What is GDSN? Is that the same as a SKU or a Specification?

No. GDSN stands for Global Data Synchronization Network and refers to the GS1 Global Data Synchronisation Network® (GDSN®) is a network of interoperable data pools enabling collaborating users to securely synchronise master data based on GS1 standards. GDSN supports accurate, real-time data sharing and trade item updates among subscribed trading partners.

GS1 is a non-profit standards body that establishes international data standards. GS1 data brokers operate the individual data pools. The intent is that when a supplier or retailer updates their database, their own database is similarly updated as a result. Everyone has access to the same continuously refreshed data. This automatic exchange helps reduce the need for human intervention in master data management.

For this to happen, each company needs to join a data pool certified and tested by GS1, who connect to the GS1 Global Registry®, a central directory which keeps track of connections, guarantees the uniqueness of data and ensures compliance with shared GS1 standards. There are many data pools spread across the world operated by companies for profit.

How Are SKU’s different than GDSN?

SKU’s or Stock Keeping Units are a company’s individual numbering system for their products, either materials / ingredients or a finished good item. This is typically a proprietary numbering system. This is significant compared to GDSN, which guarantees uniqueness to its numbering system. If two companies are selling canned corn, GS1’s GDSN data management essentially guarantees that no two companies will ever “collide” with having used the same number.

How Are Specifications different than GDSN?

Specifications are the extremely detailed description related to defining specifically what a product is. A specification is the most complete and detailed way to define a product. It should include such basic parameters as a name, a version number, a description, and should include things like packaging information and country of origin.

Specifications may store numbering systems like GDSN or GTIN or Item Code. But number systems are not the central focus of a specification.

Share-ify offers the industry’s most comprehensive, most thought out product specification management platform in the world. Share-ify’s product specification platform includes the ability to store more than 500 individual data fields and product descriptors to ensure that the parties understand what the product is and what it is not. Not all fields need to be used. But the user has the ability to decide what is relevant in describing their product to the world.

Share-ify is not a GS1 Data Pool. However, Share-ify does allow companies to store their GS1 numbering systems and their own proprietary numbering system in a specification. This includes GDSN, GTIN-14, GTIN-12, Item codes, and more. Barcode information (including 128 barcodes) can also be stored in Share-ify.