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Ensuring Freshness and Safety

                 Food Safety and Traceability in the Fruit and Vegetable Supply Chain

The fruit and vegetable chain is a multistage process from cultivation to distribution, and it is important to ensure food safety and traceability throughout the process. Food safety involves protecting consumers from health risks such as contamination, spoilage or exposure to chemicals. Traceability means being able to track the journey of a product from the farm to its final destination, and quickly responding to any issues that may arise. In short, food safety and traceability are essential to maintaining consumer confidence in the global marketplace and meeting regulatory standards.

One of the main reasons why food safety and traceability are important for fruits and foods is to prevent contamination and ensure product quality. Fruits and vegetables can spoil quickly and become contaminated with bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, which can cause serious illness. Stakeholders at every level of the supply chain, from growers to packers and distributors, can use tracking systems to track and record the handling, storage, and transportation of agricultural products. This ensures that if an outbreak is detected, affected items can be traced back to their source and rapid action can be taken to prevent the problem from spreading further.

Traceability also plays a key role in complying with food safety regulations, which vary from country to country and are quite strict. Global markets such as the European Union, the United States, and Japan have tightened regulations for the export and sale of fruits and vegetables, requiring detailed information on pesticide use, production, and sanitation measures. Traceability systems facilitate international trade by providing the information needed to demonstrate compliance with these regulations. They also help producers and exporters avoid costly product returns and shipping delays that can damage their reputations and currencies.

Along with legal compliance, food safety and traceability help increase consumer trust and market access. As consumers become more concerned about the environmental and ethical aspects of food, demand for products that can demonstrate safety, security, and sustainability is increasing. Farming has a responsibility. Certifications such as organic or fair trade can also be tracked through traceability systems, providing additional security for consumers looking for locally produced products. By providing a transparent supply chain, producers and suppliers can build brand loyalty and access the premium markets that are important for these attributes.

As a result, traceability systems increase supply chain efficiency and resilience. By gaining real-time information about product movements and conditions, stakeholders can better manage inventory, reduce losses, and optimize distribution. When a food safety issue arises, the ability to quickly track and remove contaminated products can minimize economic impact and prevent disruption to the broader food chain. Traceability is essential to ensuring quality products reach consumers safely. Traceability processes help protect public health and business interests by preventing contamination, meeting regulatory standards, and ensuring transparency. As consumer demand for transparency and safety continues to grow, the importance of food safety and traceability in the supply chain will grow, leading to valuable innovations for producers, consumers, and agriculture as a whole.

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Tax on Finishing Materials to Increase Construction Costs

                                              A Blow to Kenya’s Housing Sector

The government’s recent decision to levy a tax on finishing products is expected to result in a considerable increase in expenses for the Kenyan building industry. It is anticipated that the action, which is intended to increase government revenue, will increase the cost of essential building supplies, increasing the financial strain on developers, builders, and eventually homeowners. Experts in the construction industry are concerned that this decision may slow down the nation’s already precarious housing market and raise living expenses for a large number of Kenyans.

Effect on Construction Costs

For both residential and commercial constructions to be completed, finishing materials including paints, floor tiles, ceramics, plaster, and electrical fittings are necessary. The new tax will raise the cost of these supplies, which will immediately raise the total cost of building. It will be more challenging for builders to manage their finances, particularly those engaged in affordable housing projects. New home prices may increase as a result of developers having to absorb the increased financial burden or passing it on to purchasers.

The cost hike may make homeownership even more unattainable for the typical Kenyan looking to build a house. The levy may cause delays or increase the cost of the government’s affordable housing program, which has been a top priority in its development plan.

Pressure on Small Contractors and Builders

Small builders and contractors, who are the backbone of Kenya’s construction industry, are expected to be disproportionately impacted, even though large developers might be able to bear the higher prices or bargain with suppliers for cheaper rates. These smaller companies frequently operate on narrower profit margins and are more susceptible to changes in the price of raw materials. Their capacity to compete and maintain their operations may be hampered by the increased tax burden, which could result in decreased profitability.

