The hidden power of GS1 data and the growing pressure on wholesalers to organize it properly

Wholesalers operate in a supply chain where product data plays an increasingly important role. GS1 provides a central structure for information required in legislation, logistics, retail coordination, and digital chain collaboration. Think of the new packaging law, stricter environmental regulations, and the shift from traditional barcodes to QR codes based on GS1 Digital Link. These developments require wholesalers to organize their product information more effectively to keep up with requirements that are changing faster than ever.

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The reality at many wholesalers
‍Product data is usually scattered across Excel files, ERP systems, folders filled with PDF documents, and informal supplier materials. When GS1 requests a complete dataset, someone in the organization has to gather and combine all these fragments. This often leads to delays, repeated correction cycles, and pressure on teams that already work with limited time.

Product management searches for packaging dimensions, logistics looks for pallet structures, marketing retrieves images, and customer service collects EAN codes. Every GS1 update becomes another round of overdue maintenance with a high risk of errors. This is exactly why GS1 places so much pressure on wholesalers. Not because the requirements are difficult, but because the data flow in many organizations is simply not structured well.

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How a PIM system relieves this pressure
‍A PIM system serves as the central environment where all product information comes together. It organizes, enriches, validates, and structures data based on fixed rules. This is essential for GS1. A PIM can show exactly which fields are mandatory, how data should be validated, and when a product meets the requirements for submission to GS1 Data Source. the PLGGR | PIM provides the complete GS1 dataset by default. From the moment you log in, all GS1 fields are visible as part of the product sheet. This includes dimensions, weights, logistical configurations, packaging levels, ingredients, safety information, and media assets. The biggest advantage is the structured approach. Employees no longer need to interpret anything themselves. The PIM clearly shows what is required, what is missing, what is valid and when a product is ready for export.

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What changes when GS1 data is managed through the PIM

• Structure for fields that frequently change
  The GS1 module in the PLGGR | PIM helps wholesalers respond quickly when new data fields are required. Think of packaging information needed for legislation or additional fields for sustainability and recycling. The module shows which information is part of the dataset and helps complete it.
• No more double entry
  Productdata is stored once and automatically reused within the GS1 dataset. Logistical data from the ERP, ingredient data from supplier files, and images from the PIM library come together automatically.
• Quick response to changes
  When GS1 requires new fields or expands a dataset, the update appears immediately in the PIM structure. Wholesalers no longer need to redesign processes or build complex Excel templates.
• Better collaboration between departments
  All departments work in the same environment with the same data standards. Logistics sees which values are missing, marketing uploads images in the right place, and product management sees progress in real time.
• A realistic scenario: From days to minutes
  A non-food wholesaler needs GS1 approval for a new product line. Previously, this process took several days. Each GS1 rejection required new adjustments. Most data had to be retrieved from Excel folders or requested from suppliers.

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The larger shift: from barcodes to QR codes
‍The move to GS1 Digital Link is one of the most impactful transitions in years. The traditional barcode cannot carry all information required by today’s legal and commercial needs. With the QR code, consumers, retailers, and wholesalers gain access to richer product information. This only works when the source datais consistent and well structured. A PIM-system is essential for this.

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Why wholesalers without a GS1 PIM module are falling behind
Due to growing demands from legislation, sustainability, supply chain requirements and digital retail, a clear divide is emerging between companies that manage their data centrally and those that continue to work with Excel or scattered documents.

Without a PIM module, risks rapidly increase:
• Frequent GS1 error messages
• Slow response to new legislation
• Difficulty adapting to the QR code transition
• Fragmented information
• High number of labor hours per data delivery

For sectors where GS1 is essential, such as non-food retail, drugstores, construction, foodservice, and wholesale, a PIM system is becoming a strategic necessity.

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The strength of a powerful PIM system for wholesalers working with GS1
The PLGGR | PIM offers a GS1 module that helps wholesalers make their productdata future proof. The module is flexible, aligned with changing requirements, and simplifies compliance with legislation, supply chain agreements, and the new QR standard.

Benefits include:
• Fast and well-structured GS1 dataset creation
• One central source for all product information
• Efficient preparation for GS1 Digital Link and QR codes
• Smooth collaboration between teams and systems
• Faster time to market for new products
• Stronger alignment with retailers and supply chain partners

Would you like to see how the GS1 module works within the PLGGR | PIM and how it speeds up your processes? Request a demo and discover how to make your product data future proof with one central solution.