Data Sharing Standards
The GS1 standards that enable information exchange between companies, systems and consumers.
How information flows between partners and systems
Once products, locations and logistics units are identified and the information is captured, it must be distributed to the trading partners and systems that need it.
GS1 standards for Data Sharing define how information flows safely, automatically and interoperably between organizations.
The role of data sharing in the GS1 system
In the GS1 ecosystem, information follows a simple flow, from identification and capture, to sharing.
Identification
Products, locations and assets receive unique GS1 identifiers.
Capture
Identifiers are represented in barcodes, 2D symbols or RFID and are read automatically.
Sharing
Data is distributed between partners, systems and applications through common, globally recognized standards.
Why does standardizing data exchange matter?
GS1 standards for data sharing bring clarity, consistency and efficiency to relationships between supply chain partners.
A single version of the truth
All partners use the same information.
Fewer errors
Fewer manual interventions and inconsistencies.
Automation
Data flows directly between systems.
Traceability and transparency
Visibility over products and processes.
Global interoperability
Companies can collaborate using the same standards regardless of industry or country.
The digital infrastructure through which businesses communicate automatically
Information exchange is divided into 5 essential families, each solving a specific need in the distribution chain.
Electronic business transactions
GS1 EDI standardizes the electronic exchange of business documents between trading partners. By automating documents, companies reduce errors and speed up processes.
Examples
- Orders
- Invoices
- Dispatch advice
- Receiving confirmations
Product master data
Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN) enables the automatic synchronization of product information between suppliers and trading partners. All partners use the same version of the information.
Examples
- product name
- dimensions
- ingredients
- logistics information
- images and documents
Product data for the digital ecosystem
GS1 Source enables the distribution of product information to digital channels, applications and consumers. Together with GS1 Digital Link, data can be connected directly to the physical product through a QR code powered by GS1.
Examples
- extended product information
- marketplaces and applications
- consumer information
- GS1 Digital Link
- Digital Product Passport
Events and traceability
EPC Information Services (EPCIS) enables the exchange of information about the movement and status of products throughout the supply chain. It answers the questions: What product? Where? When? Why?
Examples
- food traceability
- serialization
- logistics
- Digital Product Passport
- circular economy
Verification of products and companies
Verified by GS1 enables access to basic information about the products and companies in the GS1 ecosystem. By verifying a GTIN, GLN or other GS1 identifiers, trading partners and consumers can confirm the identity and authenticity of the information.
What type of information do you want to share?
Choose the GS1 standard that fits your data exchange needs.
Get started with GS1 standards
Become a GS1 Romania member and access the global standards for identification, capture and data sharing.