Bibliographic information provider Bowker, US, has announced the launch of a pilot project to increase efficiency and reduce costs in the publishing supply chain by using the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN). The GDSN will enable 'real-time' exchange of product catalogue data between book publishers, distributors, and retailers.
The GDSN is projected as a more structured way to deliver data than existing methods that rely on a variety of formats, technologies and processes. It provides an environment where standards-based data is exchanged electronically throughout an entire global supply chain, reducing supply chain errors with information that is accurate, up-to-date and compliant to industry standards.
Bowker's pilot project will offer a foundation upon which future book industry-specific GDSN implementations may evolve. The project will be carried out with support from the independent Book Industry Study Group (BISG), and will explore not only the basic GDSN functionality, but also the ease with which GDSN usage can fit with the existing systems and processes of participating trading partners.
Bowker is collaborating with both 1SYNC, a not for profit subsidiary of the industry standards organisation GS1 US, and TIE Commerce to support the technical implementation and infrastructure of the pilot. Industry participants who will actively transact using GDS include three leading publishing houses, including Hachette Book Group USA and Random House, Inc.; two wholesalers, including Levy Home Entertainment; and three large retailers, including Wal-Mart.
