With 15,000 orders raised by its pubs and pub restaurants every week, it is vital that Mitchells & Butlers has full visibility of its stock throughout the Company to be able to run an efficient business.

The Company has implemented a centralised stock control system using GS1 standards with significant savings already identified. The implementation of Advanced Shipping Notices (ASNs) has allowed the Company to detect any ordering, delivery or invoicing errors quickly and efficiently.

Like many retailers, Turkish supermarket chain Migros wants to have access to the best possible data so they can manage their internal processes smoothly and build rich consumer experiences that drive confidence, satisfaction and loyalty.

By asking brand owners to list their products in Verified by GS1, Migros has found a single source of trusted product information where they can confidently verify the products they sell.

The project provided a wide range of learnings.

Brand owners are responsible for uploading product data to the Verified by GS1 platform. Retailers then access and use that data. Naturally, this takes time and effort for all parties. Is it worth it? Two business partners recently set out to determine the answer.

In an increasingly complex healthcare environment, with the development of customised medical products, the need for technology and information sharing to aid decision making, the rising cost of services and treatments, and more empowered patients, one thing remains consistent – the clinicians, nurses, pharmacists, and others who are absolutely committed to ensuring every patient receives the best possible care.

Across the case studies that have been submitted this year, we have seen exactly this, a need for global solutions for an increasingly global industry that enable the provision of the safest possible care. What the examples in this book demonstrate is that GS1 standards implementations work best when we all work together – that’s solution providers, suppliers, wholesalers and healthcare providers. And let’s not forget that the imperative is there, legislation around the world is demanding standardisation and those that are becoming compliant now are already seeing the benefits.

While social-distancing measures have helped to “flatten the curve,” the presence and impact of the coronavirus will continue to be felt for many months, and even years. The citizens of the world have never before depended as much on our healthcare systems as now.

Researchers are collaborating on vaccine developments and new treatments, healthcare suppliers are working overtime to provide urgently needed pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and healthcare providers are on the frontlines—millions of “healthcare heroes” caring for patients and saving lives.

While the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging the digital foundation of our global supply chain and national care systems, investments in GS1 standards by healthcare suppliers and providers have strengthened this foundation.

Globally, there are widely reported counterfeit issues and fraudulent behaviour in the early nutrition segment.

As a consequence, the demand for assurance of authenticity, traceability and transparency are crucial considerations underpinning a consumer’s choice and access to safe products. Parallel to this is the consumer concern around off-shore supply chains and a brand’s ability to have sight of every event, further emphasizing the case for traceability.

The Norwegian fashion company Moods of Norway was established in Stryn in 2003 by Simen Staalnacke, Peder Børresen and Jan Egil Flo.

Their concept is to market untraditional fashionwear in the segments street, casual, cocktail and sport under the slogan: “Happy Clothes for Happy People”. Today, Moods of Norway is the largest Norwegian brand in international fashion.