Woolworths on board with GS1 data synchronisation

The rollout of GS1 Australia’s GS1net service has taken a step forward with GDSN electronic messaging implemented between supermarket chain Woolworths and their suppliers via GS1net.

The GS1net service enables product master data, such as descriptions, weights and dimensions and pricing, to be electronically transferred between suppliers and retailers more simply and more accurately.

The Australian supermarket chain worked with GS1 Australia and trade partners to implement the GS1net service. All messaging developed through the network is to Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN) requirements, the global standard for data messaging, which is said to reduce cost for members who up to now have had to use paper forms unique to Woolworths.

GS1 Australia’s CEO, Maria Palazzolo, said, “Having Woolworths connected to GS1net will provide further benefits to their many trading partners already using GS1net and will drive even greater adoption of data synchronisation across the industry.”

Woolworths’ General Manager for Longlife Buying, Stephen Bate, said, “With Woolworths now fully compliant with GS1net and able to synchronise data with our suppliers, we see this as a valuable opportunity for our trade partners to reduce their cost of doing business.

“Whilst the process of rolling out GS1net is only just beginning at Woolies, we look forward to on boarding more of our vendors over the coming months.”

With GS1net at Woolworths, companies are able to:

• publish data once to more than one retailer;
• improve the accuracy of their data;
• improve the speed with which master data changes can be made;
• receive electronic confirmation of master data and cost submission.

“Global supply chain standards are foundational to effective data synchronisation. GS1 global standards are used by millions of companies around the world to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of their supply chains. Management of master data using GS1 Standards provides industry with this ability,” Palazzolo said.