In today’s fast-paced and interconnected global economy, supply chain visibility is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Businesses are under increasing pressure to track and trace products, ensure compliance, and meet customer expectations for transparency. Enter EPCIS (Electronic Product Code Information Services), a powerful standard developed by GS1 that is revolutionizing the way organizations manage and share supply chain data. But what exactly is EPCIS, and how does it enhance supply chain visibility? Let’s dive in.
EPCIS is a global standard that enables businesses to capture and share detailed information about the "what," "where," "when," and "why" of products as they move through the supply chain. It provides a framework for recording and exchanging event-based data, such as when a product is manufactured, shipped, received, or sold. By standardizing how this information is captured and shared, EPCIS ensures seamless communication between trading partners, regardless of their systems or geographic locations.
At its core, EPCIS is designed to answer four key questions about supply chain events:
By providing this granular level of detail, EPCIS enables organizations to gain unprecedented visibility into their supply chains.
Supply chain visibility refers to the ability to track and monitor products, assets, and information as they move from the point of origin to the final destination. It’s a critical component of modern supply chain management, offering numerous benefits, including:
However, achieving true end-to-end visibility can be challenging, especially for global supply chains involving multiple stakeholders and systems. This is where EPCIS comes in.
EPCIS addresses the challenges of fragmented supply chain data by providing a standardized way to capture and share information. Here’s how it enhances supply chain visibility:
One of the biggest barriers to supply chain visibility is the lack of standardized communication between trading partners. Different companies often use different systems, formats, and terminologies, making it difficult to share and interpret data. EPCIS solves this problem by providing a universal language for supply chain events. This ensures that all stakeholders—manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and even consumers—can access and understand the same information.
EPCIS enables businesses to track products at every stage of the supply chain, from raw materials to the end consumer. By capturing detailed event data, such as when and where a product was produced, stored, or shipped, EPCIS provides a complete picture of a product’s journey. This level of traceability is particularly valuable in industries like food and pharmaceuticals, where safety and compliance are critical.
With EPCIS, businesses can capture and share data in real time, enabling faster decision-making and more agile supply chain management. For example, if a shipment is delayed or a product is recalled, stakeholders can quickly access the relevant data to take corrective action. Real-time visibility also helps businesses respond to changing market conditions, such as fluctuations in demand or supply chain disruptions.
EPCIS fosters collaboration by creating a shared data ecosystem. When all stakeholders have access to the same information, it becomes easier to coordinate activities, resolve issues, and build trust. For example, a retailer can use EPCIS data to verify that a shipment has been dispatched on time, while a manufacturer can use the same data to confirm that the retailer has received the goods.
Today’s consumers want to know more about the products they buy—where they come from, how they were made, and whether they meet ethical and sustainability standards. EPCIS enables businesses to provide this level of transparency by capturing and sharing detailed product information. For example, a food company can use EPCIS data to show consumers the farm-to-table journey of their products, building trust and loyalty.
Many industries are subject to strict regulations that require detailed tracking and reporting. For example, the pharmaceutical industry must comply with the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), while the food industry must adhere to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). EPCIS simplifies compliance by providing a standardized way to capture and share the required data, reducing the risk of errors and penalties.
EPCIS is already being used by leading organizations across various industries to enhance supply chain visibility. Here are a few examples:
As supply chains become more complex and consumer expectations continue to rise, the demand for enhanced visibility will only grow. EPCIS is poised to play a central role in meeting this demand, enabling businesses to operate more efficiently, transparently, and sustainably. With the recent release of EPCIS 2.0, which includes support for IoT devices and blockchain technology, the potential for innovation is greater than ever.
EPCIS is a game-changer for supply chain visibility, providing businesses with the tools they need to track, trace, and share critical information. By standardizing data sharing, enabling end-to-end traceability, and fostering collaboration, EPCIS empowers organizations to overcome the challenges of modern supply chain management. Whether you’re looking to improve efficiency, ensure compliance, or build trust with consumers, EPCIS is the key to unlocking a more transparent and resilient supply chain.
Ready to enhance your supply chain visibility? Start exploring how EPCIS can transform your operations today.