The number of retailers who feel sufficiently confident in their operations and processes is not particularly impressive. According to a recent study from Capgemini, just 21 percent of the American supply chain managers believe their current systems do a great job of providing the company with precise and real-time insights into the performance of their supply chains. Launched in 2009, GS1 Standards may help them enhance their supply chain visibility.

First there was a barcode. Manufacturers put bar codes on their products using Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) to identify products, while Global Location Numbers (GLNs) identify specific locations throughout the supply chain. The Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) is a central database “in the cloud” of more than 300,000 foodservice products on the market where manufacturers publish the most up-to-date product information. Distributors and operators can get access to the network to receive this vital information. But the initiative has significant benefits for all supply chain partners. Manufacturers can take all the information they have for one product and load it into one place—the GDSN—which sends that information to all of its customers at once. Distributors now have one, easily accessible source of information for products, and they can scan bar codes on products to improve their ability to trace product through the supply chain, while operators also have “one source of truth” for product information and traceability.

Don't make your consumers sick

The number of grocers and restaurant operators are opting for identification and data-capture technologies to protect customers from foodborne illnesses and, at the same time, safeguard their businesses and image. The GS1-128 bar code, which includes GTINs for product identification as well as batch and lot numbers, production dates and other product attributes, lays the groundwork for distributors and operators alike to know where their food came from, which is helpful for recalls and inventory management. As the number of recalls and contaminated food situations has been going up, it is crucial to make sure that supply chain partners know how to identify the source of the contaminated food and remove potentially harmful products from the supply chain as fast as possible. This level of supply chain visibility helps isolate and remove impacted product from store shelves.

Everybody wants accurate product data

Consumers want to know where their food came from and what exactly it contains. The demand for more accurate data of that kind is massive. According to studies, food product data in the past was not as precise as it should have been. This pressure to further boost product information is bound to continue this year. Without a central database like the GDSN, those seeking product information have no other solution but to rake through manufacturers' websites in attempt to source these data, yet there is no guarantee these are always updated. Of course, it is good to know a product’s weight and dimensions; but the ability to see standardized, professional images of products and know the nutritional ingredients and allergens of the product are so much better. As consumers become more concerned about allergens like gluten, access to more accurate, comprehensive product information is even truly crucial.

Global Location Number fends off recalls

Now the industry has turned its focus toward GLNs to identify locations in the supply chain. A manufacturer may have a number of various plants. Therefore, it is vital to identify which plant manufactured the product, especially in the case of a recall. Distributors will also use GLNs to establish where they shipped their products, drilling down to the specific store for a large restaurant chain or supermarket that might have thousands of units nationwide. For the time being, locations are identified by name only in many instances. Assigning a computer-friendly number to every location helps supply chain partners use the same language and be on the same page. Together, the GS1-128 bar code and GLN will provide a more complete traceability picture.

Sources: http://www.foodsafetymagazine.com; http://nrn.com; http://www.jumptech.com Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/15609463@N03/