1 Introduction
The purpose of the Global Data Model (GDM) is to simplify and harmonise the exchange of master data. The GDM will identify and define—in a globally consistent way—the set of foundational attributes needed to manage a product through its life cycle, such as: listing/ordering, moving, storing and selling a product both digitally and physically. The intention of the GDM is to enable an improved Consumer experience and reduce complexity by harmonising foundational data across the industry.
The purpose of the GDM Attribute Implementation Guide is to provide clarity and practical business advice regarding the use of the GDM attributes and, in some cases, instruction on managing the interaction of multiple attributes.
Attribute groups in development for Attribute Implementation Guidance are as follows:
Important: The Global Data Model Attribute Implementation Guide is in continuous development. The Guide will be developed and made available to the community in phases based on attribute groups
2 Trade Item Hierarchy
A trade item hierarchy consists of multiple GTINs linked together to represent a product's packaging hierarchy levels. Each level of the hierarchy is assigned a unique GTIN, and represents that specific unit, pack, case, or pallet.
The objective in this section is to understand how to set up trade items with different hierarchies – a simple hierarchy, a complex hierarchy, a hierarchy containing a variety pack and a hierarchy containing a display unit.
Important: GTINs depicted in the examples in this section are represented generically (e.g. GTIN A, GTIN B, etc.). The specifics of GTIN management and options are out of scope for the Attribute Implementation Guide.
For more information on the GS1 GTIN Management Standard, please refer to www.gs1.org/gtinrules.
2.1 Simple Hierarchy
2.2 Non-GTIN Pallet Hierarchy
2.3 Complex Hierarchy
2.4 Variety Pack Hierarchy
2.5 Loose or Prepacked Product Hierarchy
2.6 Hierarchy Attributes – Business Process Notes
A variety Pack is a predefined pack of two or more trade items that are combined and sold together as a single trade item.
These attributes must be evaluated in conjunction with each other to understand a specific GTIN.
3 Contact Information
This section deals with a group of attributes that provide detailed information used to communicate with a contact associated with a product. A contact may represent a range of entities, for example a manufacturer, brand owner, importer, customer or consumer support. Contact information may include a telephone number, email address or web site address and is commonly found on the consumer unit package. In addition, some sellers send information that could appear on business documents, such as invoices and packing slips.
The objective in this section is to understand how contact information is populated among this set of attributes.
3.1 Contact Information on a Product Label (Example)
3.2 Contact Information on an Invoice (Example)
3.3 Contact Information Options
3.4 Contact Information – Business Process Notes
Notes:
1. This is one example of contact information on a label. The types of contacts may vary depending on market, product or other local requirements.
2. Contact Method Code and Contact Details may be repeated for the same group of Contact Type Code, Contact and Contact Address.
3. Contact Address, if available, is used in conjunction with Contact and Contact Type Code.
4. Contact Details, if available, is used in conjunction with Contact Method Code.
*Note: additional punctuation may be required between the street address and town for clarity.
3.3.1 Contact Type Codes
This table includes the three most commonly used Contact Type Code values. Please refer to the GS1 Global Data Dictionary for additional Contact Type Codes.
3.3.2 Contact Method Codes
Multiple instances of Contact Address (123), Contact (126) and Contact Type Code (127) may exist. The Contact Type Code describes the overall business usage and the content of the associated attributes can vary with each instance. In addition, multiple sets of Contact Method Code (134) and Contact Details (135) may be associated with each repeated group.
*Note: Business Process Notes address the primary use case for on-label contact information, however, there could be other use cases such as specific needs around accounting, licensing and regulation.
4 Identifiers
Identifier attributes enable accurate identification. They provide uniqueness and promote clarity in identity and differentiation for:
■ business entities
■ business locations
■ products
■ classifications
4.1 Identifiers – Business Process Notes
4.2 Notes on GTIN and GLN use in Master Data Exchange
The management of identifiers such as GLNs and GTINs includes rules on allocation, re-use and retirement.
■ For more information on GTIN management please refer to the GS1 GTIN Management Standard: [https://www.gs1.org/1/gtinrules//en/].
■ For more information on GLN management please refer to the GS1 GLN Allocation Rules Guidelines: [https://www.gs1.org/docs/barcodes/GS1_GLN_Allocation_Guidelines.pdf].
GLNs serve different purposes depending on the way an organisation conducts its business. For example, a multi-national manufacturer could have multiple GLNs representing different business applications (e.g. brand, manufacturer, distributor, importer).
■ It is necessary to examine the definition of each GLN attribute to determine the appropriate GLN for use in the master data exchange for an item.
■ More information on the purposes for which GLNs are used may be found in the GS1 General Specifications [https://www.gs1.org/standards/barcodes-epcrfid-id-keys/gs1-general-specifications].
Important! For more information about obtaining GS1 identification numbers (GTINs and GLNs) please refer to the following GS1 web page for Member Organsisation contact information: [https://www.gs1.org/contact].
5 Descriptions
The Descriptions group of attributes provides sellers and consumers with information that is useful in identifying and differentiating products. This information may be used in store communications, promotions or e-commerce. The responsibility for populating this information is largely with the manufacturer. The retailer may utilise (and sometimes modify) this information in consumer communications to better align with their marketing strategy. Because there are so many variations in the ways these attributes may be populated, it is recommended that the GS1 Trade Item Implementation Guide be referenced when determining your approach to creating this information.
5.1 Examples of How to Populate Description Attributes
5.2 Descriptions – Business Process Notes
The following examples provide specific instances of how the description group of attributes may be populated. Please see the GS1 Trade Item Implementation Guide [https://www.gs1.org/standards/gdsn/trade_implementation_guide], Section 29, for additional examples.
5.1.1 Food Example
5.1.2 Cleanser Example
Contributors & Change Log
Contributors
Log of Changes