Kroger to Announce Data Sync Plans

LAS VEGAS — The Kroger Co., Cincinnati, plans to announce Tuesday that it will begin implementation of data synchronization with its suppliers through the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) early in 2013.

The announcement will occur during a session at the GS1 Connect 2012 conference, which is taking place June 4-7 at the Aria Resort & Casino here. GS1 Connect, formerly called U Connect, is sponsored by GS1 US, Lawrenceville, N.J., which oversees industry standards such as bar codes, RFID and data synchronization.

Kroger will partner with the 1SYNC data pool, a division of GS1 US, to implement data synchronization.  At the session, Kroger executives will lay out the requirements for information providers on the use of GDSN and 1SYNC’s product introduction portal, and describe Kroger’s new Master Data Management system for its product/supply data.

Kroger executives at the meeting will include Greg Menz, Holly Abernathy, Chris Kirkland, Kathy Sant, Dave Schmitt and Chadd St. Clair.  

Kroger is one of the last top-10 food retailing companies on SN’s list of the top 75 food retailers in North America to adopt the GDSN for data synchronization. The GDSN provides a standardized network by which manufacturers and retailers can share information on a variety of product attributes.