Data Synchronization is a necessary prerequisite to RFID implementation if RFID is to be viewed as a tool for maximizing business efficiency and not merely as a compliance issue.

Data synchronization is a problem for most companies because data exists on a multitude of systems in an enterprise. The result is often duplicate entries, inaccurate and inconsistent data, and incomplete and inaccessible information. While the Global Trade Identification Number (GTIN) standardizes the manufacturer, product type and product, most existing systems use their own numbering schemes and cannot be enhanced to use GTIN nor can they be replaced due to the cost and business disruption.

To solve the data synchronization problem, the first step is performing a data audit to discover how product data is currently stored. Most companies have this information distributed across databases, legacy systems, enterprise applications, or spreadsheets. An audit will expose data overlaps, duplicates, inconsistencies, and orphan data (data in people’s heads and not stored anywhere).

Since current supply chain systems are not able to handle GTIN standardization, consumer goods companies are creating a master GTIN-standardized product information repository that is synchronized internally with existing systems. Existing systems are kept intact with their own numbering schemes and this repository can tie together existing data to GTINs by maintaining the inter-relationships and dependencies between all these systems – as exposed by the data audit. This repository provides internal data synchronization by ensuring that any data changes are propagated to all affected systems.

Digital Domain can provide these services cost effectively by providing high end auditing services onsite and most of the labor intensive data cleansing process from its facility in India.