Officeworks announced officially to all suppliers their intention to utilise GS1net for the sourcing and synchronisation of master data. This followed their participation in the development of the Office Supplies Industry Data set developed, piloted and signed off by Office Supplies GS1 Action Group in 2010.

The Officeworks project to move suppliers to GS1net for providing master data commenced in March 2011. Internal piloting of GS1net has now been completed and Officeworks are beginning to actively engage with suppliers and are encouraging all suppliers to start their projects. To help facilitate the understanding of the business benefits and requirements Supplier seminars were held in Sydney on July 19th and in Melbourne on 2nd August. These seminars provided suppliers with the opportunity to learn more about GS1net generally and present details of why Officeworks have chosen to utilise GS1net for the purposes of their master data management.

Officeworks intention is that GS1net shall be the standard way for all suppliers to provide master and pricing data to Officeworks. Officeworks will be working closely in supporting suppliers so that they can achieve GS1net "Live" status as quickly as possible and can then share in the benefits of utilising electronic master data synchronisation. If you were unable to attend the seminars a copy can be forwarded by contacting with the Officeworks GS1net team or GS1 Industry Engagement team.

The Officeworks data requirements for GS1net (July 2011) are available on the GS1 Australia website on the GS1net Technical Information/Cookbook page, under the section headed "Loading and Maintaining Data", subsection "Your Target Data Set" and additional information is provided in the same section under "Office Supplies Industry". In addition, Officeworks have also compiled a Vendor pack which outlines some of the basic facts relating to their GS1net program.

If you wish to find out more about GS1net and how to start your project please make contact with one of the support teams or perhaps consider participating in some of the Education and Training options that are offered through GS1.

For additional information and support related to GS1 and GS1net you can contact our Industry Team or Services Support Team on 1300 366 033 or email Services at servicessupport@gs1au.org. To discuss further with Officeworks please contact their GS1net team or visit their supplier page.