What is GDSN
GDSN is an abbreviation of Global Data Synchronisation Network and represents the GS1 standard for data sharing. GDSN enables any company, in any market and in any country to share product information.
How GDSN works
GS1’s international network consists of several data pools sharing a common language. Suppliers may upload product information to a data pool within the GDSN network, while customers (clients) may download the same product data, possibly using a different data pool. GDSN does not use standardized data. All information is entered in a single fashion, stored and shared with clients. Suppliers themselves determine who they share their data with.
A single way to enter data
Data entry is performed according to agreed rules (data model). The classification of medical devices for instance can only be entered in a single way (EU_CLASS_ I, EU_CLASS_ IIA, EU_CLASS_ IIB, EU_CLASS_ III etc), or it will not be accepted. The GS1 data pool checks whether attributes are entered according to the standard. Suppliers are responsible for correct data entry themselves.
GDSN advantages
General
- From a single local data pool, exchange article data worldwide with affiliated parties in the (healthcare) chain.
- Reduction of errors through manual input and data quality control.
- The same (most recent) article information for everyone. No misunderstandings about which article and the corresponding data.
- Cost efficient.
- One format for all information (standardized), no separate Excel sheets per customer.
- Companies speak one language.
- Supports legal requirements, such as the Dutch Implant Registry and the U.S. FDA.
Data suppliers
- Information is readily available (online) for all clients from a single source.
- Data only needs to be entered a single time.
- Every change in the article data is automatically and directly shared with the parties with whom a connection has been made.
- Easily and quickly add new items.
Data receivers
- Receive data quickly and easily from suppliers worldwide.
- The data shared by suppliers is almost immediately available.
- Reliable and up-to-date product information.
- Less manual administration needed; more efficiency.
GDSN enables suppliers in health care to share product data in a familiar fashion on both local and global levels. This is done automatically and efficiently. For instance, a hospital will be practically unable to perform effective supply chain purchasing if product information is inconsistent, inaccurate and outdated. This may affect all other processes and systems in a hospital, requiring accurate and correct product information, ultimately influencing patients’ safety.
In the Netherlands the data pool GS1 Data Source Healthcare is used for sharing product information through GDSN. Alternative data pools are available to international suppliers for sharing data with Dutch clients. Any business desiring to share or receive product information may benefit from GDSN by subscribing to a data pool. Using your data pool you may adjust your product contents and synchronise this with all your trade partners, enabling you to supply reliable data to all markets at once. Certified GDSN data pool listing.
Two parties desiring to share data using a data pool should perform the following steps:
- Supplier prepares data for entry
- Supplier enters data into the certified data pool and indicates which businesses may receive this.
- Client indicates which companies he wishes to receive data from.