Target Data Synchronization Initiative

Transcription

1 Target Data Synchrnizatin Initiative Frequently Asked Questins fr Suppliers Versin 1.1 April 2013 Cpyright All Rights Reserved.

2 REVISION HISTORY FAQs fr Target Suppliers Date Ver # Descriptin f Change Authr 12/12/ Original dcument C. Miklusak 4/5/ Updates & Revisins J. Lavik 08-Apr SYNC Cpyright All Rights Reserved.

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS FAQs fr Target Suppliers 1 INTRODUCTION GENERAL DATA SYNCHRONIZATION QUESTIONS TARGET S DATA SYNCHRONIZATION INITIATIVE General Questins Data Pls and Slutin Partners Target s Item Management (IMN) Applicatin & Data Synchrnizatin ADDING DATA THOUGH DATA SYNCHRONIZATION PUBLISHING DATA TO TARGET Apr SYNC Cpyright All Rights Reserved.

4 1 INTRODUCTION FAQs fr Target Suppliers This dcument is a cmpilatin f questins, and their assciated answers, relative t Target s Data Synchrnizatin initiative. This initiative is being rlled ut t all Target suppliers with Target Market = U.S. items. It pertains t suppliers in all categries. 2 GENERAL DATA SYNCHRONIZATION QUESTIONS Q: What is Data Synchrnizatin? A: Data synchrnizatin is the electrnic transfer f standardized prduct and lcatin infrmatin between trading partners and the cntinuus synchrnizatin f that data ver time. When this data is exchanged via a central glbal repsitry - GS1 Glbal Registry, it is referred t as Glbal Data Synchrnizatin. Prduct infrmatin includes: Item attributes cntrlled by the supplier, e.g., Glbal Trade Item Number (GTIN), Size, Weight, Height, Brand, UPC cde Lcatin infrmatin includes: Glbal Lcatin Number (GLN) Lcatins invlved in trade such as cmpany headquarters, billing departments, and ship-t addresses Q: What is the Glbal Data Synchrnizatin Netwrk (GDSN )? A: The GDSN is an autmated, standards-based glbal envirnment that enables secure and cntinuus data synchrnizatin. This allws all trading partners t have cnsistent item data in their systems at the same time, ensuring that all parties in the supply chain are wrking with the same data. The GDSN helps t save time and mney fr all rganizatins by eliminating steps t crrect inaccurate data. A: The GDSN enables the GS1 Glbal Registry and a netwrk f interperable, certified data pls that enable data synchrnizatin per GS1 System standards. Q: What are the benefits f synchrnizing data thrugh the GDSN? A: There are several benefits, including: Allws real-time item maintenance fr specific fields Prvides accurate, standards based, synchrnized data that reduces inefficiencies in the supply chain Ensures dimensins are crrect and stred at the each, case, warehuse pack, and pallet levels 08-Apr SYNC Cpyright All Rights Reserved.

5 FAQs fr Target Suppliers Better inventry flw thrugh ur distributin centers based n mre accurate dimensins and weight. Better trucklad ptimizatin based n mre accurate dimensins and weight. Target specific benefits fr suppliers include reduced manual data entry time in IMN fr new item setups. Q: What is a data pl? What is a GDSN-certified data pl? A: An entity that prvides its custmers data synchrnizatin services and a single pint f entry t the Glbal Data Synchrnizatin Netwrk (GDSN) is called a data pl. A: Data pls must be certified per GS1 System standards t perate within the GDSN. Data pls interperate with the GS1 Glbal Registry and each ther. Example: 1WrldSync Data Pl. Q: Where can I find a list f GDSN-certified data pls? A: The GS1 website has a list f GDSN-certified data pls with cntact infrmatin. Yu can find the list here Q: What is a cmpany prefix? A: A cmpany prefix is a glbally unique number assigned t cmpanies by GS1 Member Organizatins (GS1 US in the United States) t create the identificatin numbers f the GS1 System. It is cmprised f a GS1 Prefix and a Cmpany Number. Q: What is a GLN? A: GLN is an acrnym fr Glbal Lcatin Number and refers t the glbally unique GS1 System identificatin number fr legal entities, functinal entities, and physical lcatins. A GLN is cmprised f 13 digits that tgether represent a GS1 Cmpany Prefix, Lcatin Reference, and check digit. Supply side trading partner lcatins generally include crprate headquarters, reginal ffices, warehuses, plants, and distributin centers. Demand side trading partner lcatins generally include crprate headquarters, divisinal ffices, stres, and distributin centers. Nte: Target US GLN is Q: What a GTIN? A: GTIN is an acrnym fr Glbal Trade Item Number and refers t the glbally unique GS1 System identificatin number fr prducts and services. 08-Apr SYNC Cpyright All Rights Reserved.

