GS1 - The global language of business

Retail

GS1 standards make a critical difference in the retail industry, through the use of bar codes and automatic data capture along the supply chain to the check-out.

While the adoption of GS1 standards in the retail industry is widespread, the grocery sector is still the most active retail user of GS1 supply chain tools. So much so, that the major grocery retailers in both New Zealand and Australia insist that all suppliers obtain GS1 verification for their bar codes before releasing a new product, so they can guarantee that those bar codes will scan first time, every time in the busy retail environment.

The grocery sector is also one of the main users of the electronic data catalogue EANnet, as it appreciates that this is an efficient and cost-effective way to communicate with thousands of trading partners and suppliers.

As an example of the use of GS1 systems in the retail industry, goods arriving at the store are receipted by scanning the bar code on their packaging. When the retail bar code is read at the check-out that transaction then updates the store's inventory system.

This in turn triggers an automatic re-order when pre-set stock levels are reached, while the point-of-sale information also provides critical data for the retailer's forecasting systems.

Apparel & Textiles
GS1 systems can reduce or eliminate the inefficiencies that can make all the difference in the low-margin, just-in-time apparel and textile industries.

The global, non-proprietary GS1 standards are compatible throughout the supply chain, providing a seamless link from raw materials and partially-finished products through to finished goods.

GS1's bar-coding and electronic data interchange solutions help by:

  • reducing inventory and logistics costs
  • allowing quicker response to customers' demands
  • capturing product movement and sales data from the wholesale and retail level for the manufacturer
  • transmitting sales and inventory reports promptly, so the manufacturer can make critical decisions based on accurate and timely data.

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