GS1 US and mpXML Announce Successful Completion of Variable Measure Data Synchronization Pilot.

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. -- GS1 US and the Meat and Poultry Business to Business Data Standards Organization (mpXML) announced today the successful completion of a Data Synchronization Pilot of variable measure meat and poultry items using the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN).

Retailer participants included SUPERVALU and Wegmans Food Markets; providers included Perdue, Inc. and Tyson Foods, Inc.; and 1SYNC and Agentrics served as the data pools for the pilot. The retailers were able to successfully receive Catalogue Item Notification (CIN) Messages from the producers for variable measure meat and poultry products for both the Item and Case level. The participants utilized the mpXML "Implementation Guide for the GS1 Data Alignment of Meat and Poultry Trade Items" to conduct the pilot.

"This is a significant step for retailers," said Richard Vander Horst, Manager of Business Solutions and Implementation Services for Wegmans, the first retailer to successfully receive a Variable Measure EACH CIN message from Tyson Foods. "Synchronization allows trading partners to match product information in their back-end information systems, which is a critical step in efficient global electronic commerce. Figuring out how to synchronize variable measure products is a big step for the meat and poultry industry. Hopefully, other fresh food sectors will be able to leverage the work done in meat and poultry to further align their own synchronization efforts."

Gary Cooper, Vice President of Business Solutions for Tyson Foods said, "Variable measure products compose a large percentage of the products manufactured at Tyson Foods, and it represents a large volume of the entire meat and poultry industry. We recognized the value of data synchronization many years ago, but prior to having the mpXML Implementation Guide we were limited to data sync for only our fixed weight products. This successful pilot now fills that gap."

"Data synchronization has been a challenge for the meat department," noted Greg Rowe, Director of Business Development for GS1 US. "The initial standards were focused on fixed weight consumer product goods, and many retailers deferred synchronization of meat and poultry and other fresh foods. But with the continued refinement of the standards, mpXML's members recognized that data synchronization for variable measure products was now practical. The pilot proved it."

An overview of the pilot and the Implementation Guide for meat and poultry product synchronization is available at mpxml.org. As next steps, GS1 US and mpXML will work with other retailers interested in synchronizing variable measure products and further refine the Implementation Guide to reflect new lessons learned.

About GS1 US

GS1 US Inc.(R) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the adoption and implementation of standards-based, global supply chain solutions. GS1 US operates wholly owned subsidiaries EPCglobal US(TM), RosettaNet, and 1SYNC(TM). GS1 US manages the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC(R)) for the UN Development Programme. EPCglobal Inc(TM) is a joint venture of GS1 US and GS1. GS1 US-based solutions, including business processes, XML standards, EDI transaction sets, and the bar code identification standards of the GS1 System (formerly known as the EAN.UCC System) are currently used by more than one million companies worldwide. www.GS1US.org.

About mpXML:

mpXML was created in 2001 and is open to all interested parties. Companies that join mpXML designate representatives that serve on committees and work groups that develop guidelines and best practices for electronic commerce in the meat and poultry supply chain. mpXML's activities are governed by an unpaid, elected board that represents all sectors of the meat and poultry supply chain and assure that mpXML's guidance meets the needs of the entire supply chain. To learn more about mpXML and how to become a member, visit http://www.mpxml.org or call [phone].