Basic business supply chain processes have been identified for use with GS1 XML messages. The following Business Messages are available for use today.
The first step in the supply chain process is to identify your trading partners. The Party message allows each trading partner to convey basic identifying information to the other trading parties. Examples of information that passes between the parties include name and address, contact information, business hours and the Global Location Number (GLN).
Once the parties have conveyed information about themselves, the selling party needs to provide item and services information to the buyer parties, which is conveyed by the Trade Item message. This message provides all the pertinent information to identify product or services that may be ordered by the retailer/dealer and sold to the consumer. Of critical importance is the designation of the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), a globally unique number used to identify the products or services.
Other information related to item includes identification of price, price brackets, payment terms and allowances and charges.
Once party and item identification documents have been exchanged, the order process can start by means of the Order message. This document provides basic product or service ordering information, such as the order identification, build to and ship to party item identification (GTIN), item identification, quantity, and ship dates.
When the supplier is ready to deliver products or services, notification to the receiver is transmitted by means of the Despatch message. This document conveys information about when and what products will be delivered to a specific trading partner.
The last step in the trade process is the invoicing of products and services purchased, followed by payment. The invoicing process is handled by the Request for Payment message, and identifies monies owed to the supplier. To transfer money to the supplier, the buyer initiates a Settlement message.
Currently approved GS1 Business Message Standards are available through the Solutions Center.
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As with any technology, it is important to learn the rules of the road. To that end, the GS1 Architecture Guide will provide you with an easy, readable description of the architecture of the GS1 XML Standards. It will quickly orient you to the principles, objectives and benefits behind the architecture.
To view the GS1 Architecture Guide visit the Solutions Center.
GS1 XML Standards and Guidelines can be found in the Solutions Center.