Standardized Codes Give Retail Supply Chain Partners Product Data Consistency
GS1 US now manages and maintains the GS1 US Color and Size Codes, a database that allows suppliers, manufacturers and retailers to codify product color and size, enabling more consistent and efficient data exchange in retail. Formerly managed by the National Retail Federation (NRF) the color and size codes are available electronically for either a $250 one-time purchase from GS1 US, or via three GS1 US including InterTrade.
The codes have been used in retail systems for more than three decades to help industry consistently identify and classify products by size and color. The codes also provide a common language for product color and size identification for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), a process which allows companies to exchange business information such as orders and invoices electronically. Using these standardized codes, retailers, brands and manufacturers can reduce errors due to manual data entry, cut down on new item setup times, and allow for automated sales analysis by size and color, which helps guide merchandise assortment planning.
“The color and size codes are a natural fit with the host of other resources that GS1 US provides to members to ensure greater efficiency in inventory management processes,” said Michelle Covey, vice president of partnerships, GS1 US. “Additionally, by partnering with GS1 US Solution Partners, we can extend the value of the codes to be more widely accessible in real time, adding to product data accuracy and boosting trading partner efficiency.”
Now that the codes have been transitioned from NRF, GS1 US will continue to work with the retail community through the GS1 US Apparel and General Merchandise Initiative to keep the codes updated and in line with current consumer-driven trends affecting the retail industry. The GS1 US Apparel and General Merchandise Initiative is a collaborative industry group that works to develop resources and guidelines based on GS1 Standards to solve supply chain challenges.
For more information about the GS1 US Color and Size Codes, please visit: www.gs1us.org/color-size-codes.
For more information about the GS1 US Solution Partner program, please visit: www.gs1us.org/what-we-do/partners.
GS1 Connect 2022 is right around the corner! Brands and thought leaders from around the globe will gather to share supply chain best practices and exchange ideas on how to stay ahead of consumer expectations, optimize business efficiency, and enable end-to-end supply chain visibility.
We’re delighted to announce that Intertrade will be a Premier Sponsor at GS1 Connect 2022! Hosted by GS1 US, the conference and exhibition will bring together leaders from globally recognized brands to share supply chain best practices and strategies for optimizing your business.
The year 2021 saw the return of in-person shoppers to brick-and-mortar stores across North America at pre-pandemic levels. At the same time, the sharp rise in online shopping due to the pandemic has not lessened. These two seemingly conflicting trends are both due to omnichannel shopping.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Find out how you can tackle your supply chain integration challenges by talking with one of our experts.
We’re ready to help simplify, optimize and secure your supply chain.
Contact us