Using Unique Identifiers to Find Generic Product Data

1. Defining unique identifiers

Unique identifiers, or “product identifiers,” are alphanumeric codes that distinguish individual products or items from one another. For example, you likely recognize codes such as Universal Product Codes (UPCs) or Stock Keeping Units (SKUs).

They are essential to providing standardized identification and categorization of products across various databases and platforms.

Additionally, they also play a critical role in accurate inventory management, providing a unique identifier to track products throughout your entire supply chain and fulfillment process.

2. Streamlining data retrieval

You can use unique identifiers to help streamline the process of accessing generic product data. You don’t have to rely on complex and time-consuming searches based on keywords or product names.

Instead, you can leverage unique identifiers as an unambiguous way to retrieve specific product information for complete accuracy.

As a result, your team saves valuable time, and you save valuable resources thanks to this direct route to the information you need.

3. Increasing data accuracy

Generic product data can be found from multiple sources, including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Unfortunately, there are less dependable sources that create inconsistencies that can gum up the works.

A perfect example is online product reviews. Because this information is written by random customers without reference to a unique identifier, the data is often misleading or simply incorrect.

Multiple sources make data integration and analysis challenging. However, thanks to unique identifiers, you always have a dependable, standardized reference point, enabling you to cross-reference data quickly and easily from different sources.

Consequently, you ensure accuracy and consistency throughout your systems.

4. Seamless inventory management

Unique identifiers are a must when managing the final stages of your supply chain. They provide effective inventory management so you can optimize efficiencies.

Your identifiers measure stock levels, track product availability, and minimize carrying costs by ensuring you understand your inventory in real-time. They are an essential tool in your inventory management process, providing a reliable way to identify and track individual products throughout the supply chain.

The final miles are often the most critical, as this is where you really see an impact on your customers, whether you are an eCommerce company or a manufacturer.

With seamless inventory management, you optimize inventory levels to consistently deliver on your promises and maintain a dependable system across all aspects of your supply chain and business. You also gain valuable insights enabling you to make informed decisions.

For example, stock levels tell you when to order top sellers and when to offer reductions for slower movers. You can also track sales performance to understand the market, your team’s performance, and the trends that impact sales. Demand patterns also help you spot new opportunities and tell you where to focus your efforts.

5. Creating seamless eCommerce experiences

If eCommerce drives your business, you must provide accurate and detailed product data to increase customer satisfaction and conversion rates. With the help of unique identifiers, you can effortlessly integrate product data from various suppliers or manufacturers into their eCommerce platforms.

An AI-empowered PIM, or product information management software, enables you to search information from platforms like Shopify and Amazon and leverage that content to create unique product descriptions.

This streamlines the process of getting products to market, enabling you to a) provide high-quality content for shoppers to increase conversions and b) get products to market faster to beat out your competitors.

6. Leveraging industry standards

If you have global aspirations for your omnichannel strategy, you can leverage industry-specific standards and databases, such as the GTIN database or GS1. These identifiers establish a global language for product identification, integrating unique identifiers that enhance interoperability.

They facilitate seamless collaboration with suppliers, partners, etc., so you can expand your reach and maintain accuracy by breaking down disparate silos.

You can set your sights on specific markets with less effort, leveraging GTIN or GS1 to increase data accuracy when expanding to new markets. Additionally, you can use your PIM to ensure geo-specific language and currencies are correct to improve customer experience regardless of where you choose to sell.

These identification methods improve productivity throughout your entire supply chain. From seamless inventory management to adhering to industry standards we have you covered.  When it comes to expansion to global markets and maintaining product information quality, unique identifiers don’t just enable you to find generic product data and improve data retrieval. They also enable you to realize your expansion goals.