The product data being exchanged by the overwhelming majority of supply chain participants is substantially flawed. In a recent GS1 study 88 percent of all products tested contained data errors, and over 90 percent of suppliers delivered flawed data to trading partners. Whether product data is incomplete, inaccurate, out-of-date, or simply not e-Commerce ready, the consequences are felt throughout supply and demand-side organisations.

The Impact of Flawed Product Data

Consumers Face:

• Out-of-stock items
• Inconsistent and frustrating shopping experiences
• Higher costs due to inefficiencies
• Inaccurate product ingredient and feature information
• Difficulty in identifying products and distinguishing between them

Retailers Face:

• Lost revenue due to out-of-stocks
• Brand damage due to failure to meet consumer expectations
• Costly product exception management
• Higher costs due to logistical errors
• Over-stocking and excess inventory
• Inconsistencies in multi-channel information
• Lower returns on technology investments

Suppliers Face:

• Delays in new product introductions
• Costly returns, charge-backs, and slow payments
• Delisting by retailers due to inability to provide accurate, detailed product information
• Brand damage due to failure to meet consumer expectations
• Lower margins as a result of excess inventory
• Missed revenues due to under-manufacturing
• Lost sales due to out-of-stocks
• Inaccurate sales reporting