DIY/Hardware
The nuts and bolts of a streamlined supply chain – good identification, good data, good visibility.
The DIY/Hardware sector has used GS1 product identifiers, barcodes and product information systems for many years. Merchants and suppliers understand the importance that these things have on improving procurement, supply chain and business processes. Customers are expecting to have richer, relevant, and trusted product information both in-store and online so they can make better, more informed purchase decisions.
Improving efficiency across the sector
Merchants are continuing to invest in IT systems designed to improve product data quality, streamline procurement and data sharing processes and enrich the customer experience. Merchants and suppliers are working collaboratively to achieve these outcomes as it’s a win-win opportunity– so it’s currently a sector-wide focus.
The National Product Catalogue - sharing quality product information seamlessly, efficiently.
GS1’s National Product Catalogue (NPC) has been used in the sector for many years and is the preferred method for sharing product information between merchants and suppliers. With the NPC, product data is standardised, accurate and kept up-to-date. Errors are reduced and processes automated. The number of suppliers using the NPC is increasing as the reliance on quality data becomes essential.
Product information is entered into the NPC by a supplier where it is validated, stored, and maintained all in the one place. The same product data can be shared with any trading partner using the NPC – load data once and share with many. When product information changes, such as a price change, a supplier simply updates the information in the NPC and it will automatically flow through to their trading partner(s).
Benefits of the National Product Catalogue
Load data once - share with all your trading partners
Accurate, up-to-date, consistent, high quality information
Effective category management and real-time updates
More complete safety data; safety specs and Hazardous Goods Classifications
Product images and other digital assets – sharing made easy
Consumers rely on digital assets like good product photography, safety sheets and videos to make online buying decisions and use products correctly. GS1’s MediaLibrary service is the preferred method for sharing digital assets with Mitre 10, Placemakers, ITM and other large retailers.
MediaLibrary is a secure, online, 24/7 digital asset management solution that allows you to store, manage and share digital assets within your organisation and externally. Media Library uses GS1 global standards to ensure quality imagery and avoids issues like distortion and delays that can happen with email and other processes.
Other opportunities
Global Location Numbers (GLN) and the New Zealand Business Number (NZBN)
A Global Location Number (GLN) is a global, unique identification number used by an organisation to identify their legal entity as well as physical, functional, and digital locations. An example of where a GLN can be used in DIY/Hardware is to identify a factory or warehouse, business department, a loading bay or a pallet position in a storage system.
The New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) is a GLN that uniquely identifies thousands of Kiwi businesses. Find out more about GLNs.
GS1 2D barcodes are coming
GS1 2D (two-dimension) barcodes are being rolled out globally over the next few years for use in retail point-of-sale systems. Unlike traditional barcodes, 2D barcodes such as QR Codes can hold much more information such as a batch/lot, manufacturing date, serial number and much more for a host of use cases. 2D barcodes can also include a website address (URL) that opens a webpage for even more product information such as user guides, videos and safety data sheets and much more. Learn more
GS1 Research
Building and construction can lift productivity through standardised digital product data (2022)
Digital enablement of businesses, government agencies and consumers to make green building product purchases,’ is a new report from GS1 New Zealand focused on how digital innovations can support a greener construction and building industry. Read more
Digital Product Data for Lifting Productivity (2020)
New Zealand's building and construction industry can lift its poor productivity by establishing a digital database on building products, accessible to all industry players and providing them with important product assurance information. Read more