Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the GDSN and how does it work? >
2. What is the GS1 Global Registry?? >
3. What are the benefits of participation for the manufacturers and retailers? >
4. How are the test plans developed?  >
5. What part of GDSN is being tested? >
6. Where can I find the specifications?  >
7. What happens after my data pool passes GDSN Interop? >
8. What is DGI's role? >
9. How can I safeguard my intellectual property? >
10. What are DGI's responsibilities in this testing?  >
11. Where will the tests take place? >
12. What kind of staffing resources will be required?  >
13. If more information is needed, who may I contact at DGI?  >

1) What is the GDSN and how does it work?
The Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) is a network of interoperable data pools and a global registry called the GS1 Global Registry, for communicating master data (Catalogue Item and Party) between trading partners. The GDSN, conceived and supported by EAN International, the Uniform Code Council, Inc. (UCC), and leading companies and industry groups worldwide, is a global, Internet-based initiative that will enable trading partners to quickly and efficiently exchange supply chain data that is accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with universally supported EAN.UCC System standards.

The GDSN was developed in partnership with the global business community to address the high costs associated with inaccurate data. The GDSN vision, conceived by the Global Commerce Initiative (GCI), is based on a centralized, global registry that connects to numerous data pools around the world, enabling data to be standardized and synchronized for trading partners on a near real-time basis. In order to ensure the GDSN meets the business needs of the user community, EAN International and the UCC established a GDSN Oversight Committee as the foundation of its governance structure. The Oversight Committee, which currently includes 17 senior executives from manufacturing, retailing, and EAN Member Organizations, has been appointed to govern the GDSN, promote global adoption and address strategic issues related to the rollout of the GDSN.

For more information, please see: http://www.ean-int.org/GDS/Documents/040615_faq_gds.pdf

2) What is the GS1 Global Registry?
On Aug. 1, 2004, the global registry functionality required for the creation of a global network was put into production under the jurisdiction of EAN International. The GS1 Global Registry™ (in anticipation of the EAN/UCC 1st January, 2005 name change to "GS1") will be operated as a distinct and separate neutral entity by EAN International. The GS1 Global Registry will serve as a global gateway for companies to locate source (manufacturer) or recipient (retailer) data pools, which contain item and party information.

2) What are the benefits of participation in GDSN certification?
Benefits will include opportunities to:

• Learn the early needs of the sponsoring user communities and get market validation for your data pool
• Debug your data pool with leading competitors in a vendor-neutral, low risk, "market simulated environment" so that you resolve problems before you provide data pool services to your customers
• Gain market acceptance and recognition for implementing new standards
• Join the early adopter list of certified data poolsÑthe shopping list for trading partners searching for data pool services.

4) How are the test plans developed?
The test plans are developed by DGI. They will be reviewed by vendors who choose to join the interoperability project and necessary modifications will be made as appropriate. DGI will be facilitating the test process through the DGI Test Lab using its Interoperability Compliance Process® is a robust interoperability process methodology which enables vendors to thoroughly test their products against other participating vendors. A copy of the Final Report will be published along with the test results and posted on the GDSN website.

5) What part of GDSN is being tested?
Participating data pools will use the GS1 messaging standards to execute a series of registry functionality tests that will focus on enabling data transactions. Exactly what use cases are tested in each test event are being defined by the GDSN task group. Data pools will then execute a series of notification type events fulfilling data synchronization. In a phased approach, data pools will demonstrate full interoperability with all participants by the final phase of testing.

6) Where can I find the specifications?
Review http://www.ean-int.org/GDS under Technical Requirements.

7) What happens after my data pool passes GDSN Interop?
Upon DGI's notification of passing the GDSN Interop test, your data pool is certified as "Interoperable" and your product-with-version will be listed on the GDSN website.

8) What is DGI's role?
DGI is the exclusive testing certification authority for GDSN. DGI administers testing in a neutral, cooperative and non-competitive environment. DGI maintains strict vendor neutrality to assure integrity of the testing process.

• DGI maintains the confidentiality of each participant's progress during the testing process
• DGI only interacts with the technical staff of the participating data pools on daily phone calls during the testing process (Sales and Marketing are only involved in related press releases subsequent to the completion of testing)
• DGI creates a non-competitive, cooperative environment for data pools to successfully pass and complete testing
• DGI only announces those data pools that have successfully passed the tests -- i.e., DGI does not make public those entities that have not succeeded in completing or passing tests.

9) How can I safeguard my intellectual property?

• No one sees your actual products (i.e. not your competitors, not even DGI)
• You choose how much you want to share with the group on specific code problems with your product
• All testing is done over the Internet from your controlled environment
• All discussions on problems and code adjustments are held via conference calls and email
• Other participants only see data exchanged (we provide the data for the test in concert with the participants)
• Sales and Marketing contacts are not allowed on the daily conference calls. Only approved technical contacts are allowed on the daily phone calls and email list serve.

10) What are DGI's responsibilities in this testing?

• DGI provides a neutral environment to ensure you and your competitors can work cooperatively together to ensure compliance/conformance and interoperability
• DGI does not see or request your code at any time
• DGI sees the test data and ensures the test results are accurately recorded
• DGI will NOT publicly announce any entities who fail to pass the tests. Only those passing data pools are announced.
• DGI resolves individual and group problems as they occur and makes every effort to ensure fair and speedy dispute resolution to keep the testing process moving

11) Where will the tests take place?
Tests will be conducted over the Internet with mandatory daily conference calls. It is suggested that one person be dedicated during the process to handle the testing. At times it may be necessary to add additional staff to keep from falling behind in the testing process and ensure your product stays on the test schedule.

12) If more information is needed, who may I contact at DGI?
Please contact:
Drummond Group Inc.
512-826-2938 (phone)
512-335-5644 (fax)
info2@drummondgroup.com or