Global Data Synchronization

Facilitating trade through the Global Data Synchronization Network

Retailers are increasingly requiring suppliers to “synchronize” their product data through the Global Data Synchronization Network. In the past, suppliers have provided product information through a variety of inefficient communication channels and manual processes, including paper catalogues, retailer-specific forms, online portals, price sheets and standing offers. This is a significant management burden on suppliers as these manual processes often exist outside of computer systems, so it is difficult to keep information updated as changes occur over the product life cycle.

As a result, retailers are often faced with out of date and inaccurate product information in their stores and warehouses. Not having the information they need, when they need it, can directly correlate to lost sales for the retailer, and subsequently lost contracts for the supplier.
 

Global Data Synchronization Network to the rescue
The Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) has been created to address exactly these challenges for suppliers and retailers. It provides a single standardized methodology to govern the exchange of product information between buyers and suppliers, for consistency in local markets and internationally. Whenever a supplier changes product data, it is automatically updated and sent to all buyers who subscribe to a given data pool. Buyers can belong to any of 27 available worldwide Certified Data Pools, and this GDSN registration allows them to receive updated product information automatically as changes happen. This is what is meant by synchronization.

In addition to saving time and money, suppliers can also build stronger trading partner relationships as GDSN provides the following benefits:

  • Quicker and easier to introduce new products into the data pool and communicate this information to multiple trading partners
  • Easier to add or change catalogue items or their prices leading to shorter lead times for product promotions
  • Reduction in the number of invoice disputes and inaccurate orders
  • Improved logistics handling with accurate product specifications and efficient order sizing
     

Commport is your Global Data Synchronization partner
Commport Communications offers a GDSN certified data pool called CGS Datapool Services. It is both a supply and a demand side data pool that offers customized tools to enable each partner to manage their data synchronization initiative. Our goal is to be your long-term partner, providing you with innovative solutions as markets shift, and keeping your costs lower with a unique pricing methodology. Find out more about how Commport’s CGS Datapool Services can offer you more value for lower cost.

Commport was one of the first GDSN providers to be certified in the original GDSN certification event by the GS1 in 2005. Let us put our experience to work for you.