Every company doing business with Hardlines (DIY) retailers such as Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), Lowes, Sears Holdings, and Walmart is encouraged to join GS1 US through its Partner Connections program to obtain their unique company prefix. GS1 US helps businesses in the hardlines community come together to assess and address inefficient business processes in order to stabilize operations and increase revenue in the value chain.
Once a unique company prefix is obtained, it is recommended that companies join a data pool such as 1SYNC to electronically exchange product data with retailers via the Global Data Synchronization Network® (GDSN®).
1SYNC has been actively synchronizing data in the Hardlines industry for many years. From facilitating the creation and standardization of the necessary data attributes for the Hardlines industry, to working on standardizing retailer specific selling and marketing attributes in the Hardlines sector, 1SYNC™ clearly plays an important role in the advancement of improved value chains in the industry. Today, more than 5,000 customers, including 2,000 Hardlines suppliers, successfully utilize 1SYNC’s robust and easy to use data pool solution to synchronize data via the GDSN with leading retailers. 1SYNC is currently synchronizing supplier data with every Hardlines retailer in the GDSN.
GS1 US™ unlocks the value of standards for the hardlines through the following initiatives:
- Reduce industry costs by leveraging clean and accurate data throughout the supply chain:
- Quick and efficient electronic communications will eventually replace manual paper processes – including new item introduction – at many Hardlines retailers. In an effort to streamline item setup and maintenance, several retailers are working on automating these processes via the GDSN.
- Industry Data Simplified Synchronization: Roadmap for Data Synchronization with the Rough Plumbing Industry
- Representatives from the Rough Plumbing Industry launched a data synchronization pilot project to determine if this technology could support their business environment. Business processes were mapped, industry specific item attributes were pinpointed, and perceived benefits were identified. Download the report.
- Take a Closer Look: Getting Bottom-line Results with Quality Data
A case study confirms potential business opportunities for bottom-line results in the Hardlines industry when accurate data is synchronized.
The GS1 standards used in the hardlines sector include:
- Global Trade Item Numbers® (GTIN-12 and GTIN-13) for product identification. The GTIN is used on both the physical product as well as in electronic communications between trading partners.
- Global Location Numbers (GLN) for identification of companies, divisions, and individual store, manufacturing, or distribution locations.
- Data Synchronization via the GDSN to share information via ecommerce.
The following symbologies are used:
Learn more
GS1 US offers education and events where you can learn more and become involved in any of these initiatives:
Community Leadership
GS1 US works closely with industry and industry organizations to connect communities, identify and resolve industry issues, and share best practices. We value our relationships with: