Why should suppliers in the healthcare sector switch to GDSN? In this article, we explore the benefits of this unique network with GS1’s Data Quality Manager, Veronique van Dijk. We discuss the opportunities it offers to suppliers of healthcare institutions, such as hospitals, and how GS1 makes the transition as smooth as possible. Some suppliers may feel apprehensive about switching to GDSN, but it’s actually an opportunity to easily share product information and even generate commercial advantages.
“Joining GDSN offers medical device suppliers enormous opportunities,” says Veronique van Dijk, Data Quality Manager at GS1. “Not only does it allow them to share product information in real-time and consistently with hospitals and clinics, but it also reduces the time and effort needed to manage data across multiple locations. For suppliers, it represents a significant step forward in efficiency, while for buyers, it provides the confidence that they are always working with the correct and most up-to-date information.”
This system is an important step towards a more efficient and safer healthcare supply chain. By participating in GDSN, suppliers can better respond to product demand while complying with increasingly stringent regulations around product information. Moreover, it presents commercial opportunities by increasing their visibility in the market. Buyers can choose to do business with a supplier based on well-published product data. Sharing product data via GDSN is viewed more positively than sharing it via Excel.
Why good data is essential
Good data is at the heart of every efficient healthcare supply chain. Without standardised and reliable product information, errors can occur that not only cause practical problems but may also have direct consequences for patient safety. Think of medical devices that are incorrectly registered or products that can no longer be traced in the event of a recall.
“As a sector, you have made agreements on which data is essential for the supply chain to function properly," she explains. "Healthcare providers, for example, need the assurance that the products they procure meet strict quality and safety standards. This starts with good product data. Incorrect or missing data can lead to delays or issues, such as in the creation of a product dossier, or if information for cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization is missing, a reusable instrument or set cannot be used. This can delay the surgery, causing the patient to wait longer."
Through the use of GDSN and the data optimisation program GS1 Data Care, we address all these challenges. The GDSN data pool provides a clear structure for how data is shared and gives suppliers and purchasers access to the same information. To ensure that all necessary data is present in GDSN for use in healthcare institutions, GS1 Data Care provides insight into missing and incomplete data, with GS1 acting as an intermediary between healthcare providers and suppliers, improving the quality of the data and making processes more efficient.
What is GDSN and how does it work?
GDSN (Global Data Synchronisation Network) is a global network that enables companies to share product information in a standardised way with their customers, such as healthcare institutions. The GDSN data pool ensures that data such as product descriptions, documentation, and certification information are consistent. This makes it easier to track products, especially in critical sectors like healthcare.
How does GDSN work for suppliers?
The process for suppliers starts with joining GDSN and entering their product data. This may seem like a challenge, but thanks to the guidance from GS1, suppliers can relatively quickly make their products available to buyers. "We often start with an onboarding process where we show the supplier how they can easily enter products,' Veronique explains. 'After that, they can continue independently. But even after that, we remain available for support, for instance, when there are changes to the data model."
Suppliers can update and modify their data at any time and also indicate future changes. "Suppose you want to make a change to your product in a few months, you can already announce it now when something is going to change,' she says. 'This way, buyers can prepare, and you don’t have to arrange everything last minute."
GS1 also provides validation rules and clear guidelines within the system itself, so suppliers know exactly what information needs to be filled in. This helps prevent errors and ensures that the data entered meets the industry standards right from the start.
International standards and the future of GDSN
GDSN not only operates at the national level but also offers suppliers the opportunity to introduce their products to international markets. The same product information can easily be adapted and published in multiple languages and markets, allowing suppliers to expand their reach without having to overhaul their entire data management process.
The future of GDSN lies in expanding the data model. More information, such as sustainability details, product features, and recycling instructions, can be shared. The required data from legislation is also being addressed, with various market players already taking steps in this direction. Additionally, further automation and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) are being explored. “We are currently looking at how AI can be used to automatically process certain product information. This would significantly ease the process for suppliers, as much of the data could be extracted directly from documents, without the need for manual entry. It saves a lot of time and, of course, helps prevent errors.”
Conclusion: The benefits of GDSN for medical device suppliers
GDSN not only works on a national level but also offers opportunities for suppliers to share their product data internationally. The same product information can easily be adjusted and published in multiple languages and markets, allowing companies to optimize their processes for making product data available across borders.
“The beauty of GDSN is that suppliers no longer have to rely on separate Excel sheets that need to be manually updated every time. Everything is in one place and accessible to the entire sector. It makes life a lot easier for everyone.”
GS1 offers comprehensive support to help suppliers get the most out of this system. Whether you’re a small supplier or a large player in the market, joining GDSN is an investment in the future of efficient, safe, and transparent healthcare.
Want to learn more about using GDSN in Healthcare, or are you already working with it and want to further optimise your product data? Contact us at Healthcare@gs1.nl, and we’ll help you get started!
