GS1 publishing from PimLayer

What is GS1?

GS1 is an international organisation that develops uniform standards for product identification and product data worldwide. The best-known examples are barcodes, GTINs and the GS1 data model that determines which product information retailers need.

Why do GS1 standards exist?

Large retail chains do not want to maintain dozens of different connections with as many suppliers, each with their own data format. That would be error-prone, expensive and inefficient. That is why the GS1 database exists (GDSN, the Global Data Synchronisation Network):

• Suppliers publish their product information once in the GS1 database.
• Retailers pull that information automatically from the same source.
• Everyone thus works with the same, validated product data.

GS1 in construction

In construction, retailers, DIY chains and wholesalers set increasingly strict requirements for product information. They want uniform, validated data directly from one central source, so that new products end up in their systems quickly and flawlessly. That is exactly where GS1 makes the difference: enter correct product data once, then automatically available for every retailer that works with GS1. Faster to market, fewer errors and a much more streamlined data process.

GS1 is, by the way, not exclusive to construction, it is also indispensable in food & beverages, cosmetics, household, healthcare and large retail, among others. Everywhere retailers work with large, complex assortments.

GS1 and ETIM

In construction you often come across ETIM alongside GS1. The two complement each other: ETIM is a classification standard that describes the technical characteristics of products uniformly, while GS1 handles the identification (GTINs) and the exchange via the GS1 database. PimLayer supports both. Read more about ETIM and technical datasheets on the page for the construction sector.

Publishing to GS1 from PimLayer

Thanks to our connection with Qmica, your product specifications flow automatically through from PimLayer, so you effortlessly publish compliant GS1 data. You manage and enrich everything in one place in PimLayer; the publishing to the GS1 database runs automatically.

Why is GS1 publishing worthwhile?

• Large retailers increasingly require GS1-validated data.
• You enter product information only once.
• Retailers list your products faster, because the data is immediately in the right format.
• Errors, discussions and duplicate entry disappear.
• Your product data becomes future-proof for all other GS1 users worldwide.