Electronic Data Interchange Update

X12 EDI continues to be the lynchpin for electronic commerce supporting GS1 US members and the North American supply chain community. To benefit the EDI user community, the GS1 US X12 Requirements Group (XRG) continues to support new and enhanced business processes using our Uniform Communication Standard (UCS), Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Solutions (VICS) and Industrial/Commercial (I/C) implementation guidelines.

The XRG recently released its newest version of EDI implementation guidelines for 2011, covering version 6030. (Yes, you read right, version 6030!!) These updated guidelines include changes incorporated by X12 as well as those submitted by our GS1 US community. We continue to make updates to the various motor carrier and ocean transaction sets reflecting changes implemented by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as well as logistics providers. Updated guidelines are available through the GS1 US Solutions Center or product catalog.

For 2012, we have several significant initiatives in progress. With Internet commerce becoming more important to the consumer, the topic of new order channels (retailer portals, internet marketplaces, direct to consumer, etc.) in combination with existing channels (warehouse, distribution center, etc.) has highlighted an issue that there is a lack of consistency in the way companies are managing these order processes vis-à-vis their electronic commerce processes. The XRG has started a discussion on the topic, with a goal of clarifying the business processes and supporting X12 EDI transaction sets.

For those of you that have supplier-managed in-store shelf space, we have formed a DEX/Direct Store Delivery (DSD) committee to discuss the DSD business processes. There have been significant process enhancements to DSD over the last few years, and there are several new requirements in the works. Topics for the group include (1) DSD business processes and information requirements, (2) examination of possible alternatives to the hand-held cable hook-up, and (3) the development of educational materials regarding DEX and the DSD processes.

For more information on these and other electronic commerce topics, contact Steve Rosenberg at srosenberg@gs1us.org.