The 10 Annual ECR Asia Pacific Conference & Exhibition 2007€¦ · Recent product innovations in...

GS1 Singapore News • 1

GS1 Singapore News

Issue 51 Jan – Mar 2008 MICA (P) 108/02/2008

The GS1 Singapore Council is a component of

It is the national body that formulates and implements policies relating to EAN Bar Codes.

The 10th Annual ECR Asia Pacific Conference & Exhibition 2007

The 10th Annual ECR (Efficient Consumer Response) Asia Pacif ic Conference & Exhibition 2007 took place from 22 – 24 October at the Swissotel, Singapore. Addressing the theme “Enhancing the Consumer Value”, the Conference aimed to highlight the best practice experiences from around the region and as a platform to learn the latest strategies and insights from ECR practitioners.

More than 500 delegates from 18 countries, including the CEOs from leading companies

and senior management of FMCG industry from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, Germany, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and USA shared their experiences of ECR in practice and the benefits for their bottom line.

The highlight at this year’s event was the ECR Annual Awards 2007. The top 6 best practices of ECR in Asia Pacific were awarded by the ECR Asia-Pacific in recognition of their

Enhancing Consumer ValueRaffles City Convention Centre • 22 – 24 October 2007

excellent and commendable achievements as ECR practitioners.

Minister for Trade & Industry, Mr Lim Hng Kiang was the Guest-of-Honour. In his keynote address, Mr Lim highlighted the importance of Efficient Consumer Response fo r S i n g a p o r e’s c o n s u m e r - o r i e n t e d industries. An excerpt of Mr Lim’s speech is reproduced on page 14.

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Guest-of-Honour, Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade & Industry receiving a token of appreciation from Mr Barron Witherspoon, Co-Chair of ECR Asia Pacific Council.


Content

p01 • The 10th Annual ECR Asia Pacific Conference & Exhibition

p02 • Editorial

p03 • Keep The Power ON With Energizer

p04 • QR Code

p10 • The 10th Annual ECR Asia Pacific Conference & Exhibition

p13 • GS1 DataBar

p14 • Minister Lim Hng Kiang’s speech

p15 • L’Oreal Singapore and NTUC Score Top Award

p17 • New Registered Users

p18 • GS1 AP Regional Forum Hanoi/ GS1 Bar Code & AIDC Training

p19 • EPCglobal/RFID Singapore Forum

p20 • Sato Asia Pacific Ad

EditorTan Jin Soon

Asst EditorRosyati Mohd Said

Members of Editorial TeamPauline LimNancy QuekAndy Siow

Joy Lee

Printed byYung Shung Printrade Pte Ltd

Design and layout byFaithworks

GS1 Singapore News is published by GS1 Singapore Council. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the publishers. GS1 Singapore News is distributed free to members of GS1 Singapore, GS1 Member Organisations overseas and Asean Chambers of Commerce. Reader’s questions and comments should be addressed to the Editor.

GS1 Singapore c/o Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation

The Enterprise #02-02No. 1 Science Centre Road

Singapore 609077Tel: 6826 3000

Fax: 6822 8318, 6822 8828E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.gs1.org.sgISSN: 0218-6098

The year 2008 began with the following challenges:-

- The cost impact of near US$100.00 per barrel of crude oil

- The sub-prime crisis spreading from the USA, Europe to Asia

- The rising inflation- The credit squeeze- The financial turbulence leading to panic selling and large drops

of share prices globally

In order to avert the possibility of an economic slow down/recession in USA, the US Federal Reserve Agency announced on 23rd January 2008 the record cut of 75 basis points in the interest rates to stimulate consumer confidence and consumer spending. This was followed by a further cut of 50 basis points in interest rates on 30 January 2008. The American Government also announced a US$150 billion package to help USA citizens and businesses to overcome this financial crisis and thereby attempt to advent the possibility of a slowdown/recession in USA.

However, these challenges also provided opportunities for Sovereign Wealth Funds from the Middle East and Asia to invest in the financial sectors of Europe and the USA.

In Singapore, these have translated into increase in production costs.

In the face of increased in production costs arising from high energy costs, high raw material costs, high rental costs and high operational costs, GS1 Singapore will continue to help its registered users to be efficient by implementing the following technologies to cut cost and improve productivity:-

- eProcurement using GS1 XML eCom messages- Global Location Number for party identification to conduct

eCommerce- Data synchronization to facilitate error free eCom- The use of standard pallets for warehouse management and

also ensure maximum load carried by trucks for deliveries

GS1 Singapore will continue to provide free GS1 bar code verification tests to its registered users and ensure that the bar code printed on their products can be scanned first time every time so that their products will be readily accepted by retailers in Singapore as well as by retailers overseas.

