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Contribution of GS1 India to MSMEs in the Improvement of Sales

Posted on by Rahul Kumar

GS1 India, a key player in the global GS1 organization, is dedicated to the adoption and implementation of GS1 standards across various industries within India. The organization's mission is to streamline the efficiency and visibility of supply chains through the unique identification of products, services, and entities. Since its establishment, GS1 India has made significant strides in enhancing the trade and supply chain management processes, thereby contributing notably to the global and Indian economies.

 

MSME Sector Overview

The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector in India encompasses a wide range of industries and plays an essential role towards the nation's economic structure due to its substantial contribution to employment generation and GDP. Defined primarily by the amount of investment in plant and machinery, MSMEs are segmented into three categories: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.

  • Micro Enterprises are those where the investment does not exceed one crore rupees.
  • Small Enterprises have an investment between one crore and ten crore rupees.
  • Medium Enterprises are those where the investment ranges between ten crore and fifty crore rupees.

The MSME sector is incredibly diverse, covering various industries such as manufacturing, services, processing, and preservation. It serves not only as a significant employment generator but also as a nursery for entrepreneurship, often driven by innovation and agility. This sector is crucial for achieving inclusive economic growth, providing opportunities for both urban and rural populations, including vulnerable sections of society such as women, lower-income groups, and backward regions, thereby playing a key role in social equity and balanced regional development.

 

Importance of MSMEs

The significance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Indian economy cannot be overstated, as they are a fundamental force behind its growth and stability. Contributing significantly to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), MSMEs account for around 30% of India's GDP, showcasing their vital role in the nation's economic fabric. Furthermore, they are a primary source of employment, generating millions of jobs across the country, thus playing a critical role in solving the unemployment issue. MSMEs are also pivotal in India's export sector, contributing around 48% to the total exports. This high contribution underscores their role in diversifying the economic base and promoting balanced regional development. Their inherent agility and innovative capabilities allow them to quickly adapt to market changes and demands, making them indispensable for the country's economic resilience. By fostering entrepreneurship and enabling widespread participation in the economy, MSMEs not only drive industrial growth but also contribute to social stability and inclusive economic development.

 

Challenges Faced by MSMEs in Sales and Distribution

The sales and distribution landscape for MSMEs is fraught with challenges that significantly hamper their market reach and competitiveness. A primary hurdle is the lack of standardisation, particularly in product identification and barcoding. This deficiency impedes the ability of MSMEs to integrate seamlessly with global supply chains, as standardised barcodes are often a prerequisite for doing business with major retailers and e-commerce platforms. Without these standards, MSMEs face difficulties in ensuring product traceability and authenticity, leading to lower consumer trust and reduced market opportunities.

Moreover, limited market access and visibility further constrain the growth prospects of MSMEs. Many small enterprises struggle to break into larger markets due to the absence of robust marketing strategies and digital presence, which are crucial in the internet-driven consumer landscape. This limited visibility in both physical and digital domains means that MSMEs often cannot reach potential customers, thereby missing out on significant sales opportunities. Together, these factors create a challenging environment for MSMEs, limiting their ability to scale up and compete effectively in both domestic and international markets.

 

Role of GS1 India in Improving Sales for MSMEs

GS1 India plays a crucial role in mitigating these challenges through the adoption of GS1 standards for barcoding and product identification among MSMEs. This initiative not only enhances product visibility but also ensures compliance with global regulatory standards, facilitating access to new markets both domestically and internationally. Some of the key benefits of using GS1 barcodes are as follows:

  • Faster Listing on E-Marketplaces/Retail Chains: GS1 barcodes enable quick and easy listing of products on major e-marketplaces and retail chains.

  • Meeting Export and Regulatory Requirements: GS1 standards are globally recognised, helping MSMEs meet export and regulatory compliance.

  • Enhanced Consumer Engagement: Through the Smart Consumer app, GS1 barcodes allow consumers to access detailed product information, fostering trust and transparency.

  • Efficiency at Point of Sale (PoS): GS1 barcodes ensure 100% scan efficiency at PoS, reducing errors and enhancing customer experience.

  • Track and Trace Capabilities: This feature facilitates the tracking and tracing of products throughout the supply chain, ensuring authenticity and safety.

  • Integration with Government Platforms: Products can be easily integrated with government platforms like ONDC and GeM, opening up public procurement opportunities.

 

MSME Schemes Facilitated by GS1 India

GS1 India's concerted efforts to bolster the MSME sector through various schemes and initiatives have marked a significant impact on the growth and efficiency of small enterprises. MSME facilitates financial assistance to Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, and has made it financially viable for micro-enterprises to adopt barcode technology. This crucial step not only aids in compliance with global standards but also enhances the marketability of products on international platforms. Beyond financial aid, GS1 India's comprehensive training programs offer MSMEs the knowledge and skills needed to implement and leverage GS1 standards effectively. These educational initiatives cover a broad spectrum of topics, including barcode generation, digital product catalogue management, and the integration of products with global supply chains.

Furthermore, GS1 India supports technology adoption among MSMEs, guiding them on integrating their product catalogues with government platforms like ONDC and GeM, thus widening their market access. Such success stories underscore the tangible benefits of GS1 India's schemes, illustrating their role in empowering MSMEs to navigate the challenges of the digital economy and global trade environments effectively.

 

Conclusion

GS1 India plays a pivotal role in empowering MSMEs through standardisation, thereby significantly contributing to their sales improvement and overall growth. The continuous efforts to integrate MSMEs into the global market through standardised practices are crucial for their sustainability and expansion.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can GS1 India help MSMEs with product identification and barcoding requirements?

