GS1 US has introduced a new structure for the Foodservice GS1 US Standards Initiative workgroups for 2017 focused on transitioning from basic standards adoption to establishing and sharing GS1 Standards implementation best practices for the foodservice industry. The new workgroups were developed to support the industry’s goals designed to increase efficiencies in the supply chain, enhance food safety and traceability, and improve product information through the use of GS1 standards.

“The Foodservice GS1 US Standards Initiative is evolving with industry needs and the new workgroup structure supports these shifting priorities, helping stakeholders use standards in their business processes to drive efficiencies,” said Angela Fernandez, vice president of foodservice and retail grocery, GS1 US. 

The new workgroups include:         
• Operational Efficiencies Workgroup – Established to improve operational efficiencies by identifying gaps and opportunities where leveraging GS1 Standards can lead to reduced costs and business growth. 
• Joint Foodservice and Retail Grocery Data Quality Workgroup – Established jointly with GS1 US Retail Grocery Initiative members, the workgroup will collaborate to drive best practices for achieving complete and accurate product data across both channels to support emerging e-commerce needs.

“Consumer demand for increased transparency and information about the food they consume is at an all-time high, so industry is laser focused on improving data quality that can not only drive transparency, but also help protect brand integrity for supply chain partners,” explained Dennis Clabby, executive vice president, Independent Purchasing Cooperative (IPC)/Subway. 

While the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), Global Location Number (GLN) and User workgroups have sunset, the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) Implementation Workgroup, the Marketing Workgroup and the Traceability Workgroup will remain active in serving their respective purposes:
• GDSN Implementation Workgroup – Provides guidance and education for product information and attributes used for data exchange through the GDSN in the foodservice supply chain. 
• Marketing Workgroup – Facilitates marketing and communication programs and strategies to help promote and accelerate voluntary adoption of GS1 Standards. 
• Traceability Workgroup – Develops industry-specific guidance and recommendations to support enhanced traceability, including the adoption of GS1-128 barcodes.

“Participating in GS1 US Foodservice Initiative workgroups gives companies the opportunity to provide input on evolving standards implementation guidelines that will affect their businesses going forward,” said Ms. Fernandez. “It’s an important time for industry stakeholders to get involved and help shape the future.” For additional information about the Foodservice GS1 US Standards Initiative, visit www.gs1us.org/foodservice and for more information about GS1 US, visit www.gs1us.org. To learn more about how to participate in Foodservice Initiative workgroups, contact foodservice@gs1us.org.  

Source: GS1 US