GS1 Netherlands and Icecat will jointly establish a data pool filled with structured article data. The GS1 Fashion Base should make it easier to share article data, optimising logistics and omnichannel processes.
Both parties recently signed a cooperation agreement for the new data pool. The initiative is supported by Inretail and Modint, trade organisations in retail non-food and fashion.
Growing need for data sharing
The need for easy data sharing in the industry is growing due to faster-changing collections, smaller quantities, more frequent stocking and the online channel. "If there is one sector known for adapting quickly to a new reality, it is fashion. This means a demand-driven chain and that is by definition a data-driven chain," GS1 Netherlands states on its website.
Exchange article master data and enriched product data
Still, the lack of standardised article information does not make sharing data within the fashion supply chain as easy as it could be. "Indeed, this requires a modern platform that captures and shares the data all in a structured way."
The GS1 Fashion Base should provide an answer to this. According to GS1 Netherlands, it will be the central data pool for the fashion sector for exchanging article master data and enriched product data to support e-commerce and omnichannel business models. Besides product information, it will be possible to share photos and rich content between chain partners.
Additional services on platform
The combination with additional services will make GS1 Fashion Base more attractive to suppliers and retailers, believes Sebastiaan van Zundert, fashion project manager at GS1 Netherlands. "By connecting additional services to the platform, GS1 Fashion Base will become the central point for sharing article data between suppliers, retailers and third parties. A good example of this is the participation of Stockbase. This will make it easier for participants to share their article data with Stockbase, making it easier to unlock current stock."
Leaders to help further develop GS1 Fashion Base
The parties are pressing ahead with the project. Within four months, the platform should be up and running. In the coming period, a front-runner group of suppliers and retailers will be looked at to help further develop the platform. GS1 Netherlands focuses on the Netherlands with this project, but can also realise an international rollout with the chosen platform. "Partly because the platform meets the international GS1 standards for information exchange."