Absolutely, GS1 India plays an important role in assisting MSMEs by providing them with GS1 barcodes and unique identification numbers. This support encompasses the entire process of adopting these identifiers, from initial consultation to implementation, ensuring that products achieve global recognition and compliance. GS1 India's guidance helps MSMEs manage the complexities of product identification, enabling seamless integration into the global marketplace.

2. What specific services does GS1 India offer to assist MSMEs in enhancing their sales?

GS1 India offers an extensive suite of services designed to enhance the sales and visibility of MSME products. These services include the issuance of GS1 barcodes, facilitating unique product identification, and providing traceability solutions. By leveraging these services, MSMEs can significantly enhance their product's visibility to consumers and retailers alike, both locally and internationally, thereby boosting sales and market presence.

3. How does GS1 India address the challenges faced by MSMEs in reaching new markets?

GS1 India addresses these challenges by ensuring that MSMEs adhere to GS1 standards, which are recognised globally. This adherence not only facilitates compliance with international trade requirements but also enhances product visibility in new and existing markets. Through the adoption of GS1 standards, MSMEs can gain entry into previously inaccessible markets, broadening their customer base and increasing their potential for growth.

4. What role does GS1 India play in helping MSMEs comply with regulatory standards?

GS1 India is instrumental in aiding MSMEs to meet various regulatory standards through the provision of standardised labeling, packaging, and traceability solutions. This assistance ensures that MSMEs can navigate the regulatory landscape efficiently, reducing the risk of non-compliance and facilitating smoother market access. The standardisation provided by GS1 India is key to building trust with consumers and regulators alike, paving the way for broader market acceptance.

5. Are there any financial benefits for MSMEs in adopting GS1 standards through GS1 India?

Yes, there are significant financial benefits for MSMEs that adopt GS1 standards through GS1 India. The implementation of these standards leads to improved operational efficiency, reduced errors, and streamlined supply chain management. These improvements can result in cost savings and enhanced revenue opportunities as products become more accessible to larger markets and are easier for consumers to identify and trust.

6. What are the eligibility criteria for MSMEs to access support programs or schemes facilitated by GS1 India?

The eligibility criteria for MSMEs to access support programs or schemes facilitated by GS1 India typically require the enterprise to be registered in India as an MSME. The specific criteria may vary depending on the particular program or scheme, including aspects such as the nature of the business, the sector it operates within, and the type of support being sought. GS1 India aims to ensure that a wide range of MSMEs can benefit from its services, thereby fostering inclusivity and growth across the sector.

Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) – GS1 India

Posted on by Rahul Kumar

A Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) serves as a unique identifier, making every product distinguishable worldwide. It’s similar to a product’s passport when in the market, ensuring that no two products bear the same number. This identifier is crucial for businesses, retailers, and consumers, facilitating efficient inventory management, product tracking, and checkout processes. GTINs are typically found alongside the barcodes, like the GS1 barcode, on a product’s packaging, making them easily accessible for scanning at retail points or for online listing purposes. 

What is GTIN?

GTIN full form – Global Trade Item Number – a series of numbers that uniquely identify a product in the global marketplace. This numbering system is essential for the standardisation and efficiency of international trade, helping businesses manage their inventories and streamline the checkout process. GTINs make it easier for products to be sold, tracked, and located anywhere in the world. 

Types of GTIN

The GTIN system encompasses a range of formats designed to uniquely identify products and services worldwide. Each type of GTIN is structured to suit different product types, packaging levels, and geographical considerations. Here’s a detailed look at the various Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) formats based on the provided information:

GTIN-13

  • Use: The GTIN-13 format is widely used in global trade, especially in India, and is the sole GTIN format for EAN-13 barcodes.
  • Structure: Comprises twelve digits, featuring a GS1 Company Prefix and an Item Reference. The prefix begins with numbers 1-9, denoting the company’s geographic location or origin, followed by a check digit.
  • Example Applications: A broad range of retail products internationally.

GTIN-8

  • Use: The GTIN-8 format is specifically designed for smaller items that cannot accommodate larger barcodes. It is the exclusive GTIN format used in EAN-8 barcodes.
  • Structure: Consists of seven digits, which include a GS1-8 Prefix and an Item Reference, followed by a check digit to ensure the number’s integrity. The GS1-8 Prefix identifies the country or issuing organisation, while the Item Reference specifies the particular item.
  • Example Applications: Small consumer goods where space is limited for labelling.

GTIN-12

  • Use: The GTIN-12 is the standard format for UPC-A barcodes, facilitating the identification of products in retail environments.
  • Structure: Contains eleven digits, including a U.P.C. Company Prefix and an Item Reference, capped off with a check digit. The U.P.C. Company Prefix is assigned to the manufacturer or distributor of the product, and the Item Reference uniquely identifies the product from that company.
  • Example Applications: General retail products in the United States and Canada.

GTIN-14

  • Use: GTIN-14 is used to identify trade items at various packaging levels, from individual items to bulk quantities. It is not used with EAN/UPC barcodes but rather with ITF-14 barcodes.
  • Structure: Begins with an Indicator Digit that specifies the packaging level (1-8 for standard packaging levels, 9 for variable measure products). This is followed by twelve digits that include a GS1 Company Prefix and an Item Reference, plus a check digit.
  • Example Applications: Bulk shipments, cases, or pallets of products, as well as items measured by variable dimensions or weights.

Each Global Trade Item Number format plays a critical role in the global supply chain, enabling the precise identification, tracking, and management of products. From individual consumer goods to large-scale shipments, the GTIN system facilitates efficiency, accuracy, and transparency across the board.

