ecGDS provides a simple, efficient and cost-effective solution to synchronize data
with retailers using GDSN. Its integration with the InterTrade ecCatalogue brings the unique value of unifying product data synchronization with both public and private catalogues through a single tool.
Strong Business Benefits Including Cost Reductions And More Sales
The electronic synchronization of item data has been identified by the Global Commerce Initiative (GCI) as a foundational element to improve the performance of the global consumer goods supply chain.
The joint Capgemini GCI study realized in March 2005 has analyzed 7 different GDS case studies worldwide. Those case studies identify 4 key business benefits demonstrating that GDS helps:
- Reduce costs
- Improve productivity
- Increase sales
- Provide the essential foundation for trading partner collaboration
What are GDS and GDSN?
As defined by the Global Commerce Initiative, Global Data Synchronization is: "The continuous harmonization of data attribute values between two or more different systems, with the end result being the data attribute values are the same in all of the systems."
The Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) is a network of interoperable data pools and the GS1 Global Registry for communicating data, such as Catalogue Item and Party information, between trading partners.
The GDSN Process
GDSN Made Simple
The GDS process has been designed for large retailers and manufacturers having big internal IT teams working with high-end systems. It can become a challenge for vendors who do not have access to similar resources. InterTrade has recognized this and has designed ecGDS specifically to allow manufacturers and vendors to manage their product information exchanges in a streamlined manner.
InterTrade has partnered with Commport Communications to enable ecGDS to communicate its data with the GS1 certified CGS Data Pool. This enables vendors to register their products to the GS1 Global Registry and to publish their product data to all retailers using the GDSN, regardless of the data pool that they are using to access this network.
How ecGDS works
Product managers can work with a simple tool with which they are very familiar: MS-Excel. They will start by downloading a GDS ready Excel template where they enter all their product data. The user-friendly Web interface to ecGDS allows them to upload the Excel file for data validation and data loading into the CGS database. They can then use the Web screens to register their items and publish them to selected retailers.