The GDSN lets suppliers share product data once and have it reach every trading partner that subscribes to it. A supplier loads its item data into its chosen data pool. The item is registered in the GS1 Global Registry, and a retailer or distributor subscribes through its own data pool. When the supplier updates the item, subscribers receive the change.
A product data pool typically carries standard attributes:
- GTIN and brand information
- Descriptions and classification
- Dimensions, weights and pack hierarchy
- Selected regulatory and logistics attributes
Data pools are valuable, but they don’t solve new item setup on their own. Not every supplier participates, and the data rarely includes every attribute a specific buyer needs, such as internal classifications, buyer-specific fields or rich content. The buyer still has to collect the rest, validate it and map it to its own SKUs and item hierarchy.