Smaller builders may reduce staffing or postpone projects in response to rising construction prices, which could result in employment losses in the industry. This might have an impact on the livelihoods of everyone involved in the value chain, from suppliers to laborer, and further slowdown the expansion of the construction sector.

Implications for the Affordable Housing Agenda

Rising land, labor, and now finishing material costs are some of the obstacles facing the government’s efforts to construct 500,000 affordable houses in the coming years. The tax’s implementation may seriously jeopardies initiatives to give middle-class and lower-class Kenyans access to cheap housing. The target market for cheap housing may be underserved as a result of developers having to reduce the number of units they can create or refocusing their attention on more upscale projects that offer higher returns due to rising building costs.

The growing expenses might also deter private developers from joining the affordable housing program, which would increase the financial strain on the government. This would delay the attainment of national housing goals and put further demand on state resources.

Possible Impacts on the Real Estate Industry

High mortgage rates and problems with land availability are only two of the difficulties the Kenyan real estate sector has already been facing. Putting further financial hardship on the economy can discourage investment, especially in the residential sector. The typical Kenyan household may be further squeezed by rising rental and property prices brought on by the increase in construction expenses. For many, this would mean moving into the unofficial housing market, where access to basic amenities is restricted but building costs are still lower.

As developers reevaluate the viability of their projects, the tax may eventually cause new real estate developments to slow down. Homeownership may become an even more distant dream for many due to a price increase brought on by the property market’s reduced supply and rising demand.

The Way Ahead: Juggling Sector Growth and Taxation

Although it makes sense for the government to need more money, it is important to think about the long-term consequences of taxing necessary building supplies. The government might look into other ways to generate money or create tax breaks for particular materials used in the affordable housing market to prevent further devastation of the housing industry. Developers working on housing projects for the low and middle classes would benefit from this buffer, which would enable them to produce homes at competitive costs.

Furthermore, the difficulties brought on by higher taxes might be lessened with a more all-encompassing strategy to assist the building industry, such as incentives for developers, lower import taxes on raw materials, and public-private partnerships. By taking such steps, the building industry would be guaranteed to stay robust and able to serve Kenya’s housing goals.

In conclusion

Despite being intended to boost government revenue, the finishing materials tax is probably going to have a significant impact on the Kenyan construction sector as a whole. This ruling presents a significant obstacle for the nation’s housing industry, ranging from increased expenses for developers to a possible halt in the provision of cheap housing. More affordability problems could arise if it is not properly handled, especially for the millions of Kenyans who aspire to become homeowners. In order to achieve sustainable development and inclusive economic growth in the nation, it will be crucial to strike a balance between the need for revenue and the long-term health of the construction industry.

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Kenya’s Rise as a Leather Industry Powerhouse

                     Kenya’s Journey to Become the World’s Leading Leather Producer

Kenya, long renowned for its varied wildlife and rich cultural legacy, is currently taking major steps to establish itself as a global leader in the leather sector. Kenya is putting itself in a position to become a key participant in the global leather market thanks to its plentiful cattle resources, advantageous location, and expanding industrial base. This article examines the causes behind Kenya’s growth in the leather industry, the difficulties it confronts, and the calculated measures being taken to meet this lofty objective.

Making Use of Livestock Resources

Plenty of Raw Materials: Cattle, goats, and sheep are among the many animals that call Kenya home. This offers a consistent supply of unprocessed hides and skins, which are essential for the manufacturing of leather. Kenya is in a strong position to build a strong leather industry because of these resources.

Improving Quality: Kenya places a high priority on raising the caliber of its raw materials. To ensure that the hides and skins meet international standards, the government and industry players are investing in improved livestock management practices and processing techniques. Superior raw materials are necessary to manufacture high-end leather goods that can compete on the international market.

Development of Infrastructure and Industrial Growth

Kenya is developing its leather manufacturing infrastructure in order to take advantage of its abundant raw material supplies. Existing tanning and production facilities are being renovated to comply with international standards, while new ones are being built. This involves using cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly procedures to improve productivity and sustainability.

Industrial Zones and Clusters: The development of leather industrial zones and clusters is being supported by the Kenyan government. These specialized sectors combine the tanning, production, and distribution phases of the leather supply chain. The leather industry grows and becomes more competitive as a result of these clusters, which encourage cooperation, innovation, and economies of scale.

Strategies for Export and Market Development

Increasing Market Access: Kenya is making efforts to strengthen its position in global markets. The nation is seeking trade agreements, establishing strategic relationships, and taking part in international trade exhibitions in order to increase its export potential. To increase reputation and market share internationally, Kenyan leather products must have a strong brand identity and be well marketed.

Product Diversification: Kenya is expanding the range of leather products it offers in order to better serve various market niches. This entails creating high-end, fashionable leather goods in addition to the more conventional leather goods like belts, purses, and shoes, as well as investigating niche markets. Kenya is able to meet market demands and a range of consumer preferences thanks to diversification.

Innovation and Sustainability

Eco-Friendly Practices: As Kenya’s leather industry develops, sustainability is a major factor. To lessen the impact of leather production on the environment, the nation is investing in waste management systems and environmentally friendly tanning techniques. Kenya wants to comply with international environmental standards and attract eco-aware customers by implementing sustainable practices.

Technology Innovation: Productivity and quality can only be improved by embracing technology innovations. Kenya is adopting cutting-edge technologies like computerized design tools, automated tanning procedures, and sophisticated finishing methods. These developments increase productivity, cut expenses, and make it possible to produce leather goods of the highest caliber.

Education and Developing Capabilities

Skill Development: The expansion of Kenya’s leather industry depends on developing a trained labor force. The government and trade associations are funding educational programs and training courses to give people the skills they need to produce, develop, and manage leather goods. Product quality is increased and operational efficiency is increased with the help of skilled artisans and technicians.

Industry Collaboration: The leather sector is benefiting from the cooperation of a number of stakeholders, including governmental organizations, trade associations, and academic institutions. Initiatives for knowledge-sharing and partnerships support industry growth, solve problems, and stimulate innovation.

Dealing with Difficulties

Handling Infrastructural Challenges: Inadequate transportation systems and erratic energy supplies are two examples of infrastructure issues that can affect how efficiently leather is produced and distributed. Making investments in infrastructure development to address these problems is crucial to guaranteeing a seamless and dependable supply chain.

Overcoming Trade Barriers: Kenya must contend with established international leather producers as well as trade barriers. Overcoming these obstacles will need concerted efforts to fulfil global quality standards, secure advantageous trade agreements, and set Kenyan leather goods apart with distinctive value propositions.

In summary

Kenya has a bright future ahead of it as a global leader in leather products. Through the use of its copious livestock resources, industrial growth investments, and commitment to sustainability and innovation, the nation is putting itself in a position to seize substantial prospects within the worldwide leather industry.

Kenya wants to be a major participant in the leather industry, and achieving this will need addressing trade-related issues and concentrating on quality and market diversification. Kenya’s ascent in the global leather sector has the ability to spur economic growth, provide employment, and improve the nation’s standing internationally with sustained strategic efforts and cooperation.

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The Narok-Bomet Power Line Initiative

China-Based Company Gets KETRACO Contract for Narok-Bomet Power Line Initiative

Overview

A Chinese company has been given a major contract by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) to construct the Narok-Bomet power line, which is a significant development for Kenya’s energy infrastructure. Kenya’s attempts to strengthen its power transmission network, increase access to electricity, and promote regional economic development are significantly advanced by this project.

Specifics of the Initiative

The goal of the Narok-Bomet power line project is to strengthen the Rift Valley electrical infrastructure in Kenya by building a high-voltage transmission line. The towns of Narok and Bomet will be connected by this new infrastructure, which will make it easier for power to move efficiently along this vital route.

Goals and Advantages
1. Improved Power Transmission: The main objective of the Narok-Bomet power line is to fortify Kenya’s electrical transmission infrastructure. The project intends to lessen power outages and provide a steadier supply of electricity to both urban and rural communities in the region by increasing the grid’s capacity and dependability.