Why GTINs are Important for eCommerce

The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is essential when discussing modern eCommerce since it provides a universal standard for the identification of products across the global supply chain. Its importance in eCommerce stems from several key benefits that directly contribute to the efficiency, reliability, and growth of online business operations. Here’s an elaboration on why GTINs are critically important for eCommerce:

  • Drives eCommerce: GTINs are instrumental in the global flow of trade items and the associated information crucial for eCommerce. By standardising product identification, GTINs ensure that products are easily discoverable across online platforms. This standardisation supports the seamless listing and selling of products on various eCommerce sites and marketplaces, enabling businesses to reach a broader audience without the need for multiple identifiers.
  • Enhances Compatibility Across Business Sectors: The use of GTINs builds confidence among businesses across all sectors to engage in trade. This confidence comes from the compatibility that GTINs provide, ensuring that products can be identified uniformly, regardless of the industry or market. Such a level of compatibility is vital for the interoperability of systems and processes in a diverse and global eCommerce ecosystem.
  • Facilitates Accuracy in Supply Chain Operations: The capture and use of GTINs at critical points in the supply chain, such as warehouse shipping and receiving, hospital supply chains, and point-of-sale (POS) systems, are fundamental for maintaining accurate stock control and facilitating timely order replenishment. This accuracy is crucial for eCommerce, where consumer expectations for product availability and fast delivery times are high.
  • Leverages the GS1 Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN): GTIN enables businesses to utilise the GS1 Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN), a powerful tool for managing product information across the supply chain. The GDSN ensures that all trading partners have access to consistent and up-to-date product information, thereby increasing data accuracy, improving operational efficiency, and reducing costs associated with data management discrepancies.
  • Simplifies Supply Chain Management: By providing a unique identifier for every product, GTIN streamlines communication among supply chain partners. This simplification allows for more efficient management of the flow of products and information, reducing errors and enhancing the overall agility of the supply chain. In the fast-paced world of eCommerce, such efficiency is key to meeting consumer demand and maintaining competitive advantage.
  • Improves Data Quality: GTINs contribute significantly to the improvement of data quality within the supply chain. By ensuring that product information is consistent among all supply chain partners, GTINs help to eliminate discrepancies that can lead to inefficiencies, such as incorrect product shipments or listings. High-quality data is essential for making informed business decisions and providing customers with accurate product information, which in turn supports better customer experiences and loyalty.

GTIN Structures

At the core of GTIN’s utility is its numeric structure, which ensures that every product can be universally recognised. This structure includes different elements designed to provide detailed information about the product, including its origin, manufacturer, and specific item details. The flexibility to accommodate this structure within only some digits is what makes GTIN so effective for global commerce.

While GTINs are commonly associated with barcodes, their utility extends to other data carriers. This adaptability ensures that GTINs can be utilised in a wide array of technologies and mediums to suit different needs and environments.

How are GTINs Used?

GTINs are used throughout the product’s lifecycle, from manufacturing to end sale. They play a key role in supply chain logistics, enabling the tracking of products as they move from factories to warehouses to retail shelves. GTINs are also essential for online sales, where they help list products on eCommerce platforms, optimise search engine presence, and facilitate transactions. By standardising product identification, GTINs simplify the global trade process, making it more efficient and reliable.

GTIN vs UPC vs Barcode

GTIN, full form as Global Trade Item Number, is a broad term that represents unique product identifiers used globally, encompassing various formats like UPC (Universal Product Code), EAN (European Article Number), and others. A GTIN can be encoded into a barcode, a visual representation that allows for easy scanning and identification of products. Barcodes, therefore, are the graphical representations that encode GTINs (including UPCs) for scanning purposes, facilitating the tracking and sale of products across retail and online platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is GTIN used for?

GTIN is used for uniquely identifying products worldwide, facilitating their tracking, listing, and sale across the global marketplace.

2. Which requirements are needed to be able to use a GTIN?

To use a GTIN, a company must obtain a unique company prefix from GS1 member organisation – GS1 India, ensuring their product’s identifiers are globally unique.

3. Can the GTIN be used to identify the associated company?

Yes, part of the GTIN includes a company prefix, which identifies the company that owns the brand of the product.

4. What are SKUs, and how do you use them?

SKUs, or Stock Keeping Units, are internal product identifiers used by companies for inventory management. Unlike GTINs, SKUs are not standardised and vary from company to company.

5. Is a GTIN number mandatory?

While not universally mandatory, GTINs are required by most major retailers and eCommerce platforms for product listings.

6. Do all my products need GTIN numbers if I want to sell on Google Shopping?

Generally, yes. Google Shopping requires GTINs for most listed products to enhance searchability and provide detailed product information.

7. What if a Product Doesn’t Have a GTIN?

Products without GTINs face significant challenges in the marketplace. It will be quite difficult to list the products on major online platforms, potentially limiting their visibility and sales opportunities.

10 Reasons to Choose DataKart for Your MDM Needs?

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

Master data management is basically the set of tools and solutions that helps businesses manage their data effectively and profitably. With a boon in digitization, data has become a backbone for business analytics that drives profitability. Effective MDM helps business owners get significant insights into the market and understand the trends. Managing data empowers business owners to identify, analyse and report the key drivers of their business and adopt new business strategies accordingly. It is a tool that helps access business risk and improves business resiliency for unseen events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. MDM is an intelligent business investment that gives an overall business perspective by helping with data analysis, management, information sharing, and governance.

