The move is part of a worldwide initiative that will bring together over 100 EAN member organisations into a cohesive body under a single name, GS1. Its goal will be to develop and help implement global supply chain standards, facilitating collaborative commerce in multiple business sectors across over 140 countries worldwide.
GS1 UK says its launch "marks the introduction of a series of new products, services and solutions". The Global Data Synchronisation Network [GDSN], "supported by the world's top consumer packaged goods companies", creates synergy within the supply chain, making standards-compliant country data pools possible, while the EPCglobal network combines RFID, the Internet and the Electronic Product Code [EPC] to enable accurate, cost-efficient visibility of information in the supply chain. GS1 UK says these "ground-breaking" products and services, teamed with barcodes and business messaging, "enable organisations to meet the traceability requirements of recent European food law, as well as increasing visibility within day-to-day operations".
Chief executive officer Steve Coussins says: "The GS1 UK launch represents a major milestone for our members. Our new GS1 brand not only reflects the global marketplace we operate in; it also identifies us clearly as the worldwide organisation responsible for supply chain standards".
