Recognising material in the supply chain via EPCs requires perfect data synchronisation between trading partners—and that is the job of the Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN).

In order to make an EPC/RFID program successful, the product codes need to be in at least two places—the tag, and the computers that the tag readers are connected to. In order to achieve this, the EPC infrastructure within each business should be integrated to the Global Data synchronisation Network.

The Global Data Synchronisation Network is a set of data pools (some offered as services, some operated by companies for themselves) unified through a common registry. Most companies interact with the GDSN through PIM (product information management) software. PIM software is capable of both publishing information out to and receiving it from data pools.

Integrating EPC/RFID infrastructure with GDSN usually involves allowing your RFID middleware to access the product data within the PIM system. In this way, when data has been synchronised via the GDSN, its “class” level data (meaning supplier and product code, but not serial number) will match that of an EPC RFID tag. Without such integration, it is necessary to maintain a complete repository of such information with no standard means of synchronisation with partners.

GXS is a leading provider of data pool management and product information management solutions. You gain by:

• Getting a complete, integrated solution from one vendor
• Working with a partner that has evaluated and optimised the entire supply chain management process