Supply chain org launches supplier certification program

GS1 US is launching a new effort to bring more certainty to the supply chain. The GS1 association, which focuses on using standards to solve supply chain problems, has a new program that puts brands and retailers in touch with solution providers who are certified by GS1.

The GS1 US Certified Identification Partner Program puts retailers looking for private brands that meet coding and supply chain standards in touch with certified companies in such services as bar code printing and more. The certified companies can also help brands receive a Universal Product Code that uniquely identify a brand’s products across digital and brick-and-mortar retail.

GS1 says that brands leveraging a globally recognized UPC are more likely to see long-term growth in their business, per a GS1 US study, adding that 57% of small brands saw “significant growth” in their product listings with a UPC online.

“By working together with the solution provider community to expedite the product identification process, GS1 US and our partners are creating a more streamlined experience for our mutual customers at their point of need,” said Michelle Covey, vice president of partnerships for GS1 US.

For organizations to receive certification the companies must be members of the GS1 US Solution Partner Program and they receive a trustmark to leverage in their marketing and get increased visibility from GS1 US in its shared database of trusted partners, the company said. 

Initial certified partners include: Aarongraphics (a printer of bar codes), Avery Dennison (maker of RFID tags and more), InterTrade (Electronic Data Interchange supplier), Label Interactive Technologies (label printing) and Salsify, and Kwikee and Syndigo (product asset management companies).