GDSN Implementation: What You Need to Know?
GDSN is a universally accepted set of data formatting standards that ensures senders and receivers of product data are operating within the same structure and maintaining the highest levels of data integrity.
Over the next few years, retailers requiring their suppliers to provide GDSN-compliant data will be growing exponentially. The major players in U.S. retail are already mandating it, and it’s just a matter of time before it works its way through the system to include every national and regional chain in Canada and the U.S.
If you’re a supplier that is currently selling to a national or regional chain, or if you have plans to start in the near future, it’s in your best long-term interest to start laying the groundwork to provide GDSN-compliant product data. Here are a few tips on selecting a GDSN certified data pool provider and ensuring that your transition to this new industry standard goes smoothly.
4 Step Process to Get Started With GDSN
1. Choosing Your GDSN Provider
For buyers and sellers just entering the world of GDSN, the most important factor in deciding which provider to utilize is that you do not have to use the same GS1certified GDSN provider as your trading partners. By definition, all GDSN certified data pool providers can seamlessly interact and exchange data with one another.
That opens up the field considerably. Although there only a handful of GDSN-compliant solution providers operating in North America right now, the number is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, and with it will come a wide variety of fee structures, solution options and service levels. These are the elements you should be focusing on.
2. GDSN Pricing
Compare competing pricing plans – upfront sign-up cost, usage fees and annual maintenance charges. You’ll be surprised at how many ways there are to pay for services that essentially have the same end result! Choose a plan that best suits your business needs based on your product line, and future plans. A quality GDSN provider will act as a consultant, helping you to make the right decisions for your company’s implementation.
3. Comprehensive GDSN Solutions
Consider the GDSN solutions offered by a provider. Does their product offering meet all your needs or will you be forced to bring in other partners to achieve your goals? Are they targeting their platform toward large multinational traders or the SME market? Is it industry-specific or adaptable to wider uses? Does their GDSN solution need to be integrated into your existing IT infrastructure or is it hosted remotely and accessed through a PC via the internet? What kind of reporting options do they offer? Have they invested in developing and updating their own proprietary platform or are they reselling another company’s?
Lastly, as with any company you’re considering doing business with, investigate their operations. Ask to speak to current clients to learn about their experiences with set-up and training, ongoing customer service support, and continuous improvements to the application.
4. GDSN Implementation
Of course, deciding on a GDSN-compliant provider is just the beginning. Now it’s time make any necessary adjustments to your current methods of managing product data, integrate the new GDSN platform into your daily business and establish the data pipeline with your trading partner.
The best GDSN providers view themselves as true business partners and will be with you every step of the way here. Their expertise will prove invaluable in preparing a comprehensive project plan that explains every step of the process, allocates responsibilities, and outlines expected completion dates from the first training session right through to the final item syncronization. Also, look for a GDSN solution partner that assigns dedicated support staff to each project. There’s nothing better than being on a first name basis with the resources that are helping you prepare your business for the next chapter in its success!
GDSN advantages in efficiency, cost-savings and customer service are well documented at GS1 Website, the web site of the non-profit organization that defined and maintains international GDSN standards.
Contact us today to find out about the advantages of having Commport as your GDSN partner.
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