French retailer's cooperative Systeme U partnered with Agena 3000, a provider of logistics software, to improve information on supplied products. From now on the French giant will receive product-sheets in an electronic form through EDI flows. First to be tested with FMCG suppliers and then extended to Bazar products, butchers and backers, a new tool is a successor of GDSN-supported electronic catalogue.

To be tested this summer, the new logistic tool aims at boosting data quality for the products, as the description will be used by internal departments, like marketing and quality and by supply chain, stores and e-commerce websites as well. Designed to improve the accuracy of product information and enhance the efficiency of the supply chain, this tool is a continuation of an electronic catalogue- a solution used to share information about a product.

GS1: single point of access to product information

Many catalogues have been available on the market. GS1 International created the GDSN certification (Global Data Synchronisation Network) in order to make sure that electronic catalogues use the GS1 product data message and can exchange information with other catalogues. All of these catalogues together make up the GDSN network. The GDSN network makes sharing information much more straightforward, and serves as a unique access point for sending out product information to all clients. Importantly, partners can also access information in real time. Technology is no longer a barrier. The electronic catalogue is therefore an essential tool for suppliers, enabling them to provide their various partners with product data that is reliable and up-to-date. This process of sharing information - also known as Global Data Synchronisation - results in optimum dissemination of product information,
and in data being aligned between the supplier and the client.

Data quality soars

A study conducted within an Australian Noah Project revealed that Data Quality came out as a leading factor in the use of GS1 standards based technologies. In fact, Data Quality was the only business capability found to be influencing the use of all GS1 standards based technologies. Electronic catalogues and the use pf EDI messaging radically improve the quality of data shared between trading partners. Furthermore, it saves time. When changes are made to one company’s database, they can automatically be sent to all firms who do business with them. Consequently, businesses can increase the accuracy of their orders, decrease the time to market for products, reduce the invoice errors and number of duplicate processes, and drive down their supply chain costs. The manufacturer enters business, marketing and logistical information, as well as details about quality, and ensures it is updated on a regular basis. This information, which makes up the product data message, is sent to clients who then refer to it when ordering products, receiving warehouse deliveries or for direct in-store sales. Having details about the dimensions of a product, for example, makes it possible to design shelf layouts. Technical information about a product's composition or any precautions, which need to be taken when using it can be used to better inform the consumer.

Sources: http://www.lsa-conso.fr; http://www.kantarretailiq.eu; www.publications.gs1.fr; http://www.gs1au.org, Photo: commons.wikimedia.org