GS1 Global Data Model
One product. An experience. Every channel
The GS1 Global Data Model, GDM, is a standardized solution for the set of attributes that are required to represent a product across all sales channels.
By simplifying and harmonizing the exchange of product data around the world, the GS1 Global Data Model increases operational efficiency for brand owners and retailers, and improves the accuracy and completeness of data for consumers.
Everyone needs better product data.
Businesses today, more than ever, must respond to the increased demand from consumers, trading partners and regulators for accurate and complete product data.
At the same time, global trade is witnessing the formation of a complex business environment in which different stakeholders in different markets require different data sets in response to their own needs, resulting in additional data management costs and poor overall data quality.
At the initiative of the industry and distributors who are members of the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), a working group within GS1 has developed a global data model enabling the harmonization and structuring of product data on a global scale, also containing the specifics for individual regions and countries, as well as individual product categories.
Pilot projects have been conducted to outline Good Practices for the implementation of the Global Data Model.
Attribute categories
Global base attributes
It consists of attributes required for all product categories
Example
- Identification: GTIN (Global Number)
- Marketing: Brand name
- Product Content: Gross Weight
- Measurements: Net content
- Product Lifecycle: Date/Time
- Instructions for users: User storage
Global Category Attributes
It consists of attributes required only for a specific product category, applicable globally
Example
- Consumer safety: Allergen type code
- Product content: Declaration of ingredients
- Instructions for the customer: Use
- Marketing: Features and Benefits
Regional attribute category
It consists of attributes required only for a specific product category, only for a specific region
Example
- Customer Safety: Allergens
- Regulation: Regulated product name
- Marketing: Third Party Accreditation Symbol
- Product Lifecycle: Date/Time
- Product Content: The net content
Local attributes
It consists of attributes required for a specific product category, only for a specific location within a given region
Example
- Product Lifecycle: Date/time of sale to consumer
- Certification: Certification Agents
Local attributes are not part of the GS1 Global Data Model standard, contact your local GS1 office for more information
The global data model is now available for 5 product categories in the FMCG sector:
- Food
- Drugstore Perfumery Hygiene
- Food for pets
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco
One product. One content. In all markets.
The global data model helps to fill in the correct data for the respective market faster and with lower costs and their exchange with trading partners, and thus for faster realization of sales.
