Analyzing how real-time data synchronization can reduce supply chain errors, lower costs and improve the speed of distribution.

The Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) is critical to our modern supply chain. It enables companies around the globe to exchange product data with trading partners, deliver exceptional customer experiences and provide accurate, consistent data distribution on every channel where they sell. 

The GDSN is the cornerstone of global supply chain efficiency. Read on as we explore how real-time data synchronization through the GDSN can reduce supply chain errors, lower costs and improve distribution speed for retail partners worldwide. 

When Data is Neglected: Common Supply Chain Errors

Product data influences your success or failure within the supply chain. When data is low-quality, inconsistent, inaccurate or you simply don’t provide enough data, you encounter these common supply chain errors:  

• Inadequate inventory management
• Poor supplier management 
• Inaccurate demand forecasting 
• Long lead times 
• Transportation issues 
• Increased freight prices 
• Lack of visibility 

These issues affect organizational relationships with your trading partners and consumers. The GDSN helps ensure your product data is delivered to the right parties –– accurately and instantly –– so you can avoid detrimental issues that negatively affect your reputation, sales and bottom line. 

The GDSN: a Common Language 

Every product within the GDSN is assigned an identifier that houses all relevant product data, including color, category, size, weight and shipping logistics. For the GDSN to be effective, the quality of this product data must be perfect. All data entered into the pool is tested and validated to meet various standards and regulatory requirements. When the barcode is scanned at the end of the supply chain, the retailer can know every detail of what’s in the shipment they’re receiving. 

The GDSN gives retailers and distributors a common language in which to work. The data within the system is synchronized in real time, empowering suppliers to update product content immediately for all trading partners (and consumers).

Real-time data streamlines supply chain operations from start to finish, mitigating errors and helping businesses sell more. 

The Benefits of Real-Time Data Synchronization 

Drawing on real-time data from the supply chain offers businesses huge potential to improve operations. Here are a few of the value-added features organizations enjoy from data synchronization. 

1. Operational Transparency 

A key trait of a sustainable and efficient supply chain is operational transparency. Real-time data empowers organizations with full end-to-end visibility, providing a clear view of all inventory and activities. Transparency allows enterprises to identify:

• Procurement sources
• Due diligence measures taken in supplier appointments
• Metrics used for calculating carbon emissions, plus other factors involved with moving goods from one node to the next. 

2. Enhanced Service and a Positive Customer Experience 

Operating according to real-time data allows you to deliver a smoother, more positive customer experience that meets both your and their expectations. 

Consider shipping, for example. Synchronized data lets you analyze a shipment’s movement in real-time. If there’s a hiccup in transportation, you can notify the shopper so they can adjust their expectations. Conversely, if the product is on track to arrive early, the consumer can plan accordingly. The GDSN helps managers see movement within the supply chain as it happens, allowing for better service, which results in an enhanced customer experience.  

3. Improved Logistics and Inventory Management

For suppliers and vendors, real-time data in the supply chain delivers immediate updates on order backlogs, enabling fast responses and adjustments to inventory management. 

Logistics teams also benefit from real-time information on cargo batches, consignments and updated delivery statuses. This data allows for improved operational management and goods tracking, leading to more informed and satisfied consumers.

Real-time data updates enable managers to optimize routes, reduce fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions. Additionally, warehouse waiting times can be significantly reduced because logistics providers can better predict ideal delivery times, minimizing the need for repeat delivery attempts.

4. Cost Savings

Accuracy and efficiency within your supply chain result in cost savings and resource conservation at every step. When you optimize your supply chain for your particular needs, goals and priorities and build risk into your supply chain design, you create an efficient supply chain that saves money. The GDSN is a significant factor in data accessibility that promotes supply chain efficiency, which, in turn, positively influences every node in your chain. 

Real-time data allows companies to adapt quickly to sudden changes, balancing supply and demand to avoid oversupply or undersupply. With this data, businesses can better manage their supply chains, making short-term strategy adjustments and addressing long-term issues like shipping problems, problematic locations and seasonal hiring challenges.

Up-to-date data provides supply chain designers with the insights and visibility they require to create supply chains balanced for service and risk without sacrificing cost. 

Choosing the Right Data Pool Provider

The GDSN’s network of suppliers and data recipients is constantly expanding. For any organization registered with the GDSN, access to this network and the ability to provide data are essential. Choosing the right data pool provider can help you make the most of your partner relationships within this global network. 

When selecting data pool providers, suppliers should thoughtfully assess their specific needs. The GDSN is a crucial tool for supply chains, but without the proper context and usage, it cannot be fully utilized. 

For instance, suppliers and retailers often need to exchange and synchronize additional types of information, such as supplemental data—rich content and category-specific details—and private data like SKU numbers. 

Additionally, you want a data pool provider that provides accessible customer support. The GDSN can be confusing and overwhelming, and you want a provider that ensures you can easily navigate their systems and platforms. 

And perhaps most importantly, you want to partner with an organization that provides access to the most trading partners possible. 1WorldSync is the world’s largest data pool provider in the game. We give you the tools to enhance your brand’s content and presence, deliver data to your partners and connect with customers wherever they shop. 

Orchestrate Your Product Data with 1WorldSync and the GDSN 

1WorldSync is an all-in-one solution for publishing your product content to all your trading partners. Our platform provides the following to help you orchestrate your product content everywhere you sell: 

• Centralized Content Management & Syndication: Organize your content in one place and synchronize content to trading partners from one location.
• Captivating Imagery: Showcase your products with high-quality product photography and interactive imagery, making your brand stand out in the crowded digital landscape.
• E-Commerce Rich Content: Elevate your PDPs – wherever they live – with rich content syndication that engages and informs.
• Harness User-Generated Content: Transform customers into advocates with our leading ratings and reviews program.
• Content Optimization & Analytics: Drive more e-commerce revenue with our product bundling and e-commerce analytics tools.

When you get content right, your business thrives. Partner with 1WorldSync today to deploy a strategic approach to product content that elevates your business. Reach out to our team to learn more.