2. Economic Growth: The foundation of economic progress is a stable power supply. The new power line is anticipated to boost Bomet and Narok’s enterprises, industries, and agricultural practices, hence promoting local economic growth. In addition, it will generate employment possibilities both in the short and long term due to better business prospects.

3. Regional Integration: The project is essential to the integration of Kenya’s Rift Valley electricity grid. It will enable improved electricity distribution and help the general stability of the national grid by connecting previously isolated places. Encouraging equitable access to power and national economic development depend on this regional integration.

Chinese Company’s Participation

A well-known Chinese engineering and construction company with experience in major infrastructure projects has been given the contract for the Narok-Bomet power line. The choice of the firm, which was made after a competitive bidding process, is indicative of Kenya’s continued cooperation with foreign partners in achieving its infrastructure objectives.

1. Expertise and Experience: Having executed projects of a similar nature in other nations, the Chinese company offers a wealth of experience in power transmission projects. Their participation is anticipated to guarantee that the project is carried out to the highest levels of effectiveness and quality.

2. Technology and Finance: The Chinese company’s cutting-edge finance options and technologies will help the project. Modern tools and building methods are part of this, as they are essential to the accomplishment of high-voltage power projects.

Strategic Significance

A larger plan to upgrade and extend Kenya’s energy infrastructure includes the Narok-Bomet power line project. There is a growing need for dependable power as the nation’s economy and industry expand. It is imperative to support Kenya’s development ambitions and meet this demand through projects such as the Narok-Bomet power line.

In summary

An important step forward has been taken in Kenya’s efforts to improve its power transmission network with the awarding of the KETRACO contract for the Narok-Bomet power line to the Chinese company. Significant advantages from the project are anticipated, including increased economic growth, regional connectivity, and electrical reliability. Kenya hopes that as work moves forward, the country’s electrical infrastructure will become more robust and resilient, promoting growth and prosperity.
This agreement demonstrates Kenya’s dedication to developing a strong and contemporary energy sector and emphasizes the value of international collaborations in the advancement of infrastructure projects.

 

Fresh Food E-Commerce Market

                 Key Drivers, Challenges, and the Impact of GS1 Standards

The fresh food e-commerce sector is witnessing significant growth, fueled by shifting consumer preferences and advancements in technology. While this vibrant market presents numerous opportunities, it also encounters various challenges. For stakeholders aiming to succeed in this competitive environment, it is crucial to understand the primary drivers and constraints, as well as the role of GS1 standards in enhancing industry operations.

Drivers of Growth in Fresh Food E-Commerce

Evolving Consumer Preferences: Consumers are increasingly prioritizing convenience and variety, which has led to a rise in online grocery shopping. Fresh food e-commerce caters to these needs by providing home delivery services for a diverse selection of fresh produce.

Technological Innovations: Technological advancements, such as mobile applications and smart logistics, have streamlined the online ordering and delivery processes for fresh food. These improvements contribute to a more efficient and reliable consumer experience.

Rising Internet Accessibility: The expansion of internet access and the proliferation of smartphones have broadened the reach of e-commerce platforms. More consumers are opting for online channels to fulfil their fresh food requirements.

Enhanced Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Improvements in logistics and supply chain solutions have bolstered the handling of perishable goods, ensuring timely deliveries and better quality control.

Health and Wellness Awareness: An increasing focus on health and nutrition is prompting consumers to seek fresh, organic, and locally sourced foods, further driving the demand for online fresh food options.

Challenges Facing the Fresh Food E-Commerce Market

Perishability of Products: The inherent perishable nature of fresh food presents significant challenges in storage, transportation, and quality maintenance throughout the supply chain. Efficient management of these factors is essential.

Logistical and Delivery Issues: Ensuring the timely and safe delivery of fresh food can be problematic, particularly in regions with inadequate infrastructure. Delays or mishandling can compromise product quality and customer satisfaction.

High Operational Expenses: The costs associated with inventory management, handling perishable items, and processing returns can be substantial, impacting profitability and scalability for many e-commerce businesses.

Regulatory Compliance: Meeting food safety regulations and standards is critical but can be complex. Ensuring compliance across different regions adds to the operational challenges.