6 FAQs fr Target Suppliers A GTIN may be 8, 12, 13, r 14 digits in length, represented as GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, and GTIN-14, respectively. Q: Is data synchrnizatin an Infrmatin Technlgy (IT) functin? Des it require IT resurces? A: Data Synchrnizatin is a business prcess that uses technlgy in its implementatin. Fr a successful implementatin, it is recmmended t have executive spnsrship and technlgy resurces allcated t this prgram. Q: Is data synchrnizatin just anther term fr EDI? A: N. EDI is used in the transmissin f many e-business transactins, whereas data synchrnizatin is the electrnic transmissin f standardized prduct and lcatin infrmatin. Q: Des my sales team need t be invlved with data synchrnizatin? A: Yes, sales peple play an imprtant rle in the success f this prcess. Fr new items t be submitted t a buyer at Target, the sales persn wuld lg int Partners Online t access Target s Item Management (IMN) applicatin t enter Targetspecific infrmatin; after the new item had been published via GDSN t Target. Q: What is the Glbal Prduct Classificatin (GPC) cde? A: A GPC cde is an 8-digit number that represents a classificatin f prducts. It is a flat classificatin system based n attributes and values. Glbal Prduct Classificatin is a required element f the glbal data based n attributes, and values and is a required element f the GDSN. Nte: If yu need a list f GPC cdes cntact yur data pl (e.g. 1WrldSync). T request a GPC cde t be added t standards, wrk with yur data pl r yur Slutin Partner t submit a change request. 3 TARGET S DATA SYNCHRONIZATION INITIATIVE 3.1 General Questins Q: Why is Target implementing data synchrnizatin? A: Target is implementing data synchrnizatin t streamline its prcesses, fcusing n imprving supply chain efficiencies fr its trading partners. Target believes data synchrnizatin prvides tangible benefits fr retailers and suppliers such as: Reduced hand keying fr creatin f items Increasing market share fr early arrival f new items 08-Apr SYNC Cpyright All Rights Reserved.

7 FAQs fr Target Suppliers Increasing the efficiency f businesses Building the fundatin fr electrnic cllabrative cmmerce Q: Are all Target suppliers required t implement data synchrnizatin via the GDSN? A: Target strngly encurages all its US vendrs t synchrnize their items Q: Is data synchrnizatin being used in Canada fr Target? A: Target s GDSN fcus is in the U.S. nly. Target is nt currently leveraging data synchrnizatin fr ur Canadian peratins. At this time nly Target Market = U.S. items need t be synchrnized. Q: D third party suppliers need t engage in data synchrnizatin? A: Yes. Third party suppliers must wrk with the Infrmatin Prvider t establish a prcess fr sending the data t Target via data synchrnizatin. Q: Des Target want my New item publicatins befre the Sales Call r after the Target merchant has agreed t carry my prduct? A. It will vary by Target merchant. Target wants t receive yur New item publicatins when yur Target merchant has asked fr the item t be set up in ur system. Q: I am a Manufacturer/Vendr Representative. Hw d I get invlved in this prcess? A. Yu must cntact yur manufacturer t discuss hw yu will be invlved in the data synchrnizatin initiative. Yur manufacturer must be a GDSN subscriber. 3.2 Data Pls and Slutin Partners Q: What is a GDSN-certified data pl? A: See Sectin 2.1 f this dcument fr answers t general Data Synchrnizatin questins Q: What/wh is 1WrldSync? A: 1WrldSync is a GDSN-certified data pl and is wrking clsely with Target t implement its data synchrnizatin initiative. Target uses the 1WrldSync Data Pl Slutin fr its GDSN services. 08-Apr SYNC Cpyright All Rights Reserved.

