What is a datapool?

A data pool is a central hub for sharing standardized product information between different parties in the supply chain. It serves as a centralized source where manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and retailers can store and exchange accurate and consistent product data.

Essentially, a data pool is a digital infrastructure designed to meet the requirements of specific industry standards, such as those from GS1 or ETIM. These standards define how product information should be structured, classified, and communicated to improve interoperability and efficiency in the supply chain. They provide a standardized environment where product data can be harmonized and synchronized with that of other trading partners. This helps reduce inconsistencies and errors, increases supply chain visibility, and improves overall operational efficiency.

By leveraging data pools like those from GS1 and ETIM, organizations can not only meet the demands of their supply chain partners but also enhance customer satisfaction by delivering accurate and reliable product information, which is essential in the modern business environment.

The role of datapools in exchanging packaging information

Working with data pools makes managing your packaging information much easier.

Centralization of packaging information

A primary advantage is the central location where you offer packaging information. This ensures data is always up-to-date and streamlines the workflow between manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers. Packaging information includes specifications, dimensions, and materials, but also recycling instructions, for example.

Standardization of packaging information

You establish common data standards and schemas for managing packaging information when working with data pools. This includes:

• Standardized attributes: Uniformly defined characteristics or properties of packaging within an organization or industry. By uniformly defining attributes such as material type or color, you prevent confusion and promote efficiency.
• Classification schemes: These are hierarchical structures to categorize and organize packaging based on certain characteristics. You can work with various levels of detail and create multiple subcategories. For example, a first level for packaging material might deal with material choice, such as glass, and then move into the subcategory ‘glass color’. Classification schemes are a great tool for logically and structured managing packaging information.
• Taxonomies: These are ordered systems of classification to group packaging based on their common properties. This way, you can easily find related packaging information.

Packaging information compliant with regulations

Data pools are a great tool to ensure your packaging complies with applicable regulations and standards. Let’s illustrate this with a few examples:

• EU Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste: This directive sets goals around recycling and reuse of packaging materials.
• ISO 14001: This international standard includes, among other things, sustainability guidelines such as environmentally friendly methods in designing and producing packaging.
• EU Regulation on Food Information to Consumers: This regulation sets mandatory labeling requirements for food products sold in the EU.

Optimizing packaging information with data pools

Finally, data pools can also serve as a platform to share best practices, trends, and innovations in packaging. Nowadays, there is a lot of attention on the sustainability aspect of packaging. Data pools can help ensure packaging innovations are quickly known within your company, allowing you to jump on the sustainability train faster.

In short, data pools are indispensable for managing and exchanging product information. As a company, you benefit from enormous efficiency gains.

Are you convinced of the idea of data pools for your business? Contact our experts: they will be happy to assist you.