Consumer Trust and Safety Concerns: Establishing and maintaining consumer trust is vital. Issues related to product quality, order accuracy, and data security can undermine customer confidence and loyalty.

The Role of GS1 Standards in Fresh Food E-Commerce

GS1 standards offer a robust framework that addresses many challenges within the fresh food e-commerce market:

Improved Traceability: GS1’s traceability solutions allow for precise tracking of fresh food products from farm to table, ensuring proper handling throughout the supply chain and enhancing safety and quality.

Standardized Product Identification: GS1’s Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) and standardized barcodes facilitate consistent product identification, streamlining inventory management and order processing while minimizing errors.

Enhanced Data Accuracy and Sharing: GS1 standards promote accurate data sharing among suppliers, e-commerce platforms, and consumers, improving inventory visibility and order accuracy while reducing discrepancies.

Optimized Logistics: GS1’s logistics and supply chain management standards enhance the efficient handling of perishable goods, ensuring that fresh food reaches consumers in optimal condition.

Facilitated Regulatory Compliance: By adopting GS1 standards, e-commerce platforms can more easily adhere to food safety regulations, reducing the risk of compliance issues and fostering consumer trust.

Boosted Consumer Confidence: Clear and consistent product information, enabled by GS1 standards, helps build consumer confidence. Transparency regarding product origins, handling practices, and quality assurance enhances trust and satisfaction.

Conclusion

The fresh food e-commerce market is set for continued expansion, driven by changing consumer preferences and technological progress. However, challenges related to perishability, logistics, and regulatory compliance must be effectively managed. GS1 standards provide valuable solutions that enhance traceability, improve data accuracy, and support efficient logistics, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and trustworthy fresh food e-commerce ecosystem. Businesses interested in integrating GS1 standards are encouraged to explore available resources or reach out to local GS1 representatives for guidance.

Warehouse management

Optimizing Warehouse Management with GS1 Standards

Effective warehouse management is essential for a streamlined supply chain, optimal inventory levels, and fulfilling customer demands. GS1 standards offer a universal framework that significantly enhances warehouse management by ensuring precise product identification, facilitating seamless data exchange, and streamlining operations. This article delves into how GS1 standards improve warehouse management and boost overall operational efficiency.

The Significance of Warehouse Management

Warehouse management encompasses various activities vital for the smooth functioning of supply chains. Key components include:

  • Inventory Control: Maintaining stock levels to prevent overstocking or stock outs while ensuring accurate inventory records.
  • Order Fulfilment: Efficiently picking, packing, and shipping orders to meet customer expectations.
  • Storage Optimization: Organizing products within the warehouse to maximize space utilization and accessibility.
  • Data Accuracy: Keeping all data related to inventory, orders, and shipments accurate and current.

How GS1 Standards Improve Warehouse Management

  • Accurate Product Identification: GS1 standards, especially the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), provide unique identifiers for products. Utilizing barcodes or RFID tags with GTINs allows warehouse operators to quickly and accurately identify items, reducing errors in inventory management and order fulfilment.
  • Efficient Inventory Tracking: GS1 standards enable real-time inventory tracking throughout the supply chain. The implementation of GS1 barcodes and RFID technology allows for automatic scanning and updating of inventory records as products move through the warehouse. This real-time visibility helps maintain accurate stock levels and enhances overall warehouse efficiency.
  • Streamlined Data Exchange: The Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) standards facilitate seamless data exchange between warehouse management systems (WMS), suppliers, and retailers. By standardizing data formats, GS1 standards ensure that inventory information, order details, and shipment statuses are consistent and easily accessible, improving coordination and minimizing data discrepancies.
  • Optimized Storage and Retrieval: GS1 standards aid in organizing and managing warehouse storage. The Global Location Number (GLN) identifies specific locations within the warehouse, such as storage bins and shelves. This information automates and streamlines the picking process, ensuring efficient storage and retrieval of products, leading to better space utilization and quicker order fulfilment.
  • Enhanced Accuracy and Compliance: Following GS1 standards ensures adherence to industry best practices and regulatory requirements. Accurate labelling, standardized product information, and reliable tracking contribute to higher operational accuracy and safety, reducing the likelihood of errors and improving overall warehouse management.

