalogue price equals $1.00
from manufacturer, but is $1.05 in the information set communicated by a
distributor)
All variation must be
compliant with GTIN allocation rules per the General GS1 Specifications.
Variations that do not comply will require a new GTIN.
As stated above, in addition
possible variations in values for the same attribute, the list of attributes
communicated may change based on these three keys. Changes in the information
provider can change the list of attributes associated with a GTIN.
Example – Information
provider A chooses to provide values for 50 attributes for a GTIN, while
information provider B chooses to provide values for 100, seeing this as a
competitive advantage.
The relevant target market
can also affect the selection of attributes. Certain target markets will have
legal requirements for some attributes, while other target markets will not.
Example – “dangerous goods”
attributes are currently required in certain countries. Parties that do not
operate in these countries will not be required to communicate these attributes
to their customers.
As stated above, in addition
possible variations in values for the same attribute, the list of attributes
communicated may change based on these three keys. Changes in the information
provider can change the list of attributes associated with a GTIN.
Example – Information
provider A chooses to provide values for 50 attributes for a GTIN, while
information provider B chooses to provide values for 100, seeing this as a
competitive advantage.
The relevant target market
can also affect the selection of attributes. Certain target markets will have
legal requirements for some attributes, while other target markets will not.
Example – “dangerous goods”
attributes are currently required in certain countries. Parties that do not
operate in these countries will not be required to communicate these attributes
to their customers.
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Product Hierarchy |
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Product Classification |
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Product
Orientation |
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Language
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Currency |
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Unit of Measure |
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Product
Description |
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Code
Lists |
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Attribute Variations |
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Relationship to Global Data Synchronisation |
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Back to Message Description |
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