GSMP Working Groups

The GSMP brings together users from all industries and from everywhere inf the world to develop and implement supply chain standards. Our users contribute via the following GSMP Working Groups

Standards Maintenance Groups (SMGs):

SMGs are responsible for the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of one or more existing GS1 Standards or GS1 Guidelines. The GSMP SMG Standards & Guidelines Assignment Map details what standards and guidelines are in the scope of each SMG.

The following SMGs are formed in the new GSMP process. Click the link provided for information about the groups work and membership requirements.  

Mission Specific Work Groups (MSWGs):

MSWGs are formed  to complete a specific piece of work as described in a group’s Charter. It disbands when the work is complete. 
Click the link provided for information about the groups work and membership requirements.

Disbanded Groups

For a list of disbanded groups, click here.

GSMP BarCodes SMG

GS1 works with ISO/IEC JTC1 SC31 to maintain alignment on technical specifications for all bar codes used by GS1. At times this means GS1 is involved in ISO level discussions and at times GS1 will initiate these discussions so it is important to have a Bar Codes SMG to maintain this alignment. This pertains to traditional bar codes such as EAN/UPC but also the newer bar codes like GS1-128, GS1 DataBar, and GS1 DataMatrix which carry GS1 Identification Key attributes (e.g., serial numbers, batch numbers, or expiration dates). GS1 also establishes rules for the placement (location) of bar codes on packaging or logistic units. These rules must account for a combination of things such as human factors and the environment where a bar code will be scanned. To process all maintenance Work Requests related to GS1 use of ISO/IEC Symbol Specifications and Symbol Placement Rules. This group will act as a pool of experts for all BarCodes SMG working groups and coordinate with associated Mission Specific groups as stated in the GSMP Manual undfer section 3.4 Working Groups.The BarCodes SMG documents the business requirements and analysis for maintenance requests in a BRAD to assure alignment and agreement of the business need, scope of change and business requirements. With approval of the BRAD within the Bar Codes SMG and the outcome of Community Review and Community eBallot, the BarCodes SMG continues with the development and approval processing of the GSCN.For a detailed description of relevant standards and guidelines documents see: The GSMP SMG Standards & Guidelines Assignment Map above.

Requirements to Join: GSMP Membership, Intellectual Property Policy and
Group's Opt-in / Charter: Read Only Version; E-Sign Version or Automatic Opt-In
Join this group here (Community Room Link): Click here
Process Manager: Tom Heist

GSMP Data Accuracy SMG

This group will process all maintenance Work Requests for the GDSN Package Measurement Rules Standard and the GDSN Package Measurement Rules Implementation Guideline. This group will act as a pool of experts for all Data Accuracy SMG working groups and coordinate with associated Mission Specific groups as defined in the New GSMP Manual under section 3.4 Working Group. The work the Data Accuracy SMG does allows our community to increase savings throughout the supply chain by synchronizing accurate dimensions and weight data which enables better transportation, logistics and retail shelf planning for Retail, Grocery, Home Improvement Sectors etc.For a detailed description of relevant standards and guidelines documents see: The GSMP SMG Standards & Guidelines Assignment Map above.

Requirements to Join: GSMP Membership, Intellectual Property Policy and
Group's Opt-In/ Charter: Read Only Version; E-Sign Version or Automatic Opt-In
Join this group here (Community Room Link): Click here
Process Manager: Justin Childs

GSMP eCom SMG

This GS1 eCom provides global standards for electronic business messaging that allow rapid, efficient and accurate automatic electronic transmission of agreed business data between trading partners. eCom is a GS1 term used for the Electronic Data Interchange technology, which can be defined as "the transfer of structured data, by agreed message standards, from one computer application to another, by electronic means and with a minimum of human intervention". GS1 eCom standards are based on globally recognized GS1 Identification Keys (GTIN, GLN, SSCC etc.) also used to physical identification of items, allowing a direct link between physical flow of goods and information related to them. GS1 eCom standards are widely used globally and are a key component of just-in-time manufacturing and quick response customer-supplier links.This group will process all maintenance Work Requests for the eCom Standards., It is intended to act as a pool of experts for all eCom work groups and coordinate with associated Mission Specific work groups as stated in the New GSMP Manual under section 3.4 Working Groups.For a detailed description of relevant standards and guidelines documents see: The GSMP SMG Standards & Guidelines Assignment Map above.

