Why Does Healthcare Need Data Standards?

Unlike data published in manufacturer and distributor catalogs, product data sent to the Global Data Synchronization Network provides a supplier warranty that addresses the following challenges in supply chain data and more:

• Manufacturers are now publishing inaccurate catalog data up to 20% (DoD GDSN Pilot).
• 60% of all invoices generated have errors; each invoice error costs $40-$400 to reconcile (Coalition for Healthcare eStandards).
• Erroneous data increases supply costs 3%-5% (Coalition for Healthcare eStandards).
• Inability to track products and lack of information about recalls currently jeopardizes patient safety.

The Return On Investment

Two key standards provide the framework for the data alignment strategy that enables the GDSN. The Global Trade Identification Number [GTIN] provides each manufacturer product with a unique numerical identifier and includes two digits to represent packaging. The second key standard is the Global Location Number [GLN], which is a distinct number corresponding to a physical location at a company. It not only clarifies where the product was purchased, but also where it will be shipped to. With both of these elements in sync, manufacturers, distributors, GPOs, and hospitals expect to experience real Return on Investment [ROI] through:

• significant reduction of unit of measure errors (a built-in function of the GTIN);
• less time researching and correcting data inaccuracies;
• reliable, fully synchronized, and up-to-date product information ;
• reduced cost associated with the manual effort of adding and maintaining products in the item master.

For more information click below to learn about what Healthcare Purchasing News is saying about GS1 Standards and ROI.

• 04/2011 - HPN Article "Supply data standards stitch silver lining to budget outlook." by Rick Dana Barlow
• 07/2011 - HPN Article "GS1 declares: No sunset on horizon." by Rick Dana Barlow
• 07/2011 - HPN Article "Healthcare supply chain to data standards: Where’s the beef?" by Allen Esses
• 11/2011 - HPN Article "Supply chain efficiency, GTIN a package deal" by Allen Esses

Why DataPros?

Use the same team that brought GS1 Early Adoption Group for Healthcare into synchronized live production. DataPros and 1SYNC have continued their partnership to offer the only solution on the market to take you from Assessment to Transaction. DataPros is now formally a proud reseller of 1SYNC connectivity to the GDSN. This enables you, the provider hospital, to get assessed, achieve connection, and receive enriched data formatted for your system in one contract.

• Connect to the Data Pool to enable access to the GDSN data
• Communicate with the hospital to help them access the data from their Data Pool
• Enhance data from the Data Pool with attributes and descriptions
• Deliver formatted data for upload to hospital MMIS

For more information on how full synchronization of GS1 standards can benefit your organization please view our DataSync postcard, or call us toll-free (855) GET SYNC [855 438 7962] to get a quote. MedAssets members can e-sign with contract number (ES01089) online at MedAssets Supply Chain Systems' CDQuick.