Most of the supply chains today are omnichannel, consisting of multiple retailers and distributors. The big data generated through various nodes can be challenging to handle because of the complexities involved. The product data shared in those omnichannel supply chains is available and shared in different formats across the network. Business owners must ensure that the time-sensitive information such as price, availability, product shelf life, etc., available to other nodes of the supply chain is always up to date. They need to ensure that their system is compatible to handle the volume, variety, and velocity of the data. Organizations lacking in any of these factors may face data management challenges such as inaccurate product information, duplicity, data threats, and lack of trust in the supply chain. Hence, MDM has become a need for a sustainable business.

Let us look at what attributes one should look at while choosing MDM services for managing product data and how GS1 India comply with those attributes.

Cloud-based storage:

GS1 India’s DataKart is a national product information repository that helps in collecting and storing data in a central cloud-based repository systematically and consistently. DataKart also ensures transparency in the system while sharing the data with stakeholders. DataKart helps brings all the nodes of supply chain together by providing a single cloud-based data storage platform. The information thus stored and shared via DataKart is always up-to-date, accurate and reliable.

Effortless data sharing:

With DataKart, you can share product data effortlessly and avoid the need of repetitive manual sharing. GS1 India’s MDM solution ensures the data is shared one-to-one with retailers and at the right time. This eliminates the need of manual sharing of data through emails with multiple nodes of the supply chain, which can be error-prone. Hence, the data shared is always updated and accurate with no human error. DataKart allows information sharing in the desired formats such as pdf, jpg, excel, etc. for the ease of business. Thus, Brand owners do not have to worry about the quality of images/ videos and copyright issues.

Quality of Information:

Any missing information can cause the business owner a considerable loss, but DataKart ensures that product information shared is complete with all the attributes. Product GTINs are verified for accuracy through the GS1 service called GTIN Validation, which strengthen trust in product information for brand owners, data recipients, and ultimately consumers. GS1 India’s MDM also helps in errorless PO generation.

Security:

With GS1 India, you don’t have to worry about the safety of your data. GS1 ensures product data safety through its SSL-secure server. The product information is available only on need basis hence, only authorized person can access the information as per his/her needs. With its secured system, GS1 India ensures fail-safe operation, robust protection against disaster, long-term reliability, expandability, and scalability. GS1 India is an ISO 27001 certified organization.

Instant Notifications:

DatakKart not only help in maintaining product list and their attributes up to time but also send a timely update of the changes. It gives instant notifications on whether the product is active or not, any price change, and informs about promotional product listing.

Enhanced Transparency:

By providing a single data storage and sharing platform, GS1 India’s MDM helps improving transparency in the system. Its smart consumer mobile app helps to connect with consumers directly and get their feedback and reviews in real-time. With GS1’s MDM solution, brand owners can get closer to their customers to improve their products.

Cost-saving:

GS1 India’s DataKart helps save costs by improving the efficiency of supply chain and logistics operations. DataKart provides a single view of the product that enables business owners to build an efficient supply chain. It helps to recollect product information in standardized manner. This gives access to volumetric data and helps brand owners strategize plans and make decisions accurately. GS1’s MDM also helps to improve productivity by reducing order mismatch issues that may lead to significant loss to the business owners.

Increased Revenue:

GS1 India’s DataKart fosters automation which reduces the need for manhandling of the data. Automation enables faster PO generation, improved fill rate, lesser stock out scenarios, and greater on-shelf availability. Thus, it enhances the quality of service. GS1’s single storage source meets both online and offline channel requirements and reduces time-to-market.

Barcode management:

GS1 India is the only organization set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, to authorize barcodes. GS1 India not only helps in getting barcode for your products but also manages the information linked to its GTINs as the barcode gets scanned at various nodes in the supply chain. DataKart allows to store this information and use it whenever and wherever required.

GS1 is a non-profit organization set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. With over 13000 companies and 5.5 million products across 40 categories, GS1 India has gained trust from various organizations for its Master Data Management services. GS1 India’s Master data management service helps in seamless handling and sharing of data among all the stakeholders of the value chain. GS1 India is highly trusted for Master data management. With GS1 India’s MDM services, Brand owners have realized up to 15% time saving, overcame reconciliation issues, improved fill rates, and accelerated automation in their process. To know more, visit GS1 India.

GS1 DataKart – Your Single Point Solution to Data Sharing Problems

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

Data sharing problems are one of the latest additions to many business challenges faced by brand owners. With most organizations setting up their gears to find the perfect solution, they fail either to find the right solution or to implement them. But before we get into what these problems are and how you can tackle them with GS1 India’s DataKart, let us look at their origin and why these problems are raising eyebrows for brand owners. In 2021, an estimated 68% of Instagram users view photos directly from brands, and enormous amount of emails are exchanged every day to inform on the changes in product information. The problems in product data sharing are thus are inevitable and need intervention. 

GS1 India’s DataKart is a national product information repository for storing and sharing your product data in a systematic and structured manner. DataKart provides a platform to brand owners where they can upload their product data which is then validated by retailers and online marketplaces using GS1 repositories for completeness and accuracy.

With its highly efficient cloud storage and use of GS1 global standards, it can ease the difficulties faced while sharing data.

Since, there is no standard format for sharing data, and hence different brand owners and retailers use different means and formats for sharing and storing product information. Amazon, for example, has its own list of specifications for uploading product images. These specifications might not match those of other eCommerce websites. If you are a brand owner selling your product on multiple eCommerce platforms, then sharing your product images and other information might be troublesome and time-consuming for you.

DataKart helps this by compiling the product information in a standardised format and sharing the same with retailers and eCommerce websites in their native format. This not only saves time but also reduces errors while sharing data.

