GSMP Weekly Update 26-08-11:

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
Sustainability: GDS walked through some change requests concerning sustainability. Many are up for discussion as the way we use recyclable and sustainability attributes are becoming a hot topic with many change request submissions. The Consumer Goods Forum will be releasing their version 2 of the standard metrics for trading partners on sustainability. Version 2 should be released soon and a Mission Specific Work Group will kick off to help define all attributes to exchange these standard metrics.  If you have not looked at these as of yet, you can find version 1 of the metrics plus the work CGF is doing here. Global Packaging Project

Food is a delicate balance of exchange of information between supplier and retailer due to regulations and actual packaging statements. With the group looking at Nutrient information on packaging, to Nutritional labeling, to the number of servings, to product specific attributes, growing methods, and certification labels, the Food and Beverage extension is growing. With the onset of more and more food safety concerns, trading partners are requesting more information, not only for the consumer education and food choices, but also for food safety.

Foodservice is also a very big trend in some markets already exchanging information via GDS. This allows suppliers to utilize the same GDS network for their foodservice business. This is very big in the US right now. We are beginning to see trends in the EU following the same programs.

MAJOR RELEASE 3 Work Group
The Major Release 3 work group is forming. This group will help drive the mod item plan, roadmap, GSMP process and such. We are need of more trading partners Retailers and Suppliers. This is a very important work group as this will help improve some of the length of time it takes between releases. It will be a whole new model and come help us define the plan and process. We will be looking at communication plan, executive summaries to help you sell into your business, etc. Click here for more information.
 

Digital Coupons
This group continues to define the business process, and requirements for digital coupons. The group is multi-regional which will lead to a successful standard. When you think about the process what changes: who the right players are, what the current process is, changes that need to be made to accept, redeem, authorize and payment for digital coupons. Once again I do recommend suppliers and retailers join this group as I will not be able to share the actual workings in the group and suggest you join. Click here for more information on how to join.

Level Below the Each
We are currently going through the business requirements on what are the actual business needs by the community. What data is important when you are speaking about the items within an each. Are attributes might prove business value when looking at 1 Pencil out of a package of 4 vs. 1 pill out of a bottle of 100. Are there different data requirements? What improvements and benefits would business processes, or patient safety, food safety, etc, gain by the exchange of information, identification, and barcoding the items? The scope for this project is Consumer Package Goods, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices. Once again I do recommend suppliers and retailers join this group as I will not be able to share the actual workings in the group and suggest you join. Click here for more information on how to join.

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