There’s an app for that: Nestlé product data accessible through GoScan app

Where would we be without the iPhone? Consumers will soon be able to access extended data on Nestlé products via GS1’s GoScan app, due to be released later this year.

The app draws on the GS1 Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN), the local GS1 data pools in Australia and the United States and Nestlé’s own Australian databank.

Using GDSN to benefit consumers is a world first for GS1, according to Mark Fuller, GS1 Australia’s Chief Operating Officer.

“To date, efforts in this space have been only pilots. Our project with Nestlé Australia is a significant milestone that demonstrates how advanced the GS1 GDS system is and how it can work at its best to enable us to advance and deliver trusted data to consumers,” said Fuller.

The data will include nutritional and ingredient information, dietary information, allergen declarations and other consumer advice.

Nestlé became involved in the GS1 GoScan project early on and the company says the project was driven by its goal to make extended product information available on the app.

“It’s a huge accomplishment to see our product data appear on the GS1 GoScan app,” said Mandeep Sodhi, B2B and Supply Chain Technology Manager for Nestlé Australia. “It adds a new dimension to how we communicate with consumers and ensure they always have the most accurate and up-to-date information at their fingertips.”

The process was made more complex for Nestlé because it is a global company and its product information is held in databanks around the world, Sodhi said. Nestlé Australia uses Nutribank to manage detailed product composition and formulation data such as ingredient lists, nutritional information, allergen declarations and other key product data. Nutribank is integrated into the company’s global master data management platform.

Data is automatically loaded as part of Nestlé’s existing GDS processes into 1SYNC, the GS1 US data pool, from where it travels back to Australia to GS1net, GS1 Australia’s data synchronisation data pool. Nestlé validates the information, which is then sent to GS1 GoScan’s database for consumers to access through the iPhone app.

Currently, over half a million product records from nearly 1400 suppliers are available on GS1net, and GS1 Australia has extended an open invitation to Australian companies to upload their product data for the GoScan app “for the benefit of consumers.”

“Nestlé’s industry leadership in this effort will help others see the value in leveraging the GDSN for tangible business benefits,” said Dan Wilkinson, Vice President of 1SYNC. “We’re honoured to support Nestlé in achieving this important milestone and ultimately helping them leverage product data to maintain their exceptional brand reputation.”

The GS1 GoScan app is due to launch in October this year.