Requirements to Join: GSMP Membership, Intellectual Property Policy and
Group's Opt-In/ Charter: Read Only Version; E-Sign Version or Automatic Opt-In
Join this group here (Community Room Link): Click here
Process Manager: Jean-Luc Champion

GSMP Global Data Synchronization (GDS) SMG

The Global Data Synchronisation Network [GDSN] is built around the GS1 Global Registry®, GDSN-certified data pools, the GS1 Data Quality Framework and GS1 Global Product Classification, which when combined provide a powerful environment for secure and continuous synchronisation of accurate data. With GDSN, trading partners always have the latest information in their systems, and any changes made to one company's database are automatically and immediately provided to all of the other companies who do business with them.When a supplier and a customer know they are looking at the same accurate and up-to-date data, it is smoother, quicker and less expensive for them to do business together. The GDSN provides a single point of truth for product information. GDSN uses standard XML messaging built specifically for this service.This group will process all maintenance Work Requests for the GDSN Standards housed in multiple BMS documents. To act as a pool of experts for all GDSN work groups and coordinate with associated Mission Specific work groups as defined in the GSMP Manual under section 3.4 Working Groups. The work the GDSN SMG does allows our community to keep pace with regulatory and innovation changes throughout the world for example Chemical Ingredients Reporting, Sustainability, Patient Safety, Food Service, Home Improvement, Grocery, Retail, Books…For a detailed description of relevant standards and guidelines documents see: The GSMP SMG Standards & Guidelines Assignment Map above.

Requirements to Join: GSMP Membership, Intellectual Property Policy and
Group's Opt-In/ Charter: Read Only Version; E-Sign Version or Automatic Opt-In
Join this group here (Community Room Link): Click here
Process Manager: Justin Childs

GSMP Global Product Classification (GPC) SMG

This group maintains the GS1 Global Product Classification system. This work group acts as a pool of experts for all GPC work groups and coordinates with associated Mission Specific work groups as defined in the GSMP Manual under section 3.4 Working Groups.The GS1 Global Product Classification (GPC) is a system that gives buyers and sellers a common language for grouping products in the same way. It ensures that products are classified correctly and uniformly, everywhere in the world.For a detailed description of relevant standards and guidelines documents see: The GSMP SMG Standards & Guidelines Assignment Map above.

Requirements to Join: GSMP Membership, Intellectual Property Policy and
Group's Opt-In/ Charter: Read Only Version; E-Sign Version or Automatic Opt-In
Join this group here (Community Room Link): Click here
Process Manager: Michael Mowad

GSMP Identification SMG

GS1 Identification has provided benefits to consumers around the world for over thirty years. There are nine GS1 Identification Keys to identify things such as trade items, parties, locations, logistic units, assets, and more. In addition there are approximately 100 GS1 Identification Key attributes for things such as serialization, batch or lot identification of trade item, weights and measurements, dates, etc. All of these are defined for global implementation. Beyond the data standards, the Identification SMG maintains AIDC Application Standards where GS1 decides what GS1 identification and AIDC data carrier are used for a specific business application. The SMG must also maintain the associated AIDC Validation Rules and Symbol Specification Tables that support AIDC Application Standards. Process all Maintenance Work Requests and develop Identification SMG Output for relevant sections of the GS1 General Specifications related to GS1 System Identifiers, Tag Data Standards (TDS), GS1 Key Allocation Rules and AIDC related Guidelines. To act as a pool of experts for all Identification SMG related work groups and coordinate with associated Mission Specific work groups as defined in the GSMP Manual under section 3.4 Working Groups.The Identification SMG documents the business requirements and analysis for maintenance requests in a BRAD to assure alignment and agreement of the business need, scope of change and business requirements. With approval of the BRAD within Identification SMG and the outcome of Community Review and community eBallot, the Identification SMG continues with the development and approval processing of the GSCN.For a detailed description of relevant standards and guidelines documents see: The GSMP SMG Standards & Guidelines Assignment Map above.