The emails are still the medium for data sharing in most organizations. It may be in the form of word doc or excel, or pdf. The chances of missing the email or missing product information shared over the email or recording the incorrect data in those files are much higher. DataKart nullifies this probability of error as well by sharing the data from system to system and minimises the human intervention.

The product information is also uploaded to GS1’s global data repository – Verified by GS1, to strengthen trust in better product information for brand owners, data recipients and ultimately consumers, thereby enhancing global visibility.

Besides providing an efficient data sharing environment, DataKart offers a responsive network to quickly share the product information changes so that the market-sensitive information such as product availability, price, offers, and discounts, etc., is always up to date. By ensuring single storage, DataKart avoids information mismatch between different supply chain nodes and eliminates the need for multiple manual sharing.

It further extends the visibility to product information through Smart Consumer mobile app, which is used by consumers to access digital product information and hence make informed purchase decision.

To know more about DataKart , visit GS1 India.

Most Common Product Management Challenges Faced by a Brand

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

Managing product information is not an easy task. Coping up with changing consumer demands, system complexities, and emerging technologies can be a struggle for product managers who have to share product information with various buyers while maintaining brand value and delivering what is deemed.

Some of the major challenges faced during the product information management process are listed as below:

 

Compilation of Information

Compiling product information can be a difficult task, especially when the product team has to coordinate with various departments to fetch information on various product attributes. This includes coordinating with the Regulatory department for licensing-related information, the packaging team for its barcode number, the quality team for nutritional and net content values, and so on. Since the large companies have different departments handling different pieces of information, who generally work in silos, it becomes a challenge to gather the complete information at one place from where it can be shared with buyers.

Adding further to this layer of complexities is the fact that product attributes keep changing to better serve the needs of consumers. Hence, the same exercise needs to be repeated several times in a product’s lifecycle.

 

Traditional Information Sharing Systems 

In most organizations, product information is shared over emails, in between the organization as well as buyers. The product data shared in Excel or Word files are usually lost across multiple versions saved in systems, or emails being ignored or not acted upon.

When the information flow is high, the probability of capturing time-sensitive information reduces greatly. Thus, the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed when there are multiple users of the same file.

 

Inability to Share Relevant Product Images

Often the product team, especially modern trade, and general trade teams share only mandatory product information which usually lacks product images. However, omni-channel retailing is kicking in and even kiranas are selling through mobile apps. Product images are not only desired but have become essential.

 

Managing and Assigning Product Codes Using Excel Files

Management of product codes using excel files is tricky. It often leads to duplicate numbers being assigned to multiple products, especially because there are chances of getting the changes lost in multiple versions of the file. Moreover, this does not provide ready visibility to the number/codes assigned and remaining.

In case you are facing similar challenges, it is time to opt for the national product data repository (DataKart). It can help you overcome the above challenges and provide an array of benefits.

Why Use DataKart for Product Catalogue Management?

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

Today’s marketplace is volatile. Whether it is a brick-mortar store or an e-commerce platform, keeping track of your products’ changes is a challenging task for brand owners. A product catalogue is a tool that can help you here. This is not a new concept. We have all been using it for ages. The menu card we see in restaurants or for take-aways, or the listing brochure that store owners handle you when you enter a furniture store or electronic stores, the list of shoes, are all forms of product catalogues. With booming e-commerce, product catalogue has gone much beyond the listing. Instead, it is used as a tool to sell products, gather analytics about consumer behaviour and at times becomes the differentiator between your online store and your competitors’.

According to Gartner, a product catalogue is a marketing tool that contains all the information about the commercial product. It enables product marketing managers to define and map new product offerings such as the configuration of new products and services bundles, pricing, discounts, etc.

The product catalogue includes details such as product features, dimensions, descriptions, weight, color, availability, customer reviews, price, etc., that helps buyers to make a purchase decision. Product catalogues are also used by field marketers/ sales representatives to communicate product features to the customers, by customers to make buying decisions, by managers to record and manage the product display, and by partners to share product information with the end-users.

Product catalogue management refers to the process that enables brand owners/manufacturers to provide quality product data across the online marketplaces, retail stores, and distribution network. In the e-commerce space, product catalogue management is the strategic process of organizing, storing, retrieving, standardizing, publishing/ distributing, and performance tracking through multiple sale channels for increased sales. Consider the following statistical figures where consumers are studied for their buying behavior for the quality of product catalogue. Results show that 78% of the consumers show positive buying behavior when fed with a personalized product catalogue that suits their demands.

As evident from above, a product catalogue plays an important role in today’s market for driving sales. Some added advantages of having a quality and streamlined product catalogue are:

  1. A product catalogue helps to record technical information and features of multiple products in a suitable format for multiple users and parties.
  2. It talks about your brand and helps establish a better connection with potential customers.
  3. It eliminates the need to manually add data during the business cycle. It helps to enhance user experience with the associated images, ratings and reviews, feature comparison charts, etc.
  4. A product catalogue is a great tool for effective communication between the seller and the consumers. The sales agent can shift their focus to improve the conversion rate rather than running from one end to other for collecting the relevant data on a timely basis.  

However, creating a quality product catalogue comes with many challenges. Managing product catalogue shifts your focus to a lot of unproductive tasks like sending reminder emails to multiple sale channels, poking stakeholders again and again for data updates, setting up new excel sheets an infinite number of times, etc.

In the complex e-commerce world, a dynamic product catalogue requires continuous changes, real-time synchronization to reflect on price, discounts, sales, availability, etc. While generating a master product catalogue, the potential of error increases multifold if you are dealing with thousands of SKUs. This not only affects user experience but also affects entire operations.

