Data Synchronization

Achieving data synchronization was the initial focus of mpXML.  Since 2001, mpXML has worked for a number of changes in GS1 standards to address the needs of the meat and poultry supply chain.  An Implementation Guideline for data synchronization was developed by the group to facilitate adoption in the meat and poultry industry.  Addressing the full range of meat and poultry trade items, including fixed weight and variable weight (i.e., catch-weight or tray-pack) products, the guide provides recommendations for the party and item GS1 attributes that should be used for meat and poultry. Further, it recommends best practices for these standards to synchronize meat and poultry product information between suppliers, retailers, distributors, and wholesalers.
 
The guide is platform-neutral and can be used with or without third party service providers.  With the continued refinement of the GS1 standards, by 2006 mpXML's members recognized that data synchronization for variable-measure products was now practical. In the first quarter of 2006, mpXML's members successfully completed a Data Synchronization Pilot of variable-measure meat and poultry items using the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN).  Retailers were able to successfully receive Catalogue Item Notification (CIN) Messages from the manufacturers for variable-measure meat and poultry products for both the Item and Case level. Developing a viable solution to synchronize variable-measure products is a significant step toward extending data synchronization to all meat and poultry products carried by the supplier, retailer, distributor, and wholesaler.  The work done by mpXML in data synchronization aids other perishables and provides a base for them to build upon to further their own synchronization efforts.

The GDSN has developed sector-specific data sync guidance for use in the GDSN. A basic guide has already been published, as have several of the industry sectors. mpXML participated in the Fresh Foods portion of the GDSN Implementation Guide project which produced its Implementation Guide in 2008. The Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) has become a critical tool for suppliers, retailers and service providers. mpXML continues to work to foster adoption of the standards in the perishable protein supply chain.