Case Study: Amazon’s Warehouse Efficiency

Amazon has effectively implemented GS1 standards to enhance its warehouse operations. By integrating GS1 barcodes and RFID technology, the company has improved its inventory tracking and order fulfilment processes. The use of standardized identifiers allows for the accurate and efficient handling of millions of products across its extensive network of fulfilment centres, resulting in faster order processing, fewer errors, and increased operational efficiency.

In summary, GS1 standards are crucial for optimizing warehouse management by providing a standardized framework for product identification, inventory tracking, and data exchange. By adopting these standards, warehouses can achieve greater accuracy, efficiency, and coordination in their operations. As the logistics and supply chain landscape continues to evolve, embracing GS1 standards will remain vital for enhancing warehouse management and driving operational excellence.

ONLINE MARKETPLACES

CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE JOINING ANY MARKETPLACE PLATFROM

In an e-commerce dominated era, joining marketplaces can be a strategic move for businesses looking to broaden their reach and increase sales. However, before deciding on these platforms, it’s crucial to have several factors into consideration to achieve success and a seamless integration. Among these things to consider, the adoption of GS1 standards emerges as the basis for achieving efficiency, accuracy, and compatibility within the marketplace ecosystem.

Product Information Management (PIM)

 Marketplaces want comprehensive and accurate product data to enhance traceability and facilitate transactions. GS1 standards sets the ground for a universal language of identifying, describing, and sharing product information, ensuring consistency across different platforms. By adhering to GS1 standards, businesses can streamline their product data management processes and get rid of discrepancies that may arise from contrasting systems.

Supply Chain Visibility

Joining marketplaces usually comes with partnerships with various partners throughout the supply chain. GS1 standards enable seamless communication and interoperability among trading partners by standardizing data formats and identifiers. This leads to end-to-end visibility from production to delivery, enabling businesses to track their products’ journey correctly and revamp inventory management.

Barcoding and Identification

Structured inventory management is key for success in marketplaces. GS1 barcodes bring forth globally unique identifiers for products, yielding accurate tracking and tracing across the supply chain. By integrating GS1 barcodes, businesses can speed up order processing, lessen errors, and ensure customer satisfaction through reliable product identification and authentication.

Regulatory Compliance

E- commerce platforms work within a wide regulatory landscape, with the needs ranging across regions and industries. GS1 standards go hand in hand with the regulatory mandates and industry best practices, ensuring compliance with labelling, packaging, and traceability rules. By embracing GS1 standards, businesses can mitigate the risk of non-compliance penalties and maintain consumer trust by ensuring product safety and authenticity.

Interoperability and Scalability

 As businesses widen their existence across multiple e- commerce platforms, interoperability becomes increasingly mandatory. GS1 standards provide a common framework for data exchange, enabling easy integration with various platforms and systems. These transactions foster scalability, allowing businesses to cope with the evolving market dynamics and efficiently manage their operations across different channels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, before settling on the journey of joining marketplaces, businesses have to carefully consider the outcomes and requirements involved. By embracing GS1 standards, organizations can speed up the power of op to date data management, supply chain visibility, and interoperability to grow in the dynamic marketplace landscape. As marketplaces continue to reshape the retail landscape, adherence to GS1 standards emerges as a fundamental enabler of success, empowering businesses to unlock new opportunities and drive sustainable growth.