GS1 Singapore is committed to help its registered users to have competitive edges to expand and develop markets under the challenging environment of 2008.

Editorial

Tan Jin SoonExecutive Director GS1 Singapore


GS1 Singapore News

Keep the POWER ON with The Company

Energizer’s history began in 1886 under the name of National Carbon Company. After a series of mergers, changes in name and ownership, it became an independent, publicly held company in 2000 listed on the New York Stock Exchange as Energizer Holdings with annual operating revenue of well over US$3.3 billion prior to its latest acquisition in 2007.

In July 2007, Energizer announced the acquisition of Playtex with annual revenue of US$641million, whose products include Banana Boat sun-care lotions and Playtex tampons which will help Energizer diversify and gain greater scale in personal-care products. This unit also includes Hawaiian Tropic sun-tan lotion, Wet Ones moist wipes and Playtex gloves and infant care products. Earlier in 2003, Energizer had acquired the Schick-Wilkinson Sword business, the second largest manufacturer of wet shave products in the world which has grown into a billion dollar business from the US$625million when first bought.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Energizer’s battery business delivers the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of products. No other battery manufacturer anywhere in the world comes close to matching Energizer’s scope in meeting consumers’ needs for portable power and lighting products. Widely recognized the world over, Energizer® and Eveready® branded products are marketed and sold in more than 150 countries around the globe. Energizer manages operations in four primary geographic regions: North America, Asia Pacific, Europe and South and Central America.

Energizer’s dedication to the predicting and meeting of the needs of the consumer, the world over has resulted in the following outstanding history of battery innovations:

the world’s first battery for consumer use in 1896the world’s first standard alkaline battery in 1959the world’s first silver oxide battery for use in hearing aids and watches in 1960the world’s first mercury free alkaline battery in 1990the world’s first AA size lithium battery in 1992 the world’s first on-battery tester in 1995the world’s first battery with titanium technologythe world’s first EZChange, a dispenser for hearing aid batteries in 2001the world’s first AAA lithium battery in 2003

Recent product innovations in battery category include the Energizer Energi To Go instant mobile phone charger which operates on 2 AA batteries that allows you to talk anytime, anywhere even when your phone battery is low or dead. In the rechargeable category, a USB charger which charges your rechargeable AA/AAA batteries when plugged into an USB port of your computer has also been launched.

The Singapore operation has been incorporated since Dec 1946. It currently operates under the name of Energizer Singapore Pte Ltd with a staff strength of more than 500. It is located at 25, Gul Way, Jurong.

The manufacturing plant in Singapore is a major export location for the corporation. GS1 Bar Coding System

Energizer Singapore Pte Ltd is one of the pioneers in the adoption of EAN Bar Coding System currently known as GS1 Bar Coding System. It joined GS1 Singapore, the then SANC as a founder member in May 1987. By bar coding their products with GS1 Bar Coding System, Energizer has been able to satisfy the needs of retailers here and abroad.

“Without the GS1 Bar Coding System for our products, it would not have been possible for us to be in so many stores and in so many countries. The adoption of GS1 system has definitely contributed towards higher productivity and greater possibilities in the supply chain” said Ms Lye Puat Fong, Marketing Manager of Energizer Singapore Pte Ltd.


QR CodeEDITOR’S NOTEThe innovative technology which merges the digital imaging technology with mobile phone technology and the wide spread mobile phone ownership in Asia has led to mass mobile phone usage in conjunction with QR Code in the following areas particularly in Japan and Korea:-

1) Large scale QR Codes on buildings to enable users to use mobile phone to scan QR Code to retrieve information about the companies that are operating inside in the buildings.

2) QR Codes on packets of fruits or vegetables to enable users to use mobile phone to scan the QR Code on the packaging to retrieve information about the name of the farm from which the fruits and vegetables are grown and harvested; also the fertilisers and insecticide used. The QR Codes on food packages when scanned can also enable consumers to down load information on recipes for cooking.

3) QR Codes from location based services on maps in the Tokyo subway and central bus stations. Passenger can also use their mobile phone to scan the QR Code to find out the arrival time of the next bus.

4) ePayment using mobile phone and QR Code printed on bills.

5) Mobile phone and QR Code for payment of tickets for Trains and Airlines services.

6) QR Code for TV program guides using mobile phone to view the program captured in QR Code.

7) QR Code for restaurants: The Japan Restaurant search site displays a QR Code for each restaurant to indicate its location and its famous dishes when the QR Code is scanned by a mobile phone.

In order to tap into the opportunity of the above innovative technology using mobile phones into our daily lives, the Singapore IT standards committee and IDA are actively studying how to take advantages of the high density of ownership of mobile phone in Singapore to deploy 2D Codes including QR Code for use by consumers to meet their daily needs.

