GS1 is the global standards organization behind product barcodes and the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). GDSN, the Global Data Synchronisation Network, is GS1’s network for sharing product data between trading partners: a brand owner loads product information into a GS1-certified data pool, the products are listed in the GS1 Global Registry, and retailers and other buyers subscribe to receive that data and its updates automatically. GS1 describes GDSN as “the world’s largest product data network.”
Originally published May 2022. Updated September 2026 with a summary, FAQ and links to Sitation’s GDSN services. The interview below is shown as first published.
We have been talking a lot about GS1, their standards, and GDSN. Those conversations have been full of fascinating information about sourcing, packaging, and best practices, but they can get really complex. In an effort to clear it all up, let’s get back to the basics with GS1 Standards Professional Georgette Suggs, who was then Manager, Data & Content Services at Sitation.
Aishia Williams: Hi Georgette! How long have you been working at Sitation and what is your role?
Georgette Suggs: Hi Aishia. I’ve been with Sitation a whopping 4+ months. I started in January of this year. I am a Manager in the Data and Content Services group with a focus on quality operations. But my favorite specialty is GS1 Standards and GDSN.
Aishia: Let’s start at the top. Who is GS1?
Georgette: GS1 is the global standards organization that helps industry set standard expectations around product identification, content and sharing. Mostly they are known for being THE global barcode provider. Anyone who wants a barcode must get it from GS1.
Aishia: Okay, now for what the people really want to know… What is GDSN and what is it used for?
Georgette: GDSN, also known as the Global Data Synchronization Network, is “the world’s largest product data network.” The GDSN consists of multiple, approved data pools and the GS1 Global Registry. A brand owner or manufacturer contracts with a data pool and uploads their product content to the GDSN via the connection provided by the data pool. Their products are added to the Global Registry and the content is ready to be shared with retailers and operators. The next step is for a retailer or operator to subscribe to the brand owner’s data. After a subscription has been received, the brand owner publishes content for specific products or their entire catalog (depending on the retailer’s requirements) to the retailer. Once the retailer accepts the publication, an open conduit for content sharing is created between the brand owner and the retailer for each product over the GDSN.
Aishia: How long have you been interacting with GDSN?
Georgette: I’ve been involved with GDSN for somewhere around 13 years I think. Wow! I feel like I’m aging myself.
Aishia: Do you need a PIM solution for GDSN?
Georgette: Ah, good question. A PIM is not required for GDSN because data is loaded to the GDSN via various data pools that house product content. However, I believe a PIM can enable faster, more accurate and up-to-date data configuration within the selected data pool.
Aishia: What PIM platforms have you used for GDSN?
Georgette: While I was working in industry, Salsify was the PIM I used. The company I was with used Salsify as the system to aggregate, clean and enhance product content prior to sending on to the selected data pool as well as many other end points. Now that I work for Sitation I am even more focused on Salsify and often work with our clients to enable the data pool functionality that Salsify provides. This is a double bonus. Salsify not only functions as an awesome PIM but also can be the chosen data pool solution for GDSN.
Aishia: Who is the target or ideal GDSN user? Who does it help and how?
Georgette: Any organization that sells products with GTINs via retail, food service, or even D2C. Any organization that would like a structured, repeatable, consistent method to share their product content. CPG (consumer packaged goods) relies heavily on GDSN. But DIY is coming on strong and pharma is also a big player.
Aishia: Are there popular vendors or marketplaces that require GDSN? Who?
Georgette: Many of the big and small name retailers and operators prefer to receive product content via GDSN; however, requiring the use of GDSN would be tough because so many suppliers and brand owners are just not in a position to utilize the GDSN yet.
Aishia: If the retailers I use don’t prefer or encourage GDSN, should I? What is the value?
Georgette: I believe you should use GDSN because it enables you to publish beautiful content out to your customers in a very consistent and user-friendly way. When your customers see that you are delivering great content in that consistent manner, they are going to be more likely to purchase from you AND they are going to be enabled to share your content with the consumer. You want this because it WILL increase sales. We all know that “content is king” and GDSN is the way to get the “king” to market.
Aishia: Thanks Georgette!
How Sitation helps with GS1 standards and GDSN
As a GS1 US Gold Solution Partner, Sitation helps brands and manufacturers apply GS1 standards and take part in GDSN: checking product data against GS1 rules and each trading partner’s requirements, choosing a data pool and connecting it to your PIM or ERP, and keeping publishing reliable after launch. See our GDSN expertise and GDSN implementation services. If you sell grocery or beverage-alcohol products, see GDSN compliance and syndication for Grocery & Bev-Alc. For where the standard is heading, read how AI unlocks GDSN’s potential, and for another widely used product classification standard, What is ETIM?
Frequently asked questions
Is GS1 the same as GDSN?
No. GS1 is the standards organization. It issues the company prefixes used to create GTINs and barcodes and maintains product data standards. GDSN is one of GS1’s services: the network through which trading partners share standardized product data using certified data pools.
What is a GDSN data pool?
A data pool is a GS1-certified service that connects a company to GDSN. Brand owners use their data pool to load, validate and publish product data, and retailers use theirs to subscribe to and receive it. The two sides do not need to use the same data pool.
Do you need a PIM to use GDSN?
No. Data reaches GDSN through a data pool, not a PIM. A PIM helps by keeping one accurate, enriched version of each product that you can send to your data pool and to your other channels. Some PIM platforms, including Salsify, also operate a certified GDSN data pool.
What is the best GDSN data pool for CPG?
There is no single best data pool. Choose a GS1-certified data pool that serves the markets and retailers you sell to and fits how you manage product data. Some PIM platforms, including Salsify, operate a certified data pool, which can remove a separate integration. Your retailers do not need to use the same data pool as you.
Who uses GDSN?
Any company that sells products identified with GTINs and needs a structured, repeatable way to share product data, particularly in grocery and consumer packaged goods, foodservice, healthcare and home improvement. Requirements vary by retailer and category, so check what each of your trading partners asks for.
How do I get started with GDSN?
Make sure your products have valid GTINs, choose a certified data pool, and prepare your product data to the GDSN attributes your trading partners require. Talk to Sitation about connecting your PIM to GDSN.
Plan your PIM, MDM or DAM project
From platform selection to launch and ongoing support, Sitation has helped more than 400 retailers, distributors, brands and manufacturers put their product data to work.
