GS1 and PIM : How to ensure the compliance and quality of your product data

Product data compliance has become a prerequisite, whether in the B2B sector, mass distribution or even marketplaces.

To meet the increasing requirements for standardization, GS1 has established itself as the essential international standard for structuring product data.

However, many businesses encounter difficulties in integrating these standards into their daily processes.

Fortunately, a tool is essential to meet this challenge: the PIM (Product Information Management).

So how can PIM become the backbone of your GS1 compliance? That is what we are going to see in this article.

GS1: Understanding the basics

What is GS1?

GS1 is an international standards organization which defines the standards for structuring, identifying and exchanging product data in a coherent manner. Here are the key components of the GS1 standards:

• GTIN/EAN code : A universal identifier for products.
• GLN code : A unique identifier for businesses.
• GDSN : The Global Data Synchronization Network.
• Standardized product sheets : Specific standards for various sectors such as food, health, or DIY.

Why do these standards exist?

The main objective of GS1 is to guarantee reliable data exchanges between the various actors: manufacturers, distributors, marketplaces... Thanks to these standards, companies can improve their supply chain, limit errors and strengthen their operational efficiency.

Why GS1 has become a must

Adoption of GS1 standards is not only a strategic choice.

It is often a necessity to meet market challenges. Here's why:

• Retail referencing : Many retailers require GS1 compliant data before listing products.
• Regulatory Obligations : The health, food and hygiene sectors, for example, impose strict frameworks concerning traceability and data quality.
• Connectivity to exchange platforms : Tools like Alkemics, ConsoTrust or GS1 France rely on these standards to standardize exchanges.
• Product data quality : Respecting GS1 reduces returns, disputes and misunderstandings thanks to reliable and up-to-date information.

GS1 compliance challenges for businesses

Although beneficial, the integration of GS1 standards comes with its share of challenges. Common obstacles include:

• Multiplicity of formats : Distribution channels and marketplaces require different data formats.
• Real-time updates : Managing constantly changing data is complex without a centralized solution.
• Data consistency issues : Information scattered between an ERP, Excel spreadsheets and various platforms is detrimental to homogeneity.
• Lack of structure : The absence of a solid and centralized repository makes it difficult to GS1 compliance management..

The strategic role of PIM in the integration of GS1 standards

Why is it a priority? Today, GS1 standards have become essential to ensure accurate, consistent and effective communication between supply chain actors and distribution platforms. The good news?

PIM (Product Information Management) is positioned as The essential solution to meet these requirements while simplifying the management of your product data.

Here are the details of how PIM can transform the way you manage your information and integrate GS1 standards:

Centralize your data according to GS1 standards

A PIM system makes it possible to group all your product information in a single and centralized repository.

This means that your data such as descriptions, dimensions, formats or storage conditions are structured, enriched and in accordance with the specific rules of GS1.

This centralization reduces errors, eliminates redundancies, and ensures total homogeneity in your product communication.

Automatically generate fields required for GDSN compliance

With a powerful PIM, forget about oversights or errors in your product sheets.

‍It automatically generates all the fields necessary to comply with the GDSN network, such as names, GTIN codes, or other mandatory information.

‍Result: sheets that are complete, accurate and ready to be used without additional manual effort.

Manage versions and ensure compliance in real time

A modern PIM makes it possible to monitor and adapt your product sheets according to changes in GS1 standards or partner requirements.

The information is updated in real time and validated at each stage, ensuring ongoing compliance.

‍This greatly reduces the risk of errors that could affect your business relationships or productivity.

Publish automatically and effectively on your partner platforms

Thanks to advanced API connectors or GDSN compatible exports, a PIM like SolidPepper simplifies the publication of your product sheets to partner platforms such as Alkemics, ConsoTrust, or other distribution tools.

This automation guarantees a speed of execution And a smooth integration with your partners, thus increasing your operational efficiency.

Conclusion: Why choose a PIM to integrate GS1 standards?

A PIM is much more than a management tool: it is a strategic lever for optimizing your processes, strengthening your compliance and improving your relationships with your partners.

By adopting a solution like SolidPepper, you turn your data management challenges into opportunities for simplification, reliability, and performance.

‍Don't waste any more time, go to PIM starting today!

Why choose SolidPepper to manage GS1 in a PIM

SolidPepper offers an all-in-one solution specifically designed to integrate GS1 standards. Here are its main advantages:

• Models adapted to various sectors : Whether you are in food, health, or DIY, or DIY, GS1 requirements are covered.
• Connectors for exchange platforms : Alkemics, GS1 France, ConsoTrust... integrations facilitate your interactions.
• Completion check : Automatically analyze your data to ensure compliance before publishing.
• Detailed update tracking : Take advantage of a complete history to carry out audits.
• Expert support : The SolidPepper team guides you step by step in the integration of complex rules.

Best practices for structuring your data according to GS1 in a PIM

If you're adopting a PIM to manage your data as part of GS1, here are a few steps you can take:

1. Identify the product classes concerned : Determine which product families should meet GS1 standards.
2. Formalize your business rules : Specify mandatory attributes, classifications, and distribution channels.
3. Define validation workflows : Ensure that each sheet goes through a rigorous quality validation.
4. Use dashboards : Track your compliance and completeness in real time thanks to accurate indicators.

Stay compliant and competitive with SolidPepper PIM

Adopting GS1 standards is now essential for any company looking to produce, distribute or sell on a large scale. With a PIM tool like SolidPepper, you not only guarantee your compliance, but you also optimize your processes to gain agility, consistency and reliability.

With SolidPepper, your products are better referenced, better presented and quickly distributed, thus increasing your competitiveness on the market.

Want to know more? Discover how SolidPepper can transform the management of your product data. Request a personalized demo today!

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