In a world with billions of products, keeping track of every piece of information, manually, can be overwhelming. Interestingly, until the mid-2010s, this manual tracking of product data was very common. Businesses used to rely heavily on manual data entry practices, which included – maintaining spreadsheets, physical catalogues and basic databases that lacked key features. These time-consuming methods were prone to inefficiencies, inconsistent information, limited accessibility and had restricted data update capabilities.
To mitigate these challenges and streamline product data management, GS1 India launched its DataKart service in 2016. In this blog, you will be introduced to GS1 DataKart, and its advantages and learn the steps of DataKart login.
Introduction to DataKart
DataKart was introduced in the Indian market by the industry to help the industry. GS1 India collaborated with key industry stakeholders to implement a common product data management system for Indian businesses. Right after it was launched, it became a single source of reliable information for retailers, online marketplaces, institutional buyers and even millions of Kirana stores. It is a nationalised repository of retailed products and contains information on different product attributes like regulatory information, marketing information, packaging information, legal information and also information on product quality.
DataKart makes it possible for different departments of a business to seamlessly share, upload and edit product information in real-time. It enables the sharing of accurate and updated data on the Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) with the retailers in a standardised, structured and timely manner. In addition, it empowers consumers by facilitating access to authentic product information through the Smart Consumer Application.
What is DataKart?
DataKart is an online, cloud-based service developed by GS1 India to promote the upload and exchange of reliable product information between multiple shareholders like retailers, manufacturers, online shopping sites etc. It facilitates automated product information exchange that is real-time, which was not possible earlier in outdated product data management systems.
DataKart’s product database is used by thousands of brand owners, retailers/e-tailers and solution providers in the Indian market to ensure they get authentic information at a centralized location. Introduction to DataKart has removed dependency from third-party crowd-sourced information which has helped retailers and businesses regulate the supply and procurement of products in the market. Retailers such as Amazon, Flipkart, More, Big Basket, Reliance, Jio Mart, etc. use DataKart to benefit from its unique features.
DataKart for Brand Owners
For brand owners, GS1 India DataKart works as a single platform to connect with retailers and multiple online marketplaces. With the help of DataKart, brand owners consolidate their data and share it on a single platform.
Below mentioned are some of the benefits that brand owners enjoy with DataKart.
- Manage Product Codes & Generate Barcodes – With DataKart you can generate product codes like GTIN/EAN or UPC on one platform. This will eliminate the chances of wrong or duplicate code assignment to products. Additionally, you can view the complete product lifecycle right from its history.
- Instant Product Update – Product data can be viewed by retailers in their native file formats and you can receive instant acknowledgement from retailers on any information changes.
- Minimised Inconsistencies – DataKart helps ensure product information is consistent and accurate across all the platforms. Whatever information the manufacturers/brand owners upload on the DataKart platform gets updated throughout the systems. This will eliminate the chances of wrong or duplicate code assignment to products.
- Upload Product Images as per Global Standards – ClickIt is an app that helps manufacturers take catalogue-ready pictures of their products. These pictures once taken get automatically synced with the DataKart account of the manufacturers wherein they can edit them as per global imaging standards.
- Compliance with Regulations – DataKart ensures compliance with regulations as brand owners can link product codes such as GTIN/EAN and UPC with Harmonised System Nomenclature (HSN) codes through DataKart. These codes when linked will help retailers in efficiently categorising all the goods for tax or regulatory purposes, empowering them to meet the tax requirements smoothly.
Brand owners can also enter FSSAI, AGMARK, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, etc. regulatory information on their product detail page through DataKart.
- Reach Consumers – Once your product details are uploaded and verified, they automatically get reflected on the Smart Consumer app. Through the Smart Consumer app, you can run promotions of your new product launches and reach consumers instantly.
- Implementation Support – GS1 India provides implementation support to all users. You get a dedicated technical support team and timely implementation support without fail.
DataKart for Retailers
Retailers and e-commerce marketplaces have to manage a large variety of Stock Keeping Units (SKUs). DataKart helps them by providing information on different products straight from the manufacturers. This eliminates the flow of wrong information and empowers them in multiple ways,
Some of which are mentioned below –
- Verifiable Product Information – Information available on the DataKart platform is verified and trusted. It is sourced from the manufacturers of the products which validates the authenticity and reliability of the information. Verified information ensures there is no exchange of misleading product information.
- Optimised Planogramming – With DataKart you can obtain high-quality product images which can help you optimise your retail shelves by leveraging data received on the size and weight of the products (SKUs).
