GS1 France and 1SYNC(TM) Synchronize the French Market



    GS1 France and 1SYNC today announced their collaboration to enable
    direct standardized global data synchronization through the Global
    Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) between 1SYNC customers and the
    local French market.

    This collaboration enables one point of entry into the GDSN
    assuring global reach to trading partners by using one global Data
    Pool, thereby eliminating the need for trading partners to be a member
    of multiple Data Pools.

    Currently, four prominent French retailers representing a portion
    of the thriving French retail market - Leclerc, Systeme U, Cora
    Hypermarkets, and Match Supermarkets are successfully utilizing the
    interoperability connection between the GS1 France Data Pool
    (Parangon) and the 1SYNC Data Pool to exchange data with global
    suppliers including Georgia-Pacific, Vania Expansion, Nestle and
    Nestle Waters.

    Didier Chaugne, GDS Project Manager, Lucie, the buying
    organization of Systeme U and Leclerc, said, "Lucie has always been
    committed to data sync and strongly believes in the Global Data
    Synchronization (GDS) standards which are operational today. We can
    now receive real-time benefits from this interoperability capability".

    GS1 France and 1SYNC worked together to create standards-compliant
    local attributes such as tax information and item invoice information
    that are required by the French trade in order to make this
    interoperability connection possible. As a result of this
    collaboration, thousands of new items will be added to the network and
    to the GS1 Global Registry(R) which is a single repository where core
    item data is registered.

    Highlighting their views on this collaboration, Menouar Lounes,
    Master Data Manager, Provera, the buying organization for Cora
    Hypermarkets, and Match Supermarkets said, "We strongly support this
    effort. Thanks to the standards, we are now able to quickly
    synchronize supply chain data. This is the first phase and we are
    working on leveraging the recent price standards for price and
    promotion synchronization."

    The benefits realized by these implemented suppliers and retailers
    include a shortened time frame for publishing item data, reduction of
    manual process, and assurance of high quality data, among others.

    Pierre Georget, CEO, GS1 France said, "This collaboration
    demonstrates the readiness of the French market to synchronize its
    data via the GDSN. It also proves that the global network enables
    interoperability between global (1SYNC) and local (Le Parangon) Data
    Pools. By doing so, GDSN enables the small and medium enterprises to
    be part of the global supply and demand chain. The key reason for this
    successful implementation is the commitment of the trading partners to
    the GS1 standards. Today, most retailers in France have active plans
    for GDS implementation in 2007 because they know the infrastructure is
    now ready."

    When discussing the collaboration between 1SYNC and GS1 France,
    Bob Noe, CEO, 1SYNC, said, "This interoperability connection was
    established to support our customer community's needs. We have ensured
    that this collaborative effort is completely aligned with the
    standards and is a tremendous demonstration of interoperability via
    the GDSN."

    About 1SYNC

    1SYNC(TM) is a newly-formed subsidiary of GS1 US(TM). 1SYNC offers
    a range of data synchronization services that eliminate costly data
    errors, increase supply chain efficiencies, and promote the
    advancement of next-generation technologies, such as the Electronic
    Product Code(TM) (EPC). GS1 US is a not-for-profit member organization
    of GS1 and is dedicated to the development and implementation of
    standards-based, global supply chain solutions. 1SYNC is headquartered
    in Lawrenceville, New Jersey with offices in the U.S., Brazil, and UK.
    Visit www.1SYNC.org for more information.

    About GS1 France

    GS1: THE GLOBAL LANGUAGE OF BUSINESS

    GS1 France is a member organization of GS1. GS1 offers a
    diversified portfolio of products, solutions and technologies,
    including the GS1 System of standards, to improve the efficiency and
    visibility of supply and demand chains. GS1 also offers a wide range
    of services to help businesses use these standards and technologies.
    GS1 operates in more than 20 industries and sectors, including Retail,
    Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Health Care, Transport & Logistics,
    and Defense. Visit www.gs1.org for more information.

    About LUCIE

    LUCIE is the strategic alliance engaged between the two leading
    French independent retailers, Leclerc and Systeme U. LUCIE is also the
    buying organization for Leclerc and Systeme U. Systeme U has 876
    stores in 3 formats: Hyper U (52), Super U (676) and Marche U (148).
    In 2006, the provisional turn over is expected to reach 15,6 billion
    euros. Leclerc now represents 549 stores with 44 of these stores in
    international markets. The turn over realized in 2005 was 23,2 billion
    euros and the hypermarkets stand for 90 % of the global park.

    About PROVERA

    PROVERA is the buying organization for Cora hypermarkets and Match
    supermarkets. These 2 banners represent 63 hypermarkets and 173
    supermarkets in France (metropolitan France and the Antilles-Guyana).
    They also represent 51 neighbourhood stores in the Antilles-Guyana.

    PROVERA is part of the Louis Delhaize Group, also present in
    Europe with other banners in France like Truffaut, Animalis and Houra.