Supply chain data synchronisation needs data

The Global Data Synchronisation (GDS) initiative, which could shave 10—15% off supply chain costs by enabling automated electronic trading world-wide, is set to fail before it gets started. So says Stewart Holness, CEO of product information management software firm Reqio. “The promise of GDS is enticing,” he says. “The reality is that most organisations in the supply chain have yet to get the consistency necessary in their own data to make GDS a practical reality. “Until each organisation has put its own house in order, GDS will remain a distant dream.” GDS works by keeping all trading organisations in sync by ensuring that basic product data, such as category and description, is matched everywhere. Firms are asked to submit their product data in a specified format to data pools around the globe, which are validated against a global data registry, with and any changes immediately flagged. Before synchronise product data though, it first needs to be available and consistent inside companies themselves. Validating and completing the information at source is the only way to ensure that it stays correct throughout the many business applications and processes required, including those needed to partake in GDS, says Holness. Unsurprisingly, he advocates use of a product information management (PIM) system. “PIM provides the framework and processes that manage data flow throughout the enterprise, from back end systems to front end, and stores validated information in a central repository. “At the moment too few organisations are getting their act together with their own data to make GDS a trusted component of the supply chain.” Capgemini is forecasting that GDS could impact the bottom line by 10 - 15 percent, however, without data integrity GDS may never deliver the goods.