GDS is being increasingly used throughout the world. In the UK, it is usage is being driven by a number of leading retailers. If you have any questions about any retailer’s GDS rollout plans then please contact your retailer directly or contact us for more information.

Makro

Following successful tests with a number of its suppliers, Makro is now rolling out GDS to all its leading suppliers. Makro wrote to all its suppliers in December 2006 informing them of their rollout plan. Makro’s goal is to have all its leading suppliers able to provide GDS compliant product information during 2007. To achieve this Makro is requesting that its suppliers register with a GDSN-certified data pool, such as the GS1 UK Data Pool.

“The quality of product information, and specifically the alignment of this information between Makro and our suppliers, is vitally important. Accurate, synchronised product information will help increase efficiency and reduce costs for us all.”
Philip Steedman, e-Commerce Manager, Supply Chain Management Department, Makro

If you are a supplier to Makro then it is important you understand this initiative. GS1 UK can provide advice, training and help to ensure your company is ready to start sending GDS compliant product information within the specified timeframes.

If you have signed up to a GDSN-certified data pool, such as the GS1 UK Data Pool, and wish to understand more about Makro’s GDS requirements then please download the Makro GDS supplier handbook below.

Makro supplier handbook - Version 4.0 [format: pdf - size: 336kb]

SPAR

SPAR, the UK’s largest convenience retailer, has signed up to use the GS1 UK Data Pool in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their centralised purchasing service. SPAR is initially working with a number of key suppliers in one product category. If you are a SPAR supplier and need to know more about SPAR’s data synchronisation requirements then please read the supplier handbook below.

SPAR data synchronisation supplier handbook[format: pdf - size: 105kb]

Comet

Comet, the leading electrical specialist, has signed up to the GS1 UK Data Pool to synchronise its data. Using GDS, Comet aims to improve data quality and increase speed to market for its new products. The first phase is to implement GDS and change the way in which new product information is collected within the television category. The electrical specialist has identified seven global television manufacturers that will take part in this phase. GS1 UK is providing project management and support to ensure that the roll-out runs smoothly. If you are a COMET supplier and need to know more about COMET’s data synchronisation requirements then please read the supplier handbook below.

Comet data synchronisation supplier handbook [format: pdf - size: 242 kb]

Ahold

Ahold, a leading international retailer based in the Netherlands, is currently rolling out GDS to all its suppliers and has recently contacted its 50 UK suppliers in order to get them to supply product information to the retailer through GDS. If you are an Ahold supplier and need to know more about Ahold’s GDS requirements then please read the supplier handbook below.

Ahold data synchronisation supplier handbook [format: pdf - size: 242 kb]

Asda and Tesco

Asda and Tesco are currently finalising their GDS developments and will be contacting their suppliers in the near future with these plans, which will appear here as soon as they are available.

Other Retailers

Other leading UK retailers are currently looking at GDS and the benefits it will bring to them and their suppliers. As retailers announce their commitment to GDS their plans will appear here.