Benefits for suppliers

GS1 is a global standard. This has many benefits, particularly to suppliers as it can mean minimising – or even eliminating – having to make UDI changes for different markets.

For NHSScotland, GS1 Standards provide assurances around quality of standards, as well as the benefits that can be realised from enabling data to be used and shared across multiple systems and partner organisations.


In summary

  • The full NHSScotland supply chain will be using the same product identifiers (GS1 standards)
  • Reduced transaction costs due to fewer price-based invoice queries
  • Reduced supply chain queries by provision of accurate and timely order, delivery and invoice information,
  • Greater efficiency and visibility of product throughout the supply chain reducing wastage, lowering the costs of product recall and enabling compliance with forthcoming UK and existing traceability legislation, eg in the EU and USA;
  • Standardised data enabling increased automation in the flow of product data between NHSScotland and its trading partners.