- Sync with Master Data Management Systems – DataKart can be directly synced with retail-level master data management systems (MDM). This ensures that product information is consistent across all the systems.
How DataKart is Revolutionising Product Data Management
DataKart is making it possible for businesses and retailers to easily access accurate and trusted product information in a commonplace. This service has enabled multiple businesses to realise their business goals and solve issues pertaining to outdated, incomplete and wrong data on products. Similar were the challenges that were faced by Indian retailers and marketplaces like Big Basket. They wanted to verify product details from around the globe and access accurate and up-to-date product information.
DataKart has been continuously tailored to meet the required expectations and requirements of businesses. In June 2019, GS1 India DataKart enhanced its capabilities by leveraging GS1’s ‘Verified by GS1’ initiative, enabling it to serve a global audience. Retailers and marketplaces like BigBasket took advantage of this opportunity and are verifying GTINs of global products through DataKart. Today, these businesses remain consistently informed, receiving timely notifications whenever a brand owner updates product information.
With the help of DataKart, retailers and marketplaces like BigBasket can validate GTINs before they onboard new products, speeding up the identification of duplicates. DataKart has enabled marketplaces like BigBasket to reduce their catalogue errors by almost 80% and has facilitated faster product listing with information being already uploaded on the platform.
DataKart Login: How to Access and Get Started
Follow the below-mentioned steps to create your DataKart account and start your journey of seamless product data management.
Registering as a business owner
- Step 1: To access GS1 India DataKart, retailers, marketplaces and business owners first need to get registered for barcodes. To get registered, visit the ‘Register for Barcodes’ page on GS1 India’s website or simply follow this link – https://www.gs1india.org/content/register-for-barcodes/.
- Step 2: Click on the ‘Register Now’ button, you will then be asked to complete the barcode registration form. Enter your company details, contact details, and other necessary information as asked in the form.
- Step 3: Submit required documents such as your PAN card copy, your P&L page, a copy of GST/VAT/TIN etc.
- Step 4: Select the number of barcodes – 100,1000,10000 or 100000 and select the subscription validity period. It is recommended companies consider any business expansion goals before selecting the number of barcodes. Barcode licence once obtained cannot be renewed or updated.
- Step 5: Complete the process by paying one-time registration fees along with the subscription fee. You will receive a copy of your allotment letter within 7-10 working days. In your allotment letter, you will find your Global Company Prefix (GCP) which can be used to log into your DataKart account.
Registering as a Retailer/E-commerce Marketplace
- Step 1: Visit the ‘DataKart for Retailers’ page on GS1 India’s website or simply follow this link – https://www.gs1india.org/datakart-retailers/
- Step 2: Click on the Registration button on the Register As Retailer/E-Commerce Marketplace banner as shown below.
- Step 3: Fill the registration form. Enter your user details and contact information and click on the register button on the form.
- Step 4: Once you do this GS1 India’s team will reach out to you for registration. After registration, you will be provided with your username and password for the GS1 India datakart login.
Conclusion
DataKart continues to be the one-stop solution for retailers/etailers/business owners in India. It is committed to making your journey of product data management efficient, structured and reliable. Reach globally with GS1 datakart and share information with data aggregators and the GS1 global registry and authenticate information of products manufactured in other member organisations. Benefit from reduced PO mismatches and wrong dispatches and ensure product information is complete, accurate and on time with GS1 India DataKart.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is GS1 a government company?
GS1 India is a supply chain standards organisation set up by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, CII, ASSOCHAM, FIEO, IMC, APEDA, Spices Board, IIP and BIS.
2. How to login to the GS1 portal?
You can log in to the GS1 DataKart portal using your Global Company Prefix (GCP) provided to you along with your allotment letter.
3. How to register a GS1 account?
To register for GS1 Barcodes you can visit the ‘Register for Barcodes’ page of GS1 India, complete the registration form and pay the fees.
4. Can I generate my barcode?
Yes, you can generate your barcodes through GS1 India’s DataKart platform.
5. What kind of businesses can benefit from DataKart?
DataKart is beneficial for several B2B, B2G and B2C companies. It is a powerful product data management service for retailers, brand owners and e-commerce marketplaces.
6. Is DataKart secure for managing product data?
Yes, DataKart is secure for managing product data. It ensures data security through its SSL-secure server. Product data is made available only on a need basis and only to authorised people.
7. What support services are available for DataKart users?
DataKart users get coupon redemption services and on-time implementation support services.
8. Can I integrate DataKart with other business systems?
Yes, DataKart can be integrated with ERP systems, POS systems, and other software to improve and streamline processes.