Requirements to Join: GSMP Membership, Intellectual Property Policy and
Group's Opt-In/ Charter: Read Only Version; E-Sign Version or Automatic Opt-In
Join this group here (Community Room Link): Click here
Process Manager: Tom Heist

GSMP Traceability and Event Sharing Standards Maintenance Group (SMG)

The SMG maintains updates to the GS1 EPCglobal standards that support physical event capture and sharing and the Global Traceability Standard that supports tracking and tracing of goods and information about the goods. This includes all simple work requests indicated as impacting the event data sharing and traceability standards. The actual standards supported are listed in the latest version of the GSMP Standards Assignment Map.* They are global and apply to all industries in the GS1 community.
In addition, the group acts as a pool of experts for all Mission Specific Working Groups that are related to the SMG, as defined in the GSMP Manual in section 3.4. Working Groups.

*For a detailed description of relevant standards documents see the latest version of: The GSMP SMG Standards Assignment Map above.

Requirements to Join: GSMP Membership, Intellectual Property Policy and
Group's Opt-In/ Charter: Read Only Version; E-Sign Version or Automatic Opt-In
Join this group here (Community Room Link): Click here
Process Manager: Melanie Kudela

Mission-Specific Working Groups (MSWG)

Discovery Services Working Group - WO 10-097

This group will define the necessary technical interface standard(s) needed to support the ‘discovery’ of visibility data in a network of supply chain partners.  The Discovery Services Working Group is migrating from the former EPC process to the New GSMP process.  If you are a current member of this work group, you will be required to re-join this group in the GS1 Community Room.  If your company was opted-in to the DS WG, you do not need to re-opt-in.  If your company was not opted into this group, you will need to follow the instructions to join this group. .

Members should fall into one of two categories:

• End users from CPG, Retail, DoD, Pharma, Transportation, Logistics, or other industries who have expertise in how they might want to capture, secure and  access EPC data within their networks. 
• Technologists and academics that have an understanding of the Discovery Services requirements and use cases.

Requirements to Join: EPCglobal Intellectual Property Policy and
Group's Opt-in / Charter Agreement: E-Sign Version
Join this group here (Community Room Link): Click here
Process Manager: Mark Frey

GSMP B2C Digital Coupons MSWG - WO 10-007

This group is being formed to develop a standard identification and attributes for digital coupons. It is a requirement that digital and traditional coupon offerings be aligned at an architectural level therefore experts from traditional and digital fields are required to participate.

The move from paper to digital technologies has provided in the past increased efficiency, greater, accuracy, better scalability and higher flexibility in lots of business areas including but not limited to the retail value chain. So it can be expected that proliferation of digital coupons is likely to be beneficial for all stakeholders that are involved in the couponing value chain. The mobile channel is of strategic importance for brands and retailers alike and the time is right to look into it, since consumers are already using their mobile phones to access coupons and promotions. Mobile couponing campaigns are a reality in many countries today and usage is rapidly increasing..

Requirements to Join: GSMP Membership, Intellectual Property Policy and
Group's Opt-In/ Charter: Read Only Version; E-Sign Version or Automatic Opt-In
Join this group here (Community Room Link): Click here
Process Manager: Jean-Luc Champion

GSMP B2C Trusted Source of Data (TSD) MSWG - WO 11-000245

This group will develop the standards and guideline necessary to implement GS1 B2C Trusted Source of Data for all stakeholders.  Digital Information about consumer products is frequently missing or inaccurate. With these standards and guideline we can provide a global framework to communicate basic and nutritional product information from brand owners to internet application providers and consumers via internet devices (e.g. smart phones, tablets, laptops, etc.).