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THE SHOE SALESMAN 

I just read this story and loved how ATTITUDE can change the lives of people and companies. Maybe this story will give you some stimulus too. 
At the beginning of the 20th century, an English shoe manufacturer was concerned about the drop in sales in England and decided to try to open new markets abroad. Its director called two of its salesmen and proposed they travel to Africa to promote trade and increase their sales.
Both salesmen left by boat for Africa with instructions to survey the market. Each of them would go to a different country to have two opinions about the potential of the African market.
Within days of arriving, the first salesman called the factory owner, informing him that after several days of visiting cities, he had concluded that the African potential for shoe sales was null. “Boss,” he said, “here they all go barefoot. No one wears shoes. We are not going to be able to sell a single pair of shoes.”
The next day the second salesman called. He was excited and eager to speak to his boss. “Boss,” he said. “It’s fantastic. No one here wears shoes. No one sells shoes. We are going to sell thousands of pairs…”
The boss became delighted, making him collect more stock. Now the business started, it attracted a lot of customers to buy shoes. They faced difficulties and problems in selling their products as a company communication breakdown, leading to price differences and left customers dissatisfied because of miscommunication portraying them as corn salesmen. Two, business losses led by poor organization and differences in shoe prices.

GS1 standards can provide a framework and solutions to improve these issues through improved communication, streamlined processes, and enhanced supply chain visibility
Communication breakdowns and miscommunication:
With GS1-compliant identification and communication methods, companies can accurately exchange product information with trading partners, reducing the likelihood of miscommunication or errors in pricing and product descriptions.
Price differences and customer dissatisfaction:
GS1 standards help establish a common language for product identification, allowing retailers and suppliers to accurately track and manage inventory. This reduces the chances of discrepancies in product pricing and ensures that the right products are available at the right prices in different sales channels. As a result, customers are less likely to encounter price differences or receive incorrect information, leading to increased satisfaction.
Business losses and poor organization:
GS1 standards promote efficient and standardized business processes, such as using Global Location Numbers (GLNs) to identify business locations and Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) to synchronize product data. By implementing these standards, companies can improve their supply chain visibility, optimize inventory management, and reduce operational inefficiencies. As a result, businesses are better organized, reducing the risk of losses due to inventory mismanagement and other operational issues.
Differences in shoe prices:
GS1 standards for product identification, such as GTINs, allow for unique product identification across the supply chain. This helps prevent confusion between similar products and ensures consistent pricing for specific shoe models, regardless of the sales channel. Retailers and manufacturers can use GTINs to accurately identify and price their products, avoiding discrepancies in shoe prices.
GS1 standards provide a comprehensive framework for product identification, data sharing, and supply chain management. By adopting GS1 standards, companies can enhance communication, reduce miscommunication, improve supply chain efficiency, and provide a better customer experience, ultimately leading to increased profitability and success.

Feel goodShopping

Feel Good shopping

Shopping refers to browsing available goods and services presented by one or more retailers with the potential to purchase a suitable selection of items.

In the past, people would always visit brick stores to make a purchase and have it on the same day. The only alternative was to browse a catalog and place an order through the mail or by phone. There were other instances where hawkers and street vendors advertised their goods by calling out loudly and going door-to-door trading their products. Some of the challenges experienced by hawkers included logistics-related problems, time-consuming, risk of losing their lives, and damage to some of the perishable products. We can conclude that ancient shopping required a lot of commitment and the use of a lot of energy to sell their goods.

 GS1 Standards provide a common language that helps to create seamless work processes that allow the business to identify, capture and share information the same way globally. Unique identification and trusted data provide the perfect platform to develop harmonized operations to adapt quickly to new challenges and find confidence in data delivery of an exceptional customer experience. Identifying products via the barcode or Global Trade Item Number [GTIN] and web vocabulary has become the easiest way to increase the visibility of products while marketing or shopping globally. The use of QR codes has benefits that include identifying the batch number, manufacturing, expiry date, company name, and ingredients of the products enabling a customer not to be confused in purchasing the correct product.

 Some of the benefits we enjoy using GS1 standards on products while shopping is:

1. standardized supply chain communication- this improves and opens new doors that allow communication to go further to help eradicate renegotiation.

 2. Transparency and Traceability-This helps the organization have transparency for ensuring product safety.          

 3. Visibility and Transparency-This works for suppliers to have greater visibility into the supply chain. If the supplier cannot meet the demand for a specific item, this provides an opportunity to work with another supplier to meet the demands.

             

People I’ve spoken about their losses and typically pessimistic about recovery and assume that all hope is lost. In this case, there is a good chance you can have them traced and tracked if you act quickly by GS1 standards.