Get started on a data synchronisation programme

Integrated, collaborative trading relationships are key to succeeding in today's global, hyper-competitive marketplace. By taking the steps to improve your relationship with your trading partners now, you will be in the best position to create sustained business value in the future.

Your local GS1 Member Organisation is the best place to start. GDSN-certified data pools can also provide guidance and support in the implementation of your data synchronisation programme.

Some general advice and suggestions to consider as you get started:

• Establish a core business team: An executive/business sponsor, for commitment and business perspective. Business subject matter experts, for business processes. Technical resources, for day-to-day functionality
• Data synchronisation is a business process, not a technical process. Get commitment from senior management for your data synchronisation strategy, communicate this commitment internally and to your trading partners, and get “buy-in” across the company structure.
• Build your company-specific business case on the basis of the rationale and link it to key performance indicators (KPIs). This can be achieved by assessing your current business processes to define the benefits and your current IT landscape to define the implementation costs. This will allow you to spread the investments over time. Build your roadmap or project plan for the coming years and use the business case to identify the KPIs to track the benefits and maintain visibility of the overall progress
• Build an implementation team: Choose a Certified Data Pool that has successful implementations (ask for references) and addresses your needs.
• Ensure your data is factually accurate and properly classified by implementing a data quality programme. This is essential: Synchronising incorrect or improperly classified data only creates problems, delays and costs in the supply chain.
• Ensure that your company and your trading partners have adopted the GS1 GTIN, GLN, Global Data Dictionary (GDD) and Global Product Classification (GPC) standards.
• Start working with a few key items and with a small number of trading partners that are strategically important and committed to developing the capabilities required to exchange clean, GS1 System standards-compliant data via the GDSN
• Engage in pilot tests with selected partners, monitor results and make the necessary workflow, process and technical adjustments before moving to full production.