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Reducing Tedious Data Management Through ERP Tools

Food and beverage companies generate extensive daily data that requires meticulous recording to ensure traceability and transparency. Research has shown that employees spend almost half of their professional lives on activities such as manually updating product information — tasks that can easily be automated and made more efficient by using the right tools and software.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PLM FOR MANUFACTURING

Unlock the secrets of PLM and take control of your product development journey. Click now for our comprehensive ‘PLM for Manufacturers’ guide!

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PLM FOR MANUFACTURING

Unlock the secrets of PLM and take control of your product development journey. Click now for our comprehensive ‘PLM for Manufacturers’ guide!
Keeping up with the increasing use and influx of data requires companies to find more efficient ways to tackle the challenges in distributing product information online. The solution is to use an Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) tool with an integrated and automated interface to the GS1-GDSN network.

Reliable data synchronization networks

Many companies are using worldwide networks to make digitization of product information a reality. One such solution that many companies swear by is the GS1 Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN).

The GDSN is an interconnected global network that comprises 35,000 companies and 30 independent data pools like 1WorldSync, the largest GDSN data pool. Networks and tools such as these allow companies to upload pertinent product information online, optimizing their operations by reducing errors in product information.

Using these resources, companies can easily upload vital data, such as material specifications, labeling information, process-related data, and certifications. Retailers, suppliers, and third-party stakeholders can also use these resources to request specific product information from manufacturers and display it to their consumers.

Uploading this information helps companies meet regulatory requirements and gain a competitive market advantage through enhanced transparency.

Using the right ERP add-ons

To offer transparency to their consumers, food and beverage companies must first invest in the tools that will grant them access to features like data pools. Choosing the right ERP software will determine the success of your strategy and the level of transparency you can provide to your stakeholders.

When uploading data to data pools, companies need tools to automatically integrate their internal information resources into the global network. In the case of the GDSN, companies can use the SAP® add-on GTIN-Connector, which transfers the data from the user’s SAP® system to the GDSN.

For other ERP systems, the SpecPage from Revalize web-based GDSN Guide offers similar connectivity. These additional tools automate manually updating data, thus reducing the time, effort and resources the company spends on distributing information.

Some benefits of the SpecPage SAP® GTIN-Connector include

The connector allows for integrated plausibility checks, which help companies identify any missing or faulty information. The tools make it easier for companies to track who is using their information, what they are searching for, and how best to accommodate the product information requirements of retailers and suppliers.

Optimizing digitization and data collection by using ERP tools

While any ERP software can deliver immediate benefits to food and beverage companies, specific solutions offer optimal advantages. Here are a few top features you should consider when deciding which ERP tool is the best for your strategy.

Creating a framework that facilitates information transfer

Many data pools and networks follow a particular framework. Designing a data management framework for your internal ERP system that mimics the one used by networks and data pools will help companies streamline the information distribution process.

Connecting the internal database to external data pools

Using tools and software that can automatically upload product information to networks or data pools minimizes the necessity for manual configuration by companies. Apart from helping manufacturers share real-time information with their stakeholders, these tools also help companies follow regulatory requirements.

Reducing errors in data updates

It’s easy to make mistakes when manually updating data — between thousands of product specifications, new product innovations, product recipes, and regulatory requirements, the person doing the entry has to account for tons of variables.

ERP tools reduce data discrepancies by automating the process of digitization and online distribution of product information. Tools such as the SAP® GTIN-Connector or the GDSN Guide save companies from creating additional databases by linking a company’s existing ERP system to the data pool.

Using automated XML messages

XML messages enable the easy transfer of data between software platforms. Automating message transfer ensures timely uploading of relevant product information to data pools for companies. This also helps distributors, retailers, and suppliers access important product details sought by their consumers.

Cut through tedious data management with SpecPage

By using the right tools and following best practices, food and beverage companies can transform their EPR systems into reliable, efficient, and user-friendly information hubs. Adding on tools such as SpecPage’s GTIN-Connector or GDSN Guide allows companies to streamline their data uploading, checking, and correcting process to dedicate their time more effectively elsewhere.
Finding the right solutions to complement a company's ERP system offers access to an automatic data exchange that follows GS1 standards. To discover how you can streamline your data management process, talk to one of the experts at SpecPage today and learn more about how your ERP system can be used to save your company time and money.

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