8 FAQs fr Target Suppliers A: A subsidiary f GS1 US, 1WrldSync supprts and wrks with ver 60 retailers and 8,000 suppliers (f all sizes). T learn mre abut 1WrldSync and its services, visit r call , Optin 1. Q: D I have t sign up with 1WrldSync? A: Yu need t select a GDSN-certified data pl t get started and 1WrldSync is a GDSN-certified data pl. If yu are nt currently a member f 1WrldSync, we recmmend yu get started right away by cntacting them at , Optin 1. Q: Hw much des implementing data synchrnizatin cst? A: 1WrldSync perates n a cst-recvery mdel and fees are calculated based n yur cmpany's ttal annual sales. Visit fr mre details. If yu are currently leveraging the GDSN in yur business peratins with ther retailers, there is mst likely n incremental cst t als leveraging it in yur business with Target. Q: What is a 1WrldSync Slutin Partner? A: A Slutin Partner is a cmpany that enables supply chain functins thrugh the prvisin f prducts and services. A 1WrldSync Certified Slutin Partner refers t a cmpany that has been certified by 1WrldSync t cnnect t the 1WrldSync Data Pl. 1WrldSync custmers have the ptin t chse a certified Slutin Partner t assist in managing their data synchrnizatin initiative. Fr a full list f 1WrldSync Certified Slutin Partners, visit and search fr a Slutin Partner that meets yur needs. Q: D I have t use a 1WrldSync Slutin Partner? A: 1WrldSync prvides custmers with multiple implementatin ptins t successfully synchrnize data with Target. 1WrldSync ffers implementatin tls fr custmers and has partnered with sme f the largest and mst well-knwn cmpanies in the wrld, including many that suppliers may already be wrking with tday. A supplier can implement with the slutin that best fits their needs and requirements. Q: If I have questins and need help t use the 1WrldSync system wh shuld I cntact? A: Fr questins assciated with GDSN r Target s data synchrnizatin initiative please cntact 1WrldSync custmer supprt at custmersupprt@1wrldsync.cm r Apr SYNC Cpyright All Rights Reserved.

9 3.3 Target s Item Management (IMN) Applicatin & Data Synchrnizatin ADDING DATA THOUGH DATA SYNCHRONIZATION Q: Can I just use IMN t d data synchrnizatin? FAQs fr Target Suppliers A: There are significant manual data entry time savings in IMN when suppliers leverage GDSN t start the new item setup prcess. In rder t synchrnize yur new item data infrmatin, it must first be published frm a GDSN-certified data pl. Then vendrs must lg int Partners Online t access Target s Item Management (IMN) applicatin t add Target specific infrmatin and then submit the item t Target. Q: Hw d I get access t see my item infrmatin in IMN? A: Please cntact the Partners Online admin at yur rganizatin. They have the ability t give yu a user ID and passwrd. Q: The data I sent thrugh data synchrnizatin desn t match what is seen in IMN. What shuld I d? A: Publish a mdificatin r crrectin message t Target via the GDSN. Q: Hw d I knw if I need t assign a new Universal Prduct Cde (UPC) when I make changes t an existing prduct? A: Fllw the GS1 Standards GTIN Allcatin Rules. Fr example, if the cnsumer net cntent changes, then a new UPC must be assigned. Fr mre infrmatin n GTIN Allcatin Rules visit Cntact yur data pl fr mre infrmatin PUBLISHING DATA TO TARGET Q: My Target buyer says I have t d data synchrnizatin. Where d I start? Are yu already subscribed t a Catalgue Prvider? Things t D 08-Apr SYNC Cpyright All Rights Reserved.

10 FAQs fr Target Suppliers N Chse yur Data Pl. All GDSN Data Pls are listed at: pdf Fr mre infrmatin, call 1WrldSync at Fllw prcedure belw Yes Please see Target GDS Implementatin Guide fr mre specific details regarding implementatin requirements. Q: Hw des Target Subscribe? A: Target subscribes at the supplier GLN level and the U.S. target cuntry market cde. Q: Is data synchrnizatin nly fr New Items, r shuld I publish existing items that Target carries? A: Target is accepting all New, Initial Lad, Mdificatin, and Crrectin Publicatin Types. Q: Shuld I publish my cmplex hierarchies? A: Target cannt supprt a GTIN hierarchy with multiple Case, Inner Pack, r Each ptins. Target will nt use the GDSN fr assrtment items, displays, r bnus packs. Q: Hw lng des it take fr the data t shw up in IMN after I have published? A: Target prcesses GDSN messages every 4 hurs (8AM, Nn, 4PM, 8PM, Midnight, 4AM Central time). Fr new item publicatins, yu shuld see yur data in the IMN Finish Item Setup task after that 4 hur batch has prcessed. Fr initial lad, mdificatins, and crrectins, it will depend n hw the data yu sent cmpares t what is currently in Target s system If change is within a certain threshld, it will autmatically be accepted by the system with n merchant actin needed and will shw as updated in IMN. If change des nt meet the aut apprval threshlds, a task is created fr Target t manually apprve r reject the publicatin. Please watch the CIC messages sent by Target fr updates n hw we prcessed yur publicatin. 08-Apr SYNC Cpyright All Rights Reserved.

