Data Synchronization with Safeway UNITED STATES ONLY

Welcome to Safeway’s Data Synchronization information site. As part of our continuing effort to improve Supply Chain efficiencies, Safeway is requesting Suppliers take advantage of the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN).

What is the GDSN and why is it important to Safeway?

The GDSN allows Suppliers to electronically pass item attribute information to Safeway. Safeway then reviews this information and if agreement regarding the data attributes is reached, sends a synchronized response as accepted. This allows both parties to synchronize item attributes without the traditional method of a letter, phone call, email, etc. Below is a high level overview of the GDSN/GS1 model:

Benefits:

Data Synchronization is mutually beneficial to both suppliers and retailers for multiple reasons. Below are some of the efficiencies achieved when data is synchronized!

• Streamline your supply chain processes by having the most current, complete and consistent data driving your operational systems.


• Standardized method of data exchange between participants eliminates the need to support multiple solutions.
• Two way messaging to keep retailers and suppliers in sync on item status.
• Improve in-stock conditions for your customers.
• Improve purchase order quality and decrease order lead time.
• Reduction in invoice errors and payment delays.
• Increase logistical efficiencies and realized cost savings.

Below are some informative links to provide more details regarding the GDSN/GS1 and how to get started¹:

http://www.gs1.org/productssolutions/gdsn/
http://www.agentrics.com/solutions/globaldatasynchronization.html http://www.gs1.org/services/gsmp/kc/gdsn/index.html

How to Synchronize with Safeway

1. The first step is to join a GDSN Certified Data Pool. A list of data pools can be found at http://www.gs1.org/docs/gdsn/gdsn_certified_data_pools.pdf



2. The next step is to be GS1 production ready. This allows Safeway to connect to any Data Pool within the GDSN/GS1 community. If you have questions regarding this, please contact your Data Pool.



3. Once you start registering your items, please complete the Safeway Data Synchronization Survey, located at http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB226GGDCQ28L



4. Based on the information you provide in the survey, Safeway will contact you to start the Data Synchronization process.

Additional Information

• Safeway's GLN is 0321130000013, data pool is SA2 Worldsync, (previously Agentrics) and subscriptions are sent by GLN and Target Market. Safeway captures, but does not utilize the GPC/UDEX codes.



• Message requirements:


• Safeway requires the Ti and Hi, which are the only additional attributes at this time. The values must be populated at the highest GTIN level of the hierarchy.


• Additional attributes supplied in messages are captured for possible future use.

• Safeway prefers to receive the first message as an Initial Load. One of the following response messages will be sent:


• Sync: The item is valid at Safeway and the core item attributes have been synchronized.



• Reject: No match was located in the Safeway database.



• Review: There is something in the message that prevents Safeway from synchronizing the item. The Data Synchronization team will contact you requesting additional information.

• New Items:


• Please continue to utilize the current Safeway procedure regarding new items. New item placements will not be considered using New Item messages. Data Synchronization will be included in a future phase.



• The New Item message has been enabled to resolve timing challenges during setup. Safeway will hold the New Item message for up to sixty days, while looking for a match in the database. If no match is located after sixty days, a Reject message will be sent. If the item is rejected before it is setup, Safeway will require a re-publication of the message.



• If you are unable to send a New Item message, Safeway will accept an Initial Load message. However, Safeway processes Initial Load messages as received. Safeway's acceptance of Initial Load messages in place of New Item messages is subject to change in the future.

• Change and/or Correct messages are required as appropriate to keep the item synchronized. Safeway is unable to manually update core item attributes once an item is synchronized.



• Data Integrity: When Safeway sends a Sync response, the core item attributes found in the message (gross weight, ti/hi, case dimensions, etc.) are synchronized in Safeway's database. Correct data will not only insure a successful implementation, it will reduce billing errors, incorrect purchase orders, and receiving issues, just to name a few. Safeway needs your help to ensure that published data is accurate!

Contact Information:

Safeway: datasynch@safeway.com
SA2 Worldsync: safeway@us.sa2.com

Safeway looks forward to establishing a Data Synchronization partnership with your company!