Share Information Electronically

GDSN is the electronic transfer of standardized product information between trading partners and the continuous synchronization of that information over time. It helps ensure all partners have access to the same accurate information. It’s all about product master data, which includes product attributes such as weight, description, brand name, product information, Global Trade Item Number® (GTIN®), and manufacturer information.

With GDSN, trading partners only need one connection to send and receive product information. By being continuous, trading partners can share accurate and up-to-date product information. For example, once a product's information is synchronized, any changes made to it are automatically and immediately provided to downstream trading partners using the network.

You can share your product data using GDSN through data pools with companies that manage product data exchange between trading partners. Different data pools specialize in different industries, so it’s best to ask some qualifying questions before choosing one.

Accurately measuring your products can improve trucking efficiency, increase new product speed to market, and improve customer relationships. Even a small error or misunderstanding in package measurement can be compounded at the pallet level, resulting in rejected shipments, costs to correct errors, catalog discrepancies, and lost sales. When all trading partners follow the same rules, the chances for errors are much reduced.

These rules are called the GDSN Package Measurement Rules. They support trading partners in sharing a common understanding of package measurements across the world. They also play an important role in communicating product master data electronically between trading partners. The measurement process itself is relatively easy. The main issues are awareness, understanding, and proper application of the rules.

The GDSN Package Measurement Rules establish two distinct types of trade items: consumer trade items and non-consumer trade items. Each has its own set of measurement rules based on specific criteria and specific rules for dealing with exceptions.

Consumer trade items that are sold at the point-of-sale (at checkout) are marked with a point-of-sale barcode, typically the UPC-A.

Here are the steps involved:

1. Your first step is to identify the “default front,” which often differs from how a retailer displays the product. It’s usually the side that has the promotional copy, like the product name, on it. If more than one side has promotional copy, the default front would be the side with the largest or highest surface area. For most trade items, determining the default front is easy; however, rules exist to address specific exceptions.
2. Next, identify the right orientation in which to measure the product. The direction of the text elements on the default front determines the orientation.
3. Last, measure the product using height, width, and depth.

Non-consumer trade items, such as cases or pallets, do not pass through the point-of-sale but instead pass through warehouses and distribution centers. They are typically marked with GS1-128 or ITF-14 barcodes.

Here are the steps involved:

1. Your first step is to determine the “natural base” of the item. Typically, this is the natural underside of the trade item, but if graphics indicate a top or bottom orientation, the marked bottom is the natural base. Determining the natural base is usually easy; however, additional rules exist to address specific exceptions. 
2. Second, measure the product using height, width, and depth.

Note: If your package is marked with consumer and non-consumer trade item barcodes, follow the rules for a consumer trade item.