Requirements to Join: GSMP Membership, Intellectual Property Policy and
Group's Opt-In/ Charter: Read Only Version; E-Sign Version or Automatic Opt-In
Join this group here (Community Room Link): Click here
Process Manager: Mark Frey

GSMP Barcode EPC Implementation Guideline MSWG - WO 11-016

This group will develop a guideline that explains the proper implementation of the existing standards to achieve interoperability between data carriers, specifically Bar Codes and RFID tags and their supporting infrastructure. This includes reading, decoding, conveying data between Bar Codes and EPCs, and marking them. Finally, the correlation of ERP or database records with GS1 keys stored in EPCIS is addressed.

Requirements to Join: GSMP Membership, Intellectual Property Policy and
Group's Opt-In/ Charter: Read Only Version; E-Sign Version or Automatic Opt-In
Join this group here (Community Room Link): Click here
Process Manager: Mark Frey

GSMP Components and Parts Identification MSWG - WO 11-110

Many industries and industry sectors, such as automotive, need to be able to uniquely identify components and parts used to build or assemble products.  A new identifier might need to be added to the GS1 system to address this business need.   The group will define the business requirements for the identifier and the applications where it might be used with GS1 system components, e.g. bar codes, RFID, EPCIS, eCom, etc.

Requirements to Join: GSMP Membership, Intellectual Property Policy and
Group's Opt-In/ Charter: Read Only Version; E-Sign Version or Automatic Opt-In
Join this group here (Community Room Link): Click here
Process Manager: Tom Heist

GSMP eCom Intelligent Packaging MSWG - WO 09-167

Define standard requirements for packaging design/artwork and a standard communication approach to reduce processing time, increase productivity, and reduce error rates and possibility enable manufacturers to accurately communicate packaging content to eRetailers, driving eCommerce speed to market and quality.

Requirements to Join: GSMP Membership, Intellectual Property Policy and
Group's Opt-In/ Charter: Read Only Version; E-Sign Version or Automatic Opt-In
Join this group here (Community Room Link): Click here
Process Manager: Jean-Luc Champion

GSMP eCom Logistics Standards MSWG - WO 09-189

Develop a framework of common business processes and related data communications interchanges for Logic Service Providers in the Consumer Packaged Goods supply chain and drive alignment on all levels of these interoperations from master data alignment to financial settlement. This framework is called the LIM, the Logistics Interoperability Model.

Requirements to Join: GSMP Membership, Intellectual Property Policy and
Group's Opt-In/ Charter: Read Only Version; E-Sign Version or Automatic Opt-In
Join this group here (Community Room Link): Click here
Process Manager: Jean-Luc Champion

GSMP GDS Major Release 3 MSWG - WO 11-156

Build a GDSN Major Release Version 3 for the GDS suite of standards from all maintenance GDS work requests and development BRAD’s approved since the last GDS Maintenance Release.

Requirements to Join: GSMP Membership, Intellectual Property Policy and
Group's Opt-In/ Charter: Read Only Version; E-Sign Version or Automatic Opt-In
Join this group here (Community Room Link): Click here
Process Manager: Justin Childs 

GSMP GS1 EPCglobal Federated Object Name Service (FONS) MSWG - WO 10-308

This group will create the standard Federated Object Name System (FONS) to allow Country specific [MO] ONS instances. This is a peer service which supports a user locating the pointer to databases for a given class of products. It does not tell the user about a particular instance of a product. It is not a required that a MO has to develop an Object Name Service since they can stay with onsepc.com. FONS offers a means to channel services that ONS does not currently provide and allows the integration of classes of items identified by bar codes, as well as what is currently done with EPC identifications.

Requirements to Join: GSMP Membership, Intellectual Property Policy and
Group's Opt-in / Charter: Read Only Version; E-Sign Version or Automatic Opt-In
Join this group here (Community Room Link): Click here
Process Manager: Mark Frey

GSMP GS1 Tag Data and Translation Standard 1.7 MSWG - WO 11-205

Add functionality to the GS1 EPC RFID Tag structures as defined in Tag Data Standard (TDS) and Tag Data Translation (TDT) to address consumer choice in retail. These additions to the tag structures will ensure visibility of all EPC RFID tags to users. Users then can take advantage of available systems developed by others to protect their user data.

