Update on GDSN and GVS Barcode Initiatives

After years of industry preparation, two important operational initiatives are in place:

* GS1 Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN)) is a process enabling the industry to standardize how product attributes associated with barcodes--now termed GTIN’s (global trade identification numbers)—are delivered to retailers.

More specifically, GDSN is an automated, standards-based global environment that enables secure and continuous data synchronization, allowing all participating channel partners to maintain consistent data within their systems.

GDSN is overseen by GS1, the successor organization to the Uniform Code Council.

In 2006, IPDA negotiated to become the central source of all magazine data to the program. This serves to streamline industry participation and avoid the need for individual national distributors, wholesalers and publishers to subscribe individually (saving about $1 million in annual industry participation fees). The data flows through IPDA’s Publisher Identification Coding System (PICS).

IPDA is now officially GDSN-compliant. All publishers whose data is not provided through a national distributor are urged to sign up to participate. IPDA membership is not required.

* GTIN Validation System (GVS) Through PICs, participating publishers also have access to a barcode quality-control service, the GTIN Validation System (GVS).

GVS helps publishers avoid barcode errors that can result in re-stickering charges and/or missed on-sale dates.   

Use of GVS ensures that the barcode/GTIN as printed on a magazine cover is consistent with the GTIN data a publisher has supplied to wholesalers and retailers, usually through its national distributor.

Using GVS, the printer scans the cover barcode at time of receipt and is immediately advised if there is a potential error. At the same time, an email advisory is sent to the appropriate individuals at the publisher and national distributor, enabling the error to be corrected prior to printing.

Outside of about 30 seconds of scanning time at the printer, the process involves no cost.

“Both of these initiatives are critical to magazines and books,” says Matt Herman, chairman of IPDA’s Technical Committee. “Retailers have begun to require that their suppliers become GDSN-compliant. Taking steps to ensure that our barcodes are consistently readable will ensure that our categories continue to be welcomed by retailers.”

For more information, contact Herman at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .