Data synchronization is defined as the continuous harmonization of data between and among the trading partners in supply chains. Studies demonstrate that savings are achieved when data integrity issues are eliminated and the right product is ordered, purchased, delivered, invoiced, sold, and billed. In addition, the largest retailers and food distributors in the U.S. have mandated the data synchronization process.
The ABI EC Council believes data synchronization will be the launch pad for all future global industry initiatives – Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)/Electronic Product Code™ (EPC) technology, collaborative commerce, anti-counterfeiting, and traceability. This initiative is as important as placing and scanning a Universal Product Code (U.P.C.) on a product.
A free on demand web seminar, sponsored by the ABI EC Council, explains the business benefits of implementing data synchronization through the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN). Held in conjunction with 1SYNC™ the seminar provides an overview of what it takes to get started, what can be expected in terms of return on investment, and the next steps toward a more efficient supply chain. Listen anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learn more about data synchronization in our industry.
Back To Top
Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) are used to uniquely identify your products in the supply chain. GTINs are the identification numbers used in Universal Product Codes (U.P.C.’s), commonly referred to as “bar codes.” A separate, unique GTIN is required whenever any of the pre-defined characteristics of an item are different in any way that is relevant to the trading process. To avoid unnecessary supply chain costs, it is essential to know when to change a product’s GTIN based on revisions to formulary, packaging, or bonus/promotion. Correct GTIN assignment is also a critical component of data synchronization.
|
|
Permanent proof changes to an existing item requires a new GTIN. |
|
|
Proof variations by state requires a unique GTIN for each proof differential. |
|
|
Age variations by state can carry the same GTIN, unless unique identification is needed for special tracking purposes. |
|
|
Gift wrap, internal gift-wrapping or carton (if any) carry the same GTIN as the bottle. Gift bottle GTIN is same as the regular bottle GTIN, assuming same price. |
|
|
Special packaging without separate container (e.g., a point-of-sale (POS) piece attached to neck wrap), can carry the same GTIN as the regular bottle if there is no pricing differential. |
|
|
All vintages of the same varietal wine can have the same GTIN unless there is a plan to market and track different vintages or if they carry different prices. |
| SPECIAL OFFER |
To increase our industry’s knowledge of GTINs, ABI EC has purchased, and is distributing to its members, free of charge, official copies of the GS1 US™ GTIN Allocation Rules. If you are an ABI EC member, contact us at abiecinfo@abiec.org to receive your copy of the GTIN Allocation Rules. If you are not an ABI EC member, you may purchase the GTIN Allocation Rules from the online
GS1 US Product Catalog. |
Back To Top
The “GS1 Wine Supply Chain Traceability, EAN•UCC Standards Application Guideline” is available in the Reference/Archive section of this website. The ABI EC Council has endorsed and recommends this guideline, which explains how to track and trace wine and spirits products throughout the supply chain – from the vineyard to the consumer.
The wine supply chain has always been complex and fragmented and with more distant suppliers and ever-more demanding customers, the unique characteristics of this supply chain bring challenges to implementing an effective traceability system.
The largest companies account for a significant percentage of the industry and have significant technology requirements. The remainder of the industry is comprised of small to medium enterprises, many of which have found niches in specialty products and branding. There is also a myriad of other support companies that provide materials, transportation, storage, and other services that are also impacted by traceability.
Companies vary greatly in their technical capabilities; from phone, fax and paper based transactions, through robust e-commerce, bar code, and other internal systems. Their ability to identify implicated product, and perform track and trace activities is directly related to their technical capabilities.
The Wine Traceability Working Group determined that the wine supply chain could be broken down into the following key areas:
1. Grape Grower
2. Wine Producer
3. Bulk Distributor
4. Transit Cellar
5. Filler / Packer
6. Finished Goods Distributor
7. Retailer
Each area was examined with a view to explaining traceability within that business process.
Back To Top