Requirements to Join: GSMP Membership, Intellectual Property Policy and
Group's Opt-in / Charter: Read Only Version; E-Sign Version or Automatic Opt-In
Join this group here (Community Room Link): Click here
Process Manager: Mark Frey

GSMP Level Below The Each (Unit Dose) MSWG - WO 10-301

Define requirements and AIDC solution for the identification of products below the current GS1 supported “each” level to provide identification of product below the item level. For example, Healthcare requires a level below each to identify items such as a unit dose; pills dispensed from one or more bulk packages or pills in blister packs. This effort will focus on marking and labeling for Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) and recommendations for other affected GS1 system components such as Global Data Synchronization (GDS).

Requirements to Join: GSMP Membership, Intellectual Property Policy and
Group's Opt-in / Charter Agreement: Read Only Version; E-Sign Version or Automatic Opt-In
Join this group here (Community Room Link): Click here
Process Manager: Tom Heist

GSMP National Health Reimbursement Number (NHRN) MSWG - WO 10-300

This MSWG is being formed to address NHRNs that are intended to be encoded in the AIDC marking with a focus on national numbers that are required in the AIDC marking and create a harmonized approach to ease integration of NHRNs into the GS1 system, using GS1 Product Identification Keys to uniquely identify Healthcare Trade Items in conformance with NHRN regulations. For a high level overview on this topic, the GS1 Global Healthcare Leadership Team has created an “NHRN Discussion Paper” that can be found at: click here for GS1 HC LT discussion paper.

Requirements to Join: GSMP Membership, Intellectual Property Policy and
Group's Opt-in / Charter Agreement: Read Only Version; E-Sign Version or Automatic Opt-In
Join this group here (Community Room Link): Click here
Process Manager: Tom Heist

UHF Air Interface 1and2 Work Group

In UHFAI 1and2, this charter has incorporated consensus by the WG to develop two specifications. LCWD 1 will address extensions to Gen2 concerning user memory and recommissioning. LCWD 2 will address the security issues, which are more complex and dependent on the deliverables of the PDPC.

Requirements to Join: EPCglobal Intellectual Property Policy and
Group's Opt-in / Charter Agreement: E-Sign Version
Join this group here (Community Room Link): Click here
Process Manager: Giselle Ow-Yang

Disbanded Groups - SMG

GSMP Event Sharing SMG - Group was merged with Tracability SMG and a new group was launched

This Standard Maintenance Group (SMG) facilitates the maintenance of standards and requirements for EPC Information Services (EPCIS), Object Name Service (ONS), Core Business Vocabulary (CBV), Discovery Services [DS] and data exchange requirements. These standards and requirements form the framework that enables immediate, automatic, and accurate identification and location of any item in the supply chain of any company anywhere in the world. This framework is based on global standards that ensure universal applicability and optimal functionality across the globe for all industry sectors. The participants in the group will: define end-user business requirements to the standards development process for driving adoption of the EPCglobal Network; organize into working groups focused on strategy, technical or implementation concerns; maintain the existing functional and interface software standards; and define how these elements interact with distributed enterprise systems. The members of the SMG will act as a pool of experts for assigned maintenance work requests and coordinate with associated Mission Specific work groups as defined in the GSMP Manual under section 3.4 Working Groups. For a detailed description of relevant standards and guidelines documents see: The GSMP SMG Standards & Guidelines Assignment Map above.

