GSMP Weekly Update 15-07-11:

If you have an opinion or would like us to provide feedback on your behalf, please feel free to contact me. srobba@sa2worldsync.com

GDSN Display Unit Indicator
The initial meeting of Display Unit Indicator Removal Impact took place this week. It has been decided that an official sub-group should be started. I will communicate when I see the invite for this sub-group. You will need to be part of the GDSN SMG group to join.
Objective: This group will try to create a transition plan and understand both impact for Retailers and Suppliers. We see potential issues if all suppliers do not migrate at one time, retailers will have to support dual methodologies. And multi-national suppliers having to support markets that may or may not have migrated, having to sending different Unit Indicators for different markets, or the same market.The group will need to consist of a very balanced mix of Retailers, Suppliers, MOs and data pools of various sizes and geographies. The timing of implementation is the next Major release, approximatey 2014.

Level Below Each
The first meeting to define the usage of Level Below Each happened this week. The group will determine how best to assign GTINs, impact to the General Specification Document, Global Data Synchonization, eCom, etc. What is a Level Below Each? If you think about 1 pill in a bottle of pills. Normally the bottle would be considered an each. 1 piece of paper in a package on 100 sheets. Why is it needed? Hospitals tend to bill based upon usage for patient and patient safety reasons. Pharmacies may need to know a GTIN for a pill to distribute and inventory properly.There is an impact to the Retail and Supplier community. A supplier may now have to communicate this new level which may or may not be needed by a retailer.
I recommend you join this group as I will not be able to communicate activities in the group due to the new GS1 Intellectual Property Agreement.
To join click here for more information

Events
September 26th-30th -- GS1 Industry and Standards Autumn Event –Cologne, Germany
October 4th-6th - GS1 Healthcare Conference Autumn 2011 – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss,
Steve  srobba@sa2worldsync