Industry News

Hardware Retailers Ask Suppliers to Use GS1 Standards

Australia's hardware retailers and buying group are calling on their suppliers to join in a push for Supply Chain and eCommerce implementations based on GS1 standards.

Chair of the newly formed Hardware GS1 Action Group (HGAG), Mitre 10 Information Services Manager Andrew Price, said the Australasian hardware industry had an opportunity to reap the benefits of the GS1 System already proven by the grocery and other industries.

"The reason I'm so passionate about this group is that the hardware industry is poised to leverage the efficiencies and accuracies of eCommerce that we've been struggling with until now," Mr. Price said.

The HGAG will focus on the industry-wide implementation of the full set of GS1 standards, including unique numbering, bar coding, electronic messaging (EDI & GS1 XML), and global data synchronisation using GS1net.

From a retailer, wholesaler and buying group perspective, the group's steering committee membership includes Australian companies Mitre 10 Australia, along with Bunnings, Danks, Reece, Crane Group, Natbuild, BOC Gas & Gear, and New Zealand’s Mitre 10 New Zealand, Placemakers and ITM. A number of key suppliers have also joined the steering committee including 3M, Carter Holt Harvey Timber, GWA, ITW, Orica and Saint-Gobain Abrasives.

GS1 Australia's John Hearn said he was confident the group would achieve significant inroads into the adoption of the GS1 standards in Australia and New Zealand.

"It's essential that we focus on key activities that drive the implementation. The standards are all developed, but industry only starts to achieve the benefits once the roll out commences, and with such widespread industry support, it’s going to be an exciting time for the Australasian Hardware Sector." Mr. Hearn said.

Mr. Price urged suppliers to consider the inevitability of supply chain management change. "Don't take the risk of being left behind," he said. "First of all, you'll miss out on the efficiencies and if you don't embrace eCommerce, ultimately other trading partners will say 'Sorry, I can't deal with you'. The industry's not there yet but it's only a matter of time – you only have to look at what's happened in the grocery sector."

Membership of the HGAG working groups is open to all suppliers, buying groups, wholesalers and retailers within the hardware sector. Software, hardware and solution vendors will be also asked to participate in some of the group's activities.

For more information, contact John Szabo, GS1 Australia, on 03 9550 3483.

This article was provided by GS1 Australia. Data synchronisation news relating to GS1 standards and the Hardware Industry can be found on the GS1 Hardware Industry page.

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