In this connection, we append below an article published in GS1 Japan Handbook 2007 on QR Code for your information.

We thank GS1 Japan for permission to print this article in GS1 Singapore News Jan – Mar 2008 issue.

What is QR Code?QR Code is a two-dimensional symbol. It was invented in 1994 by Denso, one of major Toyota group companies, and approved as ISO international standard (ISO/IEC18004) in June 2000. This 2-dimentional symbol was initially intended for use in production control of automotive parts, but it has become widespread in other fields. Now QR Code is seen and used everyday everywhere in Japan for the following reasons:

• Several characteristics superior to linear bar codes: much higher data density, support Kanji/Chinese character, etc.• It can be used by anybody free of charge as Denso has released the patent into the public domain• Data structure standard is not prerequisite for current usages• Most mobile phones in Japan equipped with cameras that enable reading of QR Codes can access Internet addresses

automatically by simply reading a URL encoded in the QR Code.

In this article, there are four sections as follows:-

Section I : Accessing to the internet by mobile phone. This is the most popular usage of QR Code.

Section II : QR Code used to facilitate Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN)

Section III : Other QR Code Applications including QR Code adopted as a standard symbology for direct part marking on surgical instruments in Japan

Section IV : Food Traceability : A case study of QR Code used by Q.P. Corporation, Japan – the largest mayonnaise manufacturing

company in Japan


GS1 Singapore News

Section I: Accessing to the internet by mobile phoneThis is the most popular usage of QR Code. The following section explains typical solutions enabled by scanning QR Codes with camera-equipped cell phones. Specific cases studies are also explained.

(1) Typical solutions

A. Access mobile websites with QR Code

Encode URLs of mobile websites into QR Codes and print them on products or sales promotion tools. Then users can access those websites by simply reading the QR Codes with their camera phone. This type of advertising is more effective than using flyers and pamphlets.

B. Access product order websites with QR Code

Encode product order URLs of mobile websites into QR Codes and print them in magazine ads or pamphlets. Then users simply scan a QR Code to access the product ordering page. Users can place orders anywhere and at anytime. QR Codes allow sellers to take full advantage of more business opportunities.

C. Enter contact data into mobile phone address book with QR Code

Encode contact information, such as name, phone No., and e-mail address, into a QR Code and print it on their business cards. Contacts who receive their cards can enter the data into their address books by simple mobile phone scanning operations. This type of business card will be welcomed by business people who can save time to enter contact information.

(2) Case studies

A. Product information (A food manufacturer)

• Problem: There was no convenient way to convey information to product purchasers and no handy tool to easily advertise product values in the most effective manner.

• Solution: QR Codes on product packaging

• Effect: QR Codes make Web access easy. Customers can download information such as video taped recipes anytime and anywhere they need to.

Image: Courtesy of NTT DoCoMo





B. Searching for tour packages and making travel bookings (A travel agent)

• Problem: Counter attendants can accept travel bookings only for a limited time range. On the other hand, few people make travel bookings at websites that require use of PC.

• Solution: QR Codes on travel brochures

• Effect: Information is available 24 hours a day. Mobile phones are easier to operate than personal computers. QR Codes create more new business opportunities.

C. Bus location information service (a bus company)

• Problem: There was a need to improve information services for passengers waiting at bus stops such as the present location or delay and to promote use of buses

• Solution: Display QR Codes at 3,000 bus stops so that passengers can check on the present status of their bus using their mobile phone.

• Effect: Use of QR Codes has increased customer satisfaction by making real time bus operation information available.




GS1 Singapore News

D. Restaurant information (a restaurant search site)

(Japanese) http://www.gnavi.co.jp/ (English) http://www.gnavi.co.jp/en/

This restaurant search site in Japanese displays a QR Code for each restaurant. By scanning the QR Code from their PC monitor, users can easily access the restaurant’s mobile website.

Section II : QR Code used to facilitate Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN)In order to enhance distribution efficiency by using ASN (Advanced Ship Notice) and SCM (Shipping Carton Marking) labels, GS1 Japan drew up guidelines for the system using ASN and SCM in coopera-tion with the Japan Chain Store Association (JCA) in 1993. However, in the actual transactions, many SME business partners face difficulties in the use of ASN. In case of department stores who handle many products, they have a number of small and medium sized trade partners that do not employ ASN systems and were forced to spend long time for receiving inspection. To cope with this situation, in 2001, GS1 Japan prepared guidelines using QR Code on SCM labels and invoices in cooperation with the Japan Department Stores Association as well as the apparel and cosmetic industries, which are major business partners of department stores. Currently, the apparel, cosmetic, and accessories and bedding industries adopt the system, and the number of major department