GPC Migration from Germanys National Classification System towards

GPC Migration from Germany‘s National Classification System towards GPC in FMCG & Fruits & Vegetables Sector GS 1 Standards Event, Dublin, 08 -Oct-2012 Klaus Förderer, GS 1 Germany Mike Mowad, GS 1 Global Office

Background FMCG in Germany • Well established national classification system for FMCG in Germany since the 1970 s • Maintained by GS 1 Germany since 1978, mandatory in Master Data Pool from the beginning • Limitations: • • © 2012 GS 1 4 -digit-code: no space for improvement and new products German language only No attributes Full migration to GDSN in Germany by 2013/2014 (GPC is mandatory) 2

Motivation • Our user community aims for solutions based on global standards and elimination of national solutions • Upcoming GDSN migration requires GPC usage (not just the mandatory “ 9999”) • Enhanced use of classification expected as retailers have large master data projects • GPC is seen a solid solution prepared for future developments and fulfilling most of Germany´s market needs • Advantage of early adoption © 2012 GS 1 3

Roadmap for Migration • 2008 decision by GS 1 Standards Steering Committee to retire German national classification system and replace it with GPC • Adoption requirements: • Full translation of GPC into German language • Support materials and mapping • Use of GPC Attributes and necessary enhancements of GPC • GPC is mandatory from 28 -June-2012 • Transition phase until end of 2014 (final retirement of national system) © 2012 GS 1 4

GS 1 Germany Support Activities (1) • Full translation of GPC (includes all Attributes & Definitions) • Pre-requisite for adoption in Germany • Resources for translation needed • Usage of GS 1 GO Tool for translation – supports automatically generated publications • Integration of German language into GPC-Browser • Additional Requirements from Germany • Sub group analysis of GS 1 Germany GSDN Expert Group • +50 Work Requests, mainly in the food area (beverages, meat & sausages, dairy, bread, cheese, etc. ) © 2012 GS 1 5

GS 1 Germany Support Activities (2) Mapping tools (Online & Excel) for full range of products © 2012 GS 1 6

GS 1 Germany Support Activities (3) Attribute recommendation for Germany defining exactly were attributes must be used: © 2012 GS 1 7

GS 1 Germany Support Activities (4) • Support Materials • Starter kit - The 10 most important facts about GPC • GPC-Guide (translation of global document) • Internal Training - GS 1 Support & 1 World. Sync (formerly SA 2) Support • Webinars & Trainings (external) • Constant communication in GS 1 Germany communication channels: “Are you ready for GPC? ” © 2012 GS 1 8

Benefits & Learning • Benefits • Full GDSN compliant classification • Protection of investment ensured • Easier connection with foreign business partners • Learning • Full German translation and support material necessary • Mapping extremely helpful, especially for SMEs • Adoption of GPC attributes for big companies not easy • Analysis of existing GPC and local requirements necessary © 2012 GS 1 9

Next Steps • Updates coordinated with GPC publication cycle • Support materials & translations available 6 weeks after latest GPC publication • Enables user companies to prepare adoption (GPC production in GDSN) • Data quality follow-up after migration, enables retailer usage • Create awareness of GPC 6 -month update schedule • Active work in GPC SMG to bring in German user requirements and engage German user companies © 2012 GS 1 10

Testimonial GPC in FMCG “As a leading retailer who is active in 32 countries, we strongly support the use of global standards replacing national solutions. GPC is fulfilling our requirements for classification to support Metro´s master data processes” Hanjörg Lerch, METRO SYSTEMS Co-Chair of GS 1 Germany´s GDSN Expert Group © 2012 GS 1 11

GPC in Fresh Food • Movement in Europe towards GTIN for fresh fruit & vegetables, replacing generic national numbering systems: “It depends on the right GTIN” • GPC-structures were established for this area in the past 3 years • For fresh fruit & vegetables the GTIN is often not available from the beginning, alternative identification in the ordering process is needed • GPC is filling this gap to establish a common language between trading partners © 2012 GS 1 12

Testimonial Fresh Food “GPC is a essential tool in order to establish GS 1 Standards for identification, communication and master data for fresh fruits and vegetables in order to improve the processes with our suppliers” Norbert Röhl, EDEKA Co-Chair of GS 1 Germany´s Fruit & Vegetable Expert Group © 2012 GS 1 13

Thanks for your attention!!! © 2012 GS 1 14

Contact Details Klaus Förderer Senior Projectmanager EDI/e. Business, GS 1 Germany T + 49 221 94714 -0 E foerderer@gs 1 -germany. de Mike Mowad Global Standards Manager, GS 1 T +1 (609) 557 -4568 E michael. mowad@gs 1. org