Hence it is advisable to use trusted third-party platforms such as DataKart to manage your product catalogue. Let us take the example of a Ketchup bottle that you buy from the online grocery store. Its product catalogue contains information such as GTIN (EAN / UPC), Brand Name, Product Category, Product Description, Net Weight, Gross Weight, FSSAI License Number, Food Type, Storage Condition, Shelf Life, MRP, MRP Location, HSN Code, IGST, CGST, SGST, Country of Origin, Product Images, Nutritional Information, Ingredient Information pack dimensions, pack variant information, etc. All this information does not come from a single source. For example, GTIN (barcode number) has to be issued by the packaging team to ensure uniqueness, net weight is recorded at the manufacturing center, while product nutritional value comes from the R&D department. All internal teams can be integrated on DataKart to populate the department-specific product information.

DataKart is a single source of reliable product data. It helps brand owners to assign and manage unique barcode numbers with global GS1 standards. Managing the product catalogues has many varied benefits for internal as well as external stakeholders. This includes faster product listing, optimized planogramming, ability to send recall alerts, product data change notifications, compliance with statutory labelling/marking guidelines, license/certificate validation, and the need for additional product information to enable consumers to make informed purchase decisions.

GS1 India’s DataKart acts as a one-stop solution for brand owners to manage their product catalogue conveniently. By availing DataKart’s product data exchange services, you can meet various product cataloguing and imaging needs for selling products online, in stores, or both. Product images and information used in the DataKart catalogue need to be compliant with e-commerce guidelines. To help achieve this, GS1 India also offers an e-Cataloguing Service and ClickIt mobile app.

Just like an ideal Product Catalogue Management platform, DataKart helps you develop trust with quality information. With this, you can directly share your product catalogue with consumers through the Smart Consumer app.

Current business scenarios have accustomed B2C and B2B customers to online shopping and thus the demand and preference for detailed product catalogues have increased. DataKart helps to deal with multiple channels efficiently without making your system complex and time-consuming. Even if your business is spread across multiple locations, DataKart enables you to scale the product catalogue and fosters business growth.

DataKart: A Holistic Approach Towards Your Product Information Management

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

Do you remember the time when data management could simply be done with the help of an Excel sheet? It was when data was available on a smaller scale and businesses decisions were not analytics oriented. However, emerging technologies such as IoT, Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning, Cloud computing, etc., have facilitated large data collection, and analytics for business management. With product information management systems becoming a necessity, their advantages are making organizations top the charts of profitability and innovation. In this article, we will discuss Product Information Management and how GS1 India’s DataKart provides a holistic approach to mastering data management and exchange. However, before going into that, let us define Product Information Management.

Product Information Management (PIM) is a centralized cloud-based solution for collecting, storing, and managing product information. It is a source from where you can access all your product information and share it among others seamlessly and securely. Product Information Repository is the cloud storage where all the data, including price pertaining to the region, master data of the product, and its HSN codes, are stored. DataKart is the national product data repository for storing and sharing product master data. It is governed by GS1 global standards. GS1 India’s DataKart allows companies to maintain an accurate, and single source of truth, which can be shared in real-time. Ecommerce websites, retailers, data aggregating companies are using DataKart for accessing authentic and trusted information on products effortlessly. DataKart helps them access trusted product information, which is directly populated by brand owners. It also enables brand owners to connect to consumers directly through the Smart Consumer app, and gather relevant their feedback, in the form of reviews and ratings, informs them about regulatory certifications and quality standards, etc. PIM has become a need for e-commerce websites for managing large product portfolios and thousands of SKUs.

Over years, GS1 India has gained the industry’s trust with its services. DataKart helps in sharing product data as per the required file formats of retailers and e-tailers, and hence, the same information can be shared in multiple formats, multiple times, in a couple of clicks.

All the product information in DataKart is linked with the product’s unique barcode numbers – GTINs.

These unique codes also enable brand owners to collect, link, store and update product information as it moves through the supply chain. DataKart platform meets your B2B, B2C, and B2G business requirements. It also enables efficient and targeted traceability through DataKart Trace. DataKart MDM exchange service enables expediting product listing process, optimizing planogramming by providing information on product dimensions, providing alerts for product information change, enabling validation of license/certificate, ensuring compliance with statutory labelling/marking guidelines, and helping consumers make an informed purchase decision.

DataKart is a B2B platform for storing, managing, and sharing your product information. With its value-added services such as product catalogue management, product imaging and measurement, data synchronization, authentication and traceability services, it provides a holistic approach towards your Product Information Management.    

DataKart – A Cloud Computing-Based Product Data Repository

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

Introduction to DataKart

DataKart is the National Product Data Repository for storing and managing product data at one place. It was launched in the year 2011 to streamline product data management and accelerate business operations by making product data sharing simpler. Since manufacturers themselves upload product information on the DataKart platform it reduces the flow of incorrect information in the market. It contains comprehensive details on products such as manufacturing details, expiry date, usage instructions, storage conditions, nutritional information, product unique identification number, etc. 

DataKart shares information with Verified by GS1 portal, GS1 Global Registry and the Smart Consumer app. This ensures information is consistent across all platforms and is available to all in a structured and standardised manner. Since DataKart stores data on products at one place it is called a product data repository, it also gets synced with local product storage systems. 

What is a Product Data Repository?

Repository refers to a storehouse of a specific set of product, information, formats etc. A product data repository is a storehouse of comprehensive product details related to a variety of products, manufactured by different businesses. It facilitates sharing critical information on products with stakeholders throughout the product’s lifecycle and fosters transparency in the supply chain. This repository allows businesses to manage and store data on products at a centralised location, improving data quality, eliminating information duplicates, and promoting detailed information accessibility. 

