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Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN)

Data management and qualityIntermediate Level

GDSN is GS1's network of certified data pools through which suppliers share standardized product master data with retailers once, and keep it in sync.

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What is Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN)?

The Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) is GS1's network of certified data pools that lets suppliers publish standardized product master data, such as GTIN, dimensions, weights, packaging and ingredients, once and share it automatically with every retailer that subscribes to it. A supplier loads its items into its own data pool. The GS1 Global Registry records which pool holds each item, and the retailer's data pool receives the data and every later update. All pools use the same GS1 attributes and validation rules, so a product looks the same to every trading partner. GDSN is not the same as GS1: GS1 is the standards organization behind barcodes and product classification, and GDSN is the exchange network built on those standards. Products in GDSN are classified with the GS1 Global Product Classification (GPC).

Why Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) matters for e-commerce

Large retailers, especially in food, health, beauty and DIY, often require suppliers to deliver product data through GDSN. Without it, a supplier fills in a different template for every retailer, and every change in weight, ingredients or packaging means another round of spreadsheets. For the supplier, GDSN means one place to publish and one standard to follow. For the retailer, it means data that has already passed GS1 validation and arrives in the same format from every brand. The catch is that GDSN only carries what you put into it: incomplete or wrong master data reaches every partner at once. That is why most companies prepare and check their data in a PIM or ERP before it goes to the data pool.

Examples of Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN)

  • 1Attribute: GTIN, Value: 08712345678906, Level: consumer unit
  • 2Attribute: Net content, Value: 500 ml, Level: consumer unit
  • 3Attribute: Gross weight, Value: 6.4 kg, Level: case of 12
  • 4Flow: a food brand publishes a new recipe's ingredients and allergens to its data pool; every subscribed retailer receives the update
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How WISEPIM Helps

  • One product record: keep GTINs, dimensions, weights and other attributes together in WISEPIM with attribute management, so the data you hand to your data pool comes from one source.
  • Checks before export: Quality Guard rules flag missing or malformed values, such as an empty net content field, before you export.
  • Export as a file: export the product data your data pool provider needs as a file. WISEPIM does not connect to GDSN itself; the publishing runs through your data pool.

Common mistakes with Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN)

  • Publishing data before it is clean, which leads to rejected items and corrections sent to every partner.
  • Treating GDSN as a one-time project instead of keeping data current when packaging or recipes change.
  • Filling packaging hierarchy levels inconsistently, so case and pallet data do not match the consumer unit.
  • Leaving ownership unclear, so nobody is responsible for updating the data pool.

Tips for Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN)

  • Ask your main retailers which data pool and which attributes they expect before you choose a provider.
  • Clean your GTINs and packaging hierarchy first; most rejections come from those two areas.
  • Map your PIM attributes to the GS1 attributes once and reuse that mapping for every export.
  • Name an owner for GDSN data and a process for changes in recipe, packaging or weight.

Trends around Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN)

  • Sustainability attributes: data pools are adding fields for packaging materials, recyclability and other ESG data that retailers and regulators ask for.
  • Digital product passports: EU rules push more product data to be shared in standardized form, which builds on GS1 identifiers.
  • Tighter PIM and ERP links: companies prepare GDSN data in their own systems and map it to GS1 attributes instead of typing it into the pool.
  • Automated checks: more validation runs before data reaches the pool, so fewer items are rejected.

Tools for Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN)

  • 1WorldSync: a GS1-certified data pool used by many brands and retailers.
  • atrify: a GS1-certified data pool widely used in Germany and Europe.
  • Syndigo: a product content platform that also runs a GDSN data pool.
  • WISEPIM: a PIM to prepare and check product data before you export it to your data pool; it does not connect to GDSN directly.

Related Terms

Access Control (PIM)Attribute Dependency ManagementAttribute InheritanceAttribute ManagementAttribute mappingAttribute Scoping

Also Known As

GS1 GDSNGlobal data synchronizationGlobal Data Synchronisation Network

Frequently Asked Questions

GDSN stands for Global Data Synchronization Network. It is the GS1 network that connects certified data pools, so suppliers and retailers can exchange the same standardized product master data and keep it up to date.

GS1 is the not-for-profit organization that sets the standards, such as GTIN barcodes and the Global Product Classification. GDSN is one service built on those standards: the network of data pools through which trading partners exchange product data.

A data pool is a GS1-certified service where a supplier stores and publishes its product data, or where a retailer receives it. Well-known data pool providers include 1WorldSync, Syndigo and atrify, and several national GS1 organizations run their own.

Mainly master and logistics data: GTIN, brand, descriptions, net content, dimensions and weights per packaging level, ingredients and allergens, nutrition, hazard and certification data. Marketing copy and rich media usually travel through other channels, although some pools also handle images.

The PIM prepares and checks the data, and a data pool provider publishes it to GDSN. The link runs through the data pool's import, usually a file or API, with the PIM attributes mapped to the GS1 attributes.

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