Common Data & Communication Standards

Use of the technologies needed to permit efficient and effective communication of product, replenishment and business data between trading partners - including enablers like EDI, EFT, Product & Shipment Identification, Master Data Alignment and Electronic Communication Standards like Internet and Intranet.
 

The supply chain is triggered at the checkout by using scanning to capture transactions. To maximize the efficiency and effectiveness, trading partners need to ensure consistency of coding throughout the supply chain by keeping each other informed of any new or changed item codes, for example on promotional items. The scorecard includes seven considerations that: the first is the use of the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) for identifying each consumer unit sold. This includes the use of EAN/UCC standard bar codes on each consumer unit which can be scanned at the retail check out. the second is the use of the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) on the traded unit (the case or carton). This includes the use of the appropriate EAN/UCC bar code standard on the case so that it can be scanned by goods receiving and/or sortation systems. the third is the use of Serial Shipment Container Codes (SSCC) on the pallet and/or shipment container. This includes the use of the appropriate EAN/UCC bar code standard so that the pallet can be identified and tracked. When combined with the use of Advanced Shipment Notices, the SSCC can be used to automate the goods receiving process and reduce data mis-matches. the fourth is the use of standard Global Location Numbers (GLN) in automatic data capture systems and electronic messages. The GLN identifies a physical location and can be used when tracking goods and communicating the whereabouts of goods and materials. The adoption of the EAN/UCC standard for location numbers simplifies communication and reduces data mis-matches.

the fifth is master data alignment. Consistent master data such as product and location identification is vital for the smooth running of the supply chain. Ideally, master data databases of different supply chain organisations should be synchronised electronically so as to eliminate data mis-matches in transactions betwen supply chain partners. the sixth is the use and integration of EDI for this data alignment and information transfer, it allows: demand information at the checkout to be communicated up the supply chain for planning and replenishment information concerning promotions and new products to be communicated both up and down the supply chain goods and information flow to be decoupled allowing for enhanced planning and increased efficiency for the receiver consumer characteristics and trends information to be shared the seventh consideration eases the integration and proliferation of linking trading partners by the application of integrated local, Intranet and Internet technologies to communicate data and information rapidly, at low cost and with high integrity using global messaging protocols.