When data is stored in a centralised location, this makes it easy for businesses to access and control it. Additionally, when all local systems are integrated with a single data management platform, it helps mitigate counterfeits. 

Key Features of DataKart

DataKart not only facilitates early detection and prevention of counterfeits but also has numerous other features and benefits for businesses. Some of them are mentioned below –

  • Barcode Generation – Through DataKart, businesses can easily generate and download barcodes for their products. They need to generate GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) and download it in a barcode format of their choice. This barcode can then be printed and applied on retail products. 
  • Product Data Management – With DataKart, businesses can easily manage and share product data at one place. They can upload product data, customise product data fields, add new products and delete irrelevant data. 
  • Timely Implementation Support – Businesses get timely implementation support whenever needed. They also have the opportunity to connect with live agents and can raise queries on live chatbots to troubleshoot instantaneously. 
  • Smart Consumer app – DataKart shares information with Smart Consumer app. The application is developed for the consumers to access complete, detailed and accurate information on products at one place. Smart Consumer app sources all the information that is uploaded by manufacturers on DataKart, empowering consumers in their journey to smart buying.
  • Promotion through GS1 Digital Link – With DataKart, businesses can create 2D barcodes and insert URLs to their website or product landing page by encoding GS1 digital link. This URL can further promote availability of detailed product information, video links and more. 
  • Regulatory Compliance – DataKart is the only platform that is developed by GS1 India to streamline product data management and promote correct information flow. The platform is developed on GS1 standards and empowers businesses in meeting regulatory requirements.

Benefits of Using a Cloud-Based Product Data Repository

Cloud computing is a set of services that includes portfolio management, data storage, information sharing, database creation, multiple-party networking, and analytics. Cloud services are used worldwide for data storage and recovery, big data analytics, and drawing marketing and sales insights. A Cloud-Based Product Data Repository offers several key benefits:

  • Centralized Access: You have the ability to store all your product data in one secure, cloud-based location, making it easily accessible from anywhere. This enables seamless collaboration.
  • Scalability: As your product catalog expands, a cloud-based product data repository can scale effortlessly to handle growing data volumes, eliminating the need for costly hardware upgrades.
  • Real-Time Updates:  You can ensure that any updates made to product information are instantly reflected across all users and devices, keeping your teams aligned with the latest data and improving decision-making.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: By using a cloud-based infrastructure for product repository, you avoid the high costs of maintaining on-premise storage. 
  • Security: Robust cloud security measures, including encryption, and regular backups, to ensure your product data remains secure and protected from unauthorized access.
  • Integration: Cloud-based repositories can integrate seamlessly with other tools like eCommerce platforms, inventory management, and ERP systems, optimizing workflows and boosting efficiency.

Overall, a Cloud-Based Product Data Repository enhances operational efficiency, reduces costs, and improves data accuracy and accessibility for businesses managing complex product catalogs.

How DataKart Utilizes Cloud Computing

DataKart uses cloud computing, which involves online storage and retrieval of product information. 

  • DataKart offers numerous opportunities for improving business operations. It enables brand owners to share SKU data with retailers/e-tailers in a consistent and structured manner. GS1 India’s traceability service also uses DataKart for real-time tracking of products in the supply chain. 
  • It empowers consumer apps like Smart Consumer and provides access to product data, the ability to authenticate, share with marketplaces. DataKart overcomes the challenges of traditional data sharing where the probability of missing out on information is much higher.
  • DataKart repository acts as a single source of information for brand owners, retailers/online marketplaces, solution providers, and consumer apps. Unlike traditional information sharing, DataKart offers automated sharing of information, leading to better accuracy and real-time delivery.
  • DataKart issues and manages barcode numbers for trade items and manages data on the repository. These codes provide a unique identity to products and enable manufacturers to trace them across the supply chain. DataKart stores product details – product ID, size, color, shelf life, etc., and facilitates third-party integration.
  • It is a trusted database, populated directly by brand owners. DataKart eliminates multiple needs of compiling and sharing the data. DataKart automates the entire process of information sharing, saving a lot of time.

Implementing DataKart in Your Organization

DataKart is absolutely free and you can harness DataKart’s potential once you get registered with GS1 India for barcodes. Upon registering you will be allotted the Global Company Prefix (GCP) that can be used to login to your DataKart account and start generating GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers). Here is a step-by-step process of registering with GS1 India for barcodes – 

Step 1: Visit GS1 India’s ‘Register for Barcode’ page or you can follow this link – https://www.gs1india.org/content/register-for-barcodes/

Step 2: Go to the Registration Form and click on the Register Now button. 

Step 3: Complete the form by providing all your details, submit your company documents as and where asked and pay the one-time registration fees. 

Step 4: Submit the form. You will receive a call from the GS1 India registration team to confirm your registration for GS1 barcodes and after 7-10 working days you will be provided your GCP and barcode allotment letter. 

Conclusion

A product data repository is absolutely necessary for businesses of any scale. DataKart is based on the global supply chain standards and helps businesses in complying with the regulatory standards and global unique identification structure. With businesses fast-moving towards embracing technological breakthroughs, it is essential they leverage this cloud-based product data management platform to harness its benefits and achieve process efficiency. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to get a barcode?

You can get registered for barcodes by completing the barcode registration process with GS1 India. 

2. How to generate barcodes in DataKart?

You can generate GTINs for your products on the DataKart platform. Based on your requirements you can select the type of barcode you want to download for your products. 

