Soft Solutions Completes GS1 Certification Milestone; Data Synchronisation Now a Reality for Leading Retailers

Soft Solutions, a leading provider of web-based merchandise management and decision support software to the retail industry, is pleased to announce that its ibs DataSync V6.0 product has been certified by the Global Standards Organization, GS1, for use within the Data Pools of the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN). This certification demonstrates Soft Solutions' unique capability to deliver a comprhensive retail master data management solution including all elements of the data synchronisation model from data pools to integration of accurate master data in all retailers' operational systems.

(PRWEB) November 5, 2005 -- Soft Solutions, a leading provider of web-based merchandise management and decision support software to the retail industry, is pleased to announce that its ibs DataSync V6.0 product has been certified by the Global Standards Organization, GS1, for use within the Data Pools of the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN). The GDSN is a global, Internet-based initiative that enables retailers to receive product information from their suppliers quickly and efficiently. By synchronizing data in the GDSN, companies can improve service to customers and realize benefits such as reduced shipping errors, lower transportation costs, faster speed to market for new products, and fewer out-of-stocks. Independent reports have confirmed that significant cost savings and efficiency improvements are available to retailers and manufacturers who adopt a comprehensive approach.

With this certification Soft Solutions offers a unique global standards-based retail master data management capability to its growing retailer client base around the world. “GS1 certification means Soft Solutions’ customers can benefit from the only complete and seamless data management solution extending from the data pool through to end user applications,” said Jeremy Hollows, managing director of Soft Solutions Northern Europe. “Accurate data is important, but consistent integrated data across an enterprise and throughout the supply chain is the ultimate objective,” Hollows added. “Soft Solutions continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering merchandise management and business applications which comply fully with global industry and technology standards. With our standards compliant applications our customers can obtain significant competitive advantage.”

“We have selected Soft Solutions’ ibs DataSync V6.0 product to support our global data synchronization for a number of reasons,” stated Daniel Maalouf, chief information officer at European leading retailer Auchan. “Soft Solutions has a unique understanding of the master data requirements of large retailers. The certification by GS1 is a further demonstration of their commitment to global standards and underlines the fact that they are the leading software company in Europe in enabling retailers to capture the benefits of data synchronization.”

Soft Solutions’ suite of products includes industry-leading tools in the fields of retail master data management, category management, assortment planning, supplier negotiation and vendor funds management, pricing and promotions. The retail master data management tool, ibs Referential contains a comprehensive retail data model and also supports analysis of product costs and cost comparisons between operating divisions. Connection to the GSDN is through ibs DataSync V6.0, a component of the company’s ibs Retail Collaboration Suite, which, in addition to data synchronization supports sourcing and information sharing with suppliers.

“We congratulate the management and staff of Soft Solutions in achieving this important milestone,” said Sally A. Herbert, president of GS1 GDSN, Inc. “The participation of leaders like Soft Solutions in the GS1 GDSN vision is further evidence of how, in partnership with other certified data pools, we are serving our growing International membership. The GDSN currently has over 475 subscribing companies and approximately 500,000 items registered,” she added.

About Soft Solutions
With more than 80,000 active users worldwide, Soft Solutions is a leading provider of web-based merchandise management and decision support software. Our customers are large multi-divisional, multi-format retailers including Auchan, Carrefour, Group Louis Delhaize, Kingfisher, Pinault-Printemps-Redoute, and Galeries Lafayette. The Soft Solutions Suite conforms to the latest industry and technology standards and is compatible with multiple databases, industry application server packages and EAI solutions. In addition, Soft Solutions partners with leading edge consulting and solutions providers to extend its solution suite in areas such as forecasting, advanced analytics and optimization. Visit our websites at www.softsolutionsus.com and www.softsolutionsuk.com.

About GS1
GS1 is a leading global organization dedicated to the design and implementation of global standards and solutions to improve the efficiency and visibility of the supply and demand chains globally and across sectors. The GS1 system of standards is the most widely used supply chain standards system in the world. For more information on GS1, please visit the website at www.GS1.org.

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