GS1 Standard — Pillar 03

Share

The power of GS1 is fully realized when data flows seamlessly between partners. Share standards enable automated, accurate, and secure exchange of product, transaction, and event data across the entire supply chain.

50K+
Companies Using GDSN
48M+
Products Synchronized
99.5%
Order Accuracy with EDI
80%
Reduction in Manual Errors
Why Data Sharing Matters

Connected Data. Connected Supply Chains.

Identification and capture are only valuable when the data reaches the right partner at the right time. GS1 Share standards create the digital highways that connect manufacturers, distributors, retailers, regulators, and consumers in a seamless data ecosystem.

In Saudi Arabia, where supply chains span from local farms to global export markets, standardized data sharing eliminates the costly errors, delays, and inefficiencies caused by manual processes and proprietary data formats. Every trading partner speaks the same digital language.

From automated purchase orders via EDI, to synchronized product master data via GDSN, to real-time event visibility via EPCIS — GS1 Share standards transform fragmented supply chains into intelligent, responsive networks ready for the demands of Vision 2030.

Core Standards

Key Components

GDSN

Global Data Synchronisation Network

The world's largest product data network. GDSN ensures that the product information a manufacturer publishes (ingredients, dimensions, images, allergens) is the exact same information retailers display on shelves and online. One change updates everywhere, automatically.

Product master data synchronization
Retailer onboarding & listing
Nutritional & allergen data sharing
Product image & digital asset distribution
EDI

Electronic Data Interchange

The backbone of paperless B2B commerce. EDI automates the exchange of business documents — Purchase Orders, Invoices, Advance Shipping Notices, and Payment Advices — between trading partners in a standardized, machine-readable format.

Automated purchase order processing
Electronic invoicing & payment
Advance Shipping Notices (ASN)
Inventory replenishment automation
EPCIS

Electronic Product Code Information Services

The visibility standard. EPCIS captures and shares supply chain events — answering What happened, Where it happened, When it happened, and Why. It is the foundation of traceability, recall management, and regulatory compliance.

Full supply chain traceability
Product recall management
Cold chain temperature monitoring
Anti-counterfeiting verification
GDM

Global Data Model

A unified framework that structures product data consistently across all channels — physical retail, e-commerce, mobile apps, and digital catalogs. The GDM ensures that product data is complete, accurate, and formatted correctly for every touchpoint.

Omni-channel commerce readiness
Digital catalog standardization
Cross-border trade data formatting
AI & analytics data preparation
How It Works

From Isolated Data to Connected Intelligence

01

Standardize Your Data

Structure your product, location, and transaction data according to GS1 global standards using the Global Data Model.

02

Publish & Synchronize

Upload your product master data to the GDSN. Trading partners subscribe and receive automatic updates whenever data changes.

03

Automate Transactions

Replace manual ordering, invoicing, and shipping documentation with EDI. Orders flow in minutes instead of days.

04

Gain Full Visibility

Implement EPCIS to capture and share supply chain events. Every partner sees the same real-time view of product movements.

Strategic Advantages

Why Shared Data Transforms Supply Chains

Trusted Product Data

GDSN ensures retailers display the manufacturer's verified data — correct ingredients, allergens, images, and descriptions. No discrepancies.

Automated Commerce

EDI reduces order-to-delivery cycle time by up to 65%. Purchase orders that took days now complete in minutes.

End-to-End Traceability

EPCIS enables farm-to-fork and factory-to-patient traceability. In a recall, affected products are identified in hours, not weeks.

Cost Reduction

Automated data sharing eliminates manual data entry, reducing processing costs by up to 80% and cutting invoice disputes by 50%.

Regulatory Readiness

SFDA, SASO, and international regulators increasingly require standardized data sharing. GS1 share standards ensure full compliance.

Consumer Transparency

Consumers can trace products back to their source. Shared data builds brand trust and supports sustainability reporting.

Industry Applications

Shared Data Empowering Every Industry

01

Retail & FMCG

GDSN synchronization ensures accurate shelf labels, online listings, and promotional data.

02

Healthcare & Pharma

EPCIS-based traceability for drug authenticity and patient safety compliance.

03

Logistics & 3PL

EDI-automated ASN, invoicing, and proof-of-delivery across the Kingdom's logistics network.

04

Government & Customs

Standardized data interchange with FASAH and other government digital services.