3. What is a product repository?

Product repository refers to a storage of comprehensive details on products being sold in the market. 

4. Can I generate my own barcode?

Yes, by registering for GS1 barcodes you will be provided your GCP (Global Company Prefix) for DataKart login. You can generate GTIN and then barcodes through the DataKart platform.

Prevent Incorrect Product Data with DataKart

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

Product data management can be a huge problem for manufacturers and resellers. It involves capturing and regularly updating the product data in their systems as well as sharing updates and information with their buyers. In today’s competitive world, the stakes are very high and there is no room for error in product delivery across the different stages of the supply chain. At the same time, the amount of data ingested via various business systems such as order management systems, POS systems, warehouse management systems, etc., is immense. The use of legacy software such as Excel is not optimal for managing such voluminous data and frequent changes that need to be updated and shared, leading to many versions of excel files being created with multiple stakeholders.

Most stakeholders in the supply chain realize the challenges and importance of data management. However, despite this knowledge, they are unable to formulate a data management strategy that ensures efficiency and promotes accuracy. 

The Reasons for Product Data Errors

The present-day brand owners, retailers, and aggregators are unable to manage data efficiently at various stages, leading to incorrect product data residing in various disparate systems. Below are some fundamental reasons that instigate bad data management:

  • Rising complexity and frequent changes in product data
  • Mismanagement of barcode numbers
  • Lack of structure and standardization of data
  • Lack of data collaboration in real-time

When errors start creeping in, they start impacting the performance. Moreover, the trust amongst different stakeholders is also impacted. When the trust is compromised, the entire business relationship falls apart. On the contrary, if these errors can be checked by maintaining a centralized repository for master data, this situation can be avoided completely.  

 

The Value of Common Data Management Platform

Majorpart of the problem lies in the fact that retailer or marketplace has to manage data for thousands of products from hundreds of suppliers, big and small alike, in a uniform format, despite the same being supplied in multiple formats. Not only this, at times, retailers also depend on crowd sourced information on the products. This is exactly where DataKart comes into the picture.

 

DataKart is a solution that intuitively fits into the vision of most manufacturers and retailers. For a retailer, it means no capital investment on an elaborate software development project. For manufacturers, it means the information it wants to convey will be communicated without any errors or mistakes, and more importantly, in real-time. It just takes a few clicks in sharing product information with multiple retailers/e-tailers in their native format.

 

GS1 India’s DataKart is a centralized repository that stores attributes of products sold in the Indian market. These attributes include information on but are not limited to – product variant, MRP, size, and weight, dimensions, product name, images, etc. 

 

One of the major USPs of DataKart is how it fits into the scheme of things. A manufacturer always wants his new products launches to be visible to every retailer. Earlier, this used to take weeks through the distributor network and they mostly had to depend on ads in media to popularise their new launches. However, the same could be done within a few clicks with DataKart. Also, the manufacturer is assured that every aspect of data is conveyed in the intended format without any errors. There could be absolutely no ambiguity or doubts about the information that is communicated.

 

In the same way, the retailer receiving the data has absolutely no doubt about the veracity of information it has received since the information is directly populated by brand owners and not received through distributors and wholesalers. . All you have to do is share information with multiple buyers, in their respective formats, at the click of few buttons.

How DataKart is Revolutionising Product Data Exchange Across Sectors

Posted on by Nitesh Agrawal

What is DataKart?

DataKart is a cloud-based online service from GS1 India.  GS1 India has launched DataKart service, a repository of retailed products, which has been developed based on industry needs for a single source of trusted, reliable and accurate information on products sold through retail stores and online shopping portals. It empowers users to make decisions based on the complete product information, which is mostly more than what is published on product labels.

DataKart is the national source of information on Indian retailed products with details of each attribute (ingredients, product images, MRP, net content, dimensions, etc.).  It enables brand owners to capture product information in an accurate, trusted, and updated manner, besides sharing the same with retailers in a consistent, structured, and standardised manner, in real time.

Why DataKart?

DataKart helps brand owners by enabling sharing of their products’ information with multiple retailers and online marketplaces in one go, in their respective native formats. Real-time product updates received through DataKart helps retailers and online marketplaces to keep the information updated at all times. This leads to huge savings in terms of time and resources and increased sales by reducing fill rate losses.

The retail sector would greatly benefit through better fill rates, on-shelf product availability, lesser mismatches between purchase orders and supplies receipts, faster product listings, new product introductions, better visual merchandising on retail shelves and consequent higher sales. DataKart helps resolve these issues.

DataKart benefits overeview

  • Product Catalogue Management: It includes 20 variables including but not limited to brand name, product category and description, net and gross weight, FSSAI License Number, MRP, product images, shelf life, and more;
  • Helping Retailers and Marketplaces: Seamless sharing of product data among brand owners and retailers / online marketplaces in native formats and templates for individual retailers. This can also be configured with their ERPs upon request
  • Generate and print barcode labels: Barcodes for labels can be generated and printed for products, cartons, and pallets;
  • Analytics: Generates detailed analytics reports with graphs, itemised lists, mapping, and more. Some of the reports DataKart generates include which retailer has viewed their product information/acted upon it, how many of their product information change notification is viewed, by whom all, etc.

DataKart – Holistic answer to product data challenges in retailing

DataKart would facilitate seamless mapping of harmonised system code of any product. Receiving product information through DataKart has enabled retailers to remove the dependency on third-party crowd sourced information. It helps them gain access to all the information on their products at a centralised location. Retailers and online marketplaces using DataKart have also observed benefits of reduced time and enhanced efficiency in managing master data updates and listing new product introductions.

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