11 FAQs fr Target Suppliers Q: I have successfully submitted my NEW items t the Target Merchant in IMN and have nt received a SYNCHRONIZED CIC status frm Target. What are my next steps? A: On the IMN hme page, there is a View submitted item setup ptin in the vendr pending apprval sectin. If an item is still visible in that sectin, the Target merchant has nt cmpleted the item setup. If after 1 business week yu have nt received a SYNCHRONIZED CIC, check with yur merchant. Q: Is Target checking the Initial Lad r New Publicatin Types fr incming Catalgue Item Ntificatin (CIN) publicatins? A: Yes. When wrking with the Target GDS Operatins team t get started with data synchrnizatin prcess, all items must be published as INITIAL LOAD After the INITIAL LOAD prcess is cmplete, please use the NEW CIN message type fr any new t Target items that a Target Merchant has asked t be setup. Q: When can I expect t see the Catalg Item Cnfirmatin (CIC Authrizatin)? A: After Target receives the Catalgue Item Ntificatin (CIN) it is subjected t matching and validatin rules. Fr NEW items, the SYNCHRONIZED Catalgue Item Cnfirmatin (CIC) will be received within 4 hurs after the Target Merchant has reviewed and apprved the item in IMN. If the Target Merchant didn t apprve the item data, a REVIEW message will be sent with additinal details Fr INITIAL LOAD items, the timing f the CIC REVIEW, REJECT, r SYNCHRONIZED message will depend n what attribute was changed by the supplier, Target s validatin prcess, and if/when the Target GDS Operatins team had t review and apprve the change in IMN. Fr MODIFY/CORRECT items, the timing f the CIC REVIEW, REJECT, r SYNCHRONIZED message will depend n what attribute was changed by the supplier, Target s validatin prcess, and if/when the Merchant had t review and apprve the change in IMN. Q: When will the Target Merchant see my NEW item publicatins? A: The Target Merchant will see NEW item publicatins after the supplier Accunt Rep has tpped ff the data in IMN and submits the item t the Merchant. 08-Apr SYNC Cpyright All Rights Reserved.

12 Q: Hw will Target handle nging Data Synchrnizatin? FAQs fr Target Suppliers A: Target is taking item changes via GDSN. If there are any attributes that need t be changed that were tpped ff in IMN, then thse changes need t be made in IMN as well. The changes are ruted t the Target Merchandising system. If the change is within a certain threshld, it will autmatically be accepted by the IMN system. If the change des nt meet the autmated threshld, the Merchant apprves r rejects the item changes and the results are seen in the IMN tasklist. If a Target Merchant rejects the change within the IMN system, then Target will send a REVIEW CIC back t the supplier with cmments. If a Target Merchant apprves the change within the IMN system, then Target will send a SYNCHRONIZED CIC back t the supplier. Q: My Target GDS Operatins Specialist has asked me t re-publish sme items t them. Hw d I d that? A: There is a difference fr the supplier functins f Publish vs. Republish. The functinality in 1WrldSync s system f Republish is respnding t a request f Target t resend an item that was already published nce t Target. If Target needs a supplier t publish that item hierarchy t us again because f system issues n ur side, r if Target sent a REJECT (stps synchrnizatin between trading partners) t the suppliers and there is a business reasn fr Target t get that item again, then the Supplier wuld need t d a functin f Republish. Republish is a functin f the 1WrldSync IM system, and mst likely als fr slutin prviders. If Target sent a REJECT t a supplier n a data pl ther than 1WrldSync, and that data pl des have functinality like a republish (send the item hierarchy again t Target), then that supplier first has t cntact 1WrldSync Technical supprt team t request that they reset the CIC status in the 1WrldSync system fr that item t ACCEPT (t allw synchrnizatin), and then they can use the republish r send again functin f the ther data pl. The functin f a Publicatin (Publicatin Add) is nly used the first time yu are publishing t Target. A Publicatin (Add) can nly be dne nce in the 1WrldSync IM system. Subsequent Publicatin (Adds) wuld just be duplicates that 1WrldSync system wuld ignre. 08-Apr SYNC Cpyright All Rights Reserved.