What Is the GDSN? Who Controls the GDSN? What Is the History of the GDSN? How Does the GDSN Work? What Problems Does the GDSN Solve? What Are GDSN Data Pools?

The GDSN: A Digital Shelf Guide

Explore the basics of the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN), including the organization that controls it, its history, how it works, the problems it solves, and how GDSN data pools connect to the GDSN.

What Problems Does the GDSN Solve?

The GDSN connects trading partners to a trusted, continuously synchronized product information source. These established connections allow product information, including changes, to move freely.

The GDSN is designed to make the process of defining and mapping requirements straightforward. While all industries benefit from this GS1 Global standard, highly regulated industries like food and healthcare find it especially beneficial.

The GDSN design for its network of interconnected data pools reduces the need for manual processes for moving data. This process also reduces errors and decreases the time needed to take product information to market.

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Who Controls the GDSN?

GS1 Global GS1 Global is a Belgium-based non-profit that manages the GDSN. The organization develops and maintains global standards like the GDSN for business communication and has 1.5 million user companies. Its focus is data identification, capture, share, and use. LEARN MORE

Other GS1 Global Standards • Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
• Electronic Product Code (EPC) Tags
• Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS)
• Global Electronic Party Information Registry (GEPIR)
• Global Location Number (GLN)
• Global Product Classification (GPC)
• Global Service Relation Number (GSRN)
• Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)
• GS1 DataBar
• GS1 DataMatrix
• GS1 Digital Link
• Mobile Ready Hero Image
• Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) Tags Learn More

What is the History of the GDSN?

The Uniform Code Council (UCC) created GS1 Global in 1974. This numbering system was expanded outside of the U.S. in 1976 with the European Article Numbering (EAN) system. Thirty-two independent standards evolved around these two numbering systems. In 2004, the EAN and UCC codified these standards into a joint protocol: the GDSN.

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How Does the GDSN Work?

The GDSN allows data sources to transmit product information to trading partners automatically. It manages a broad range of product information, including operational and logistical data (e.g., weight, dimensions, hazardous shipping flags) and packaging information (e.g., pallet, case and pack shipping configurations).
The GDSN transmits this product information in five steps.

What Problems Does the GDSN Solve?

The GDSN connects trading partners to a trusted, continuously synchronized product information source. These established connections allow product information, including changes, to move freely.
The GDSN is designed to make the process for defining and mapping requirements straightforward. While all industries benefit from this GS1 Global standard, highly regulated industries like food and healthcare find it especially beneficial.
The GDSN design for its network of interconnected data pools reduces the need for manual processes for moving data. This process also reduces errors and decreases the time needed to take product information to market. Learn More

What Is a GDSN Data Pool?

A data pool is a solution that stores product information to transmit it to the GDSN. Companies must subscribe to a GS1-certified data pool to connect to the GDSN.

More than 50 data pools are tested and certified by GS1 Global, including Salsify, GS1 U.K., and GS1 Canada. While it's not necessary to have contracts with multiple data pools, consider whether a data pool offers global market data connections.

Some companies also choose to purchase a machine-to-machine (M2M) provider, which are software packages that both connect to the GDSN data pool and streamline the process of moving data. Not all data pools, however, offer this service or maintain certification programs.

GS1 recommends companies complete a small, controlled data pool trial before choosing a provider.

Salsify GDSN Data Pool

Learn how the Salsify GDSN Data Pool could help you centralize and syndicate your content from one unified platform.

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