Global Data Synchronization (GDS) is the system for international synchronization (simultaneous sharing) of product information.
It is expected that the introduction of a mechanism for master data synchronization into the consumer goods industry in Japan will lead to higher efficiency in the business processes of product manufacturers and wholesalers, who are now providing product master data using formats that differ from supplier to supplier and will also contribute to the progress of e-commerce in supply chains.

In FY 2002, the Database Working group of GCI Japan strove to understand the basic matters of product master information, i.e., Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), Global Location Number (GLN), product classifications and Global Data Dictionary (GDD). In addition, we studied a GDS model for the three-tier distribution structure unique to Japan. To meet complicated and differing business requirements in Japan, the manual registration of product masters had been adopted widely.
An experiment plan was also drawn up on the assumption that the GDS concept would be introduced into the existing industrial product Database and retail exchanges. To demonstrate the experiment plan by combining data, the 24 volunteer member companies of the GCI Study Group in Japan established in FY 2003 the “Manufacturer, Distributor and Retailer Master Synchronization Project” and a pilot test was conducted in 2003.
In FY 2005 and 2006, pilots were conducted as part of the METI projects. In 2006, to reflect the requirements of business in Japan upon the GS1 Standard, two Change Requests (CR) were presented to and approved by GSMP: CR07-133, Add the value T11 to the Pallet Type code list, and CR07-134, Add Additional Product Classification Code Agency Name. At the end of 2008, pilots ended. Some of retailer and manufacturers are using the Data Model now.

The future tasks in Japan are activities to promote and increase the adoption of GDS by the relevant enterprises. There is also the need for continued reassessment as to the maintenance of standard product masters. Supply Chain Standards Management & Promotion Council (see 6.1 for details) may function as a forum for maintenance. They will plan to develop new solution for GDS in Japan.