Why should I choose GS1 EANCOM® rather than other traditional EDI standards?

Modified on Mon, 2 Sep at 7:45 AM

In EDI, it is essential to unambiguously identify the products and/or services as well as the parties associated with the transaction. Coding of the information exchanged in EDI is vital for automated processing.

In GS1 EANCOM® standard, each product defined in its widest sense is identified by a unique GS1 standard item identification number and each party is identified by a unique GS1 location number. Use of the GS1 standards in EDI provides the following significant benefits:

GS1 standard identification numbers are unique and recognised world-wide. Use of GS1 standard identifiers allows users avoid complex cross-references for each trading partner's internal codes.

GS1 EANCOM® standard messages are simple and accurate. The unambiguous identification of products and locations significantly simplifies EDI messages, reducing transmission costs and facilitating processing.

GS1 EANCOM® is a multi-industry standard: the non-significant characteristic of the GS1 numbers allows any item to be identified and consequently any business, regardless of its activity, can use GS1 EANCOM®.

GS1 EANCOM® is global: GS1 EANCOM® messages are used world-wide. The international network ofGS1 Member Organisations, covering well over 100 countries, provides GS1 EANCOM® support in their local language to an increasing number of user companies world-wide.

GS1 EANCOM® maintenance and support: GS1 and its Member Organisations are strategically committed to support and further develop GS1 EANCOM®. Any user company can submit a Work Request, if changes are needed in the existing standards. A new edition of GS1 EANCOM® is published every two years and the code lists can be updated up to 4 times a year. This frequency combines the need for fast response to ever changing business reality, with the necessary standard stability. For the next planned publication of the standard, refer toGS1 website.