For items that didn't match based on GTIN, Vendor Product ID, or Manufacturer Product ID, don't worry! The GDSN Connect Database feature is your solution. This powerful tool allows you to easily find the correct match, replace incorrect matches, and handle discontinued items. With the Database, you have the flexibility to use various search parameters, such as product name, description, brand, and category, and apply filters to narrow down your search results. Experience a smoother and more accurate data import process with the GDSN Connect Database feature.
There are two types of searches:
- Smart Search: The Smart Search will use the information from the uploaded Catalog Item to search for likely matches from the GDSN Connect Database and return the top 50 possible matches. This is the recommended starting point.
- Standard Search: The standard Search will use the entered search terms from the search box for a direct search of the GDSN Connect Database. This is a backup method if the Smart Search didn’t return the appropriate result.
There are two types of products that you can search for, with either a Smart or Standard Search:
- Branded: Branded items are those with a specific manufacturer product ID from a specific manufacturer and which contain a GTIN.
- Generic: Generic items provide nutrient and pack size information from USDA and other official source for products that don’t contain a GTIN. Fresh produce items commonly fall into this category.
Lastly, if you can’t find a product in the GDSN Connect Database, then you can manually setup an item (see Add District Specific Item).
Recommended Search Process
The general recommended matching process should follow the following flowchart steps in sequence to find an appropriate match. However, you may find that a different process works better for you depending on the type of product.
Selecting a Branded Item
For Branded items, if you don’t find the item via the Smart Search, we recommend entering the Brand Name in the search box, and then sort or filter on the Mfr Product ID field to look for the possible match. The Mfr Product ID value from GDSN may be similar to but have fewer or more characters than the value provided by the Vendor.
The information from the Catalog is provided in the upper left so you can compare to the information from the GDSN Connect Database.
If that doesn’t provide you with the correct product, then you can also do another search by entering other information that may be helpful, such as key terms, manufacturer product ID, etc.
Selecting a Generic Item
With Generic items, to find process is a bit different. Generic items can be setup with multiple serving or preparation styles. For example, the Vendor item may be a case of whole 138 count apples, but the apple can be served whole, sliced, pureed, etc. Each of these values may have different nutrients and servings per pack values, depending on how the district uses the item. Co-op admin: for these Generic items, you would select all possible matches, and then your members would select the specific one(s) they want to setup and use. Additionally, the Net Weight is required for these items as the GDSN Connect Database contains the “Servings per Pound” values (e.g., from USDA Food Buying Guide) but it needs to scale those values to the Net Weight as sold by the vendor.
- Find for correct “As Purchased” item
- Select all “As Served” options to make these available to members for menu planning purposes
- Specific serving size, prep style, processed produce, etc.
- Accurate nutrients, meal credits, & servings per pound
- Individual wrapped/portion control items should match to a specific serving size
- Enter the correct Net Weight for the pack to ensure proper forecasting.
Add District Specific Item
Adding a District specific Item is the last resort for when you can’t find an appropriate match in the GDSN Connect Database. When it comes to adding information for manual items, the process is similar to what you may have done in the past. While catalog data can automatically add some information, such as product name and description, you will need to source additional details, such as nutrient information, from the manufacturer or vendor. It is important to note that there are minimum required fields that must be completed, and any missing data will be flagged for later review.
NOTE: This is not a option when Matching a item on the Data Quality Check > Item Set Up Tab