Migrating your product data from one Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) data pool to another can feel like a complex journey. One term that often causes a bit of a stir is “blackout period.” But don’t worry, we’re here to demystify it and help you navigate this transition with confidence.
What Does “Blackout” Actually Mean?
Think of your GDSN data pool as a central hub where all your product information lives and is shared with your trading partners (like retailers). When you initiate a “blackout” during a data pool migration, it essentially means your old Data Pool host is disconnecting your Global Location Number (GLN) from their system.
Once this happens, your recipients are temporarily “unplugged” from your company’s data within that old data pool. They won’t be able to pull new or updated information about your products from that specific source. It’s important to remember that they will still have access to any product data that is already stored in their own internal systems. The key is that they won’t receive fresh updates from the data pool until those items are resynchronized with their GLN within your new data pool.
What Does This Look Like on the Retailer/Trading Partner Side?
The impact on your retailers and trading partners can vary. Some might not even notice the change immediately, especially if their systems only occasionally pull in new data. For others, like certain major retailers, you might see items appear with a “withdrawn” status in their top-off portals.
To avoid any confusion or concern, we highly recommend proactively notifying your priority retailers about your data pool transition plan before the blackout period begins. This way, they’ll understand that any temporary disconnect is not because your items are discontinued or unavailable, but simply a part of your necessary data pool migration. Open communication is key to maintaining strong partnerships!
What Operations Does Blackout Impact? What Does it Not?
During the blackout period, you won’t be able to syndicate updates or new items to your trading partners via GDSN. This means that existing products will have “stale” data on retailer sites if you’ve made recent changes.
However, it’s crucial to understand what the blackout doesn’t mean:
- Products are not removed from retailer PDPs (Product Detail Pages). Your products will still be visible to consumers.
- You can still make updates in your Product Information Management (PIM) system. Tools like your PIM can still be updated internally.
- Other non-GDSN channels are unaffected. This only pertains to your GDSN data flow.
Syndication Planning for the Blackout Period
Often, you might find that things continue as normal for the first few days or even a week after you’ve sent your purge request to the original data pool provider. This is because it can sometimes take them a little while to actually take action on the request.
However, they could also act on it right away, so the safest approach is to always plan as if you won’t be able to syndicate to GDSN starting as soon as you send that purge request. This proactive mindset will help ensure a smoother transition and minimize any potential disruption.
Work with sales reps and brokers to get upcoming new items set up with retailers before the blackout period begins. If urgent items come up during the blackout period that need to be published as soon as the migration is complete, review all the product data while you’re waiting to ensure the items can publish without issue as soon as the connection is ready.
Navigating a GDSN migration, including the blackout period, can be streamlined with the right expertise. Our team is here to help you plan and execute a seamless transition, ensuring your data remains accurate and accessible to your trading partners.
How long will the Blackout Last?
The duration of a GDSN blackout period is not fixed and can vary significantly. It primarily depends on the responsiveness of your previous data pool provider in processing your purge request and the efficiency with which your data is re-published and synchronized in your new data pool. We recommend clients to prepare for a 2-4 week Blackout Period – during this time we provide increased communications to all parties and daily updates to help facilitate progress visibility and notification on any blockers that might cause delays.
The blackout effectively ends once your GLN is fully operational and recognized in your new data pool, allowing for seamless data syndication to your trading partners.
Looking for more information about your upcoming GDSN Blackout Period? Here are a few of our favorite FAQs:
1. Will products be available for retailers to order during the blackout?
Yes. Existing products and their data will remain accessible in GDSN and to your retailers. The blackout will only affect new product launches or significant updates to existing products.
2. Can I update marketing data with retailers during the blackout?
Yes. Marketing content and image updates can still be published. Please note that the Sitation team, leading this project, may have limited capacity for updates during this time. As always, inform us early about upcoming changes so we can plan accordingly.
3. Will the blackout impact what I can view in my product catalog?
No. All existing product data will be visible as usual in both your PIM and the catalog. This change will occur behind the scenes.
Thinking about getting help to navigate an upcoming GDSN Data Pool Migration? We’d love to connect.