Process Manager: Melanie Kudela

GSMP Traceability SMG - Group was merged with Event Sharring SMG and a new group was launched

This Standard Maintenance Group (SMG) facilitates the maintenance of process Standards and Guidelines related to Traceability. The GS1 Global Traceability Standard is a business process standard. It was developed within the GS1 Global Standards Management Process (GSMP), a community of from Asia, Europe and the Americas, representing retailers, suppliers, GS1 Member Organisations and solution providers, in a wide range of industries. GTS is a business process standard that was developed within the GS1 Global Standards Management Process (GSMP) to provide the supply chain with the ability to track and trace goods and information and quickly respond to market needs. It is the key to successfully and efficiently managing today’s logistics supply chain and to support product quality and safety management. The members of the SMG will act as a pool of experts for assigned maintenance work requests and coordinate with associated Mission Specific work groups as defined in the GSMP Manual under section 3.4 Working Groups. For a detailed description of relevant standards and guidelines documents see: The GSMP SMG Standards & Guidelines Assignment Map above.

Process Manager: Melanie Kudela

Disbanded Groups - MSWG

GSMP eSeal MSWG - WO 11-09 - Group did not reach minimums

This group will create requirements and changes to standards to improve the management of the container tracking at port by utilizing EPC encoded RFID technology to facilitate security, visibility, and traceability. There are many illegal activities which occur during container transportation. Due to its long transport journey and complex supply chain, criminals have opportunity to compromise the container’s integrity.

Process Manager: Mark Frey

GSMP Human Readable Interpretation Multi-Sector MSWG - WO Numbe 11-089 - Group did not reach minimums

This MSWG will discuss several business issues related to Human Readable Interpretation [HRI] and non-HRI packaging data and identify related changes to the GS1 General Specification for two scenarios:

1. Human Readable Interpretation (HRI) for an implied Application Identifier (01) [for GTIN] that is not encoded in the data carrier and how to display beneath the GS1 carrier

2. Human Readable Interpretation (HRI) around dynamic/master data encoded in the carrier, that may also be marked elsewhere on the product due to regional regulations*, thus displaying the information twice

*These regional regulations are sector specific for sectors such as Fresh Food and Healthcare that are represented in the multi-sector GSMP Community.

Process Manager: Mark Frey

GSMP Implementation of GDSN in the Consumer Electronics Industry MSWG - WO Number 11-057 - Group did not reach minimums

Join the GSMP Implementation of GDSN in the Consumer Electronics Industry MSWG. This group will develop the Business Requirements Analysis Documents and applicable associated Business Message Standards to add master data attributes for the Consumer Electronics (CE) industry to the GDSN Standards. Consumer Electronic attributes may include items such as Hi-Tech & Multimedia products (e.g. TVs, DVD players, camcorders, digital cameras, etc.) and IT & Telecoms (e.g. laptops, computers, printers, mobile phones, etc.). Corresponding Business Message Standards will be determined by the annual Maintenance Release schedule of GDSN. This work will be completed in a phased approach by product category and sub-category. Phased work on individual product lines will lead to increasing synchronization across product categories as well as required data attributes and code lists. The group seeks trading partners from all sides of the trading relationship as well as subject matter experts that are familiar with Consumer Electronics GDS requirements and possess knowledge of GS1 standards and specifically the GDSN.

Process Manager: Melanie Kudela

 GSMP EPC Tag Data & Translation Standards V1.6 MSWG 10-204 - Work Completed

This Group will produce updates to two existing GS1 EPCglobal Standards. The scope of work (driven by user input) is to add two new EPCglobal headers to meet Statement of Business needs for Aerospace and Defense, and address privacy requirements from the EPCglobal Tag Alterations Joint Requirements Group. This team will also update the Tag Data Translation (TDT 1.4) to make it current with all headers defined in TDS 1.6, and develop Conformance Requirements to provide the basis for certifying suppliers of software and encoders of EPC tags per the TDS 1.6.

The necessary IP forms for this Working Group are the EPCglobal IP DOCUMENTS. This was a board approved deviation for the purpose of expediting this work effort in the new GSMP process. Anyone signing the GS1 IP policy who wishes to join this work effort may do so by signing the GS1 - EPCglobal Acknowledgement form.

Process Manager: Mark Frey

Questions? Need assistance?

• Please send an email to gsmp@gs1.org