It can be fascinating to watch an elaborately constructed set of dominoes cascading in succession. It's not so much fun when you are in information services. Unexpected cascades typically lead to disastrous results.
Right now, some of our customers are asking for changes that they feel are straightforward. They cannot understand why we haven't adopted these new methods immediately. They may not understand why it is not as effortless as it appears at first glance.
Data standards are simple enough in theory. Unique identifiers help to minimize confusion between trading partners when they refer to the same item at the same packaging level. Unfortunately, it is not always so easy when you are working with the technical systems that support the current business.
At most major manufacturers, there are a number of systems that rely on unique keys to identify items. Those systems generally rely on some internally-generated numbering system that do not rely on data standards. There are other support systems that also use that same identifier to run other related prices. It may start with an order management system but it will not end there. That number is likely used in a pricing system. It might also be in a warehousing system. It might even be a regulatory system. In all cases, they use some internal number to identify individual products. A switch from that internal number to some other unique key will require some delicate work that requires solid coordination in order to get the pieces aligned properly.
Complicating that task even further are some of the differences between our numbering scheme and the data standard itself. Our company typically has a single entry per item with a designated unit of measure that represents the unit of sale. The Global Trade Item Number (Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)) system assigns unique numbers for each packaging level. While many items are only made and sold at a single packaging level, this is not universally true. At our company, there are many products with two or three different packaging levels. There are even a few products with four or more packaging levels!
There are solutions available. It will take some detailed planning and dedicated effort but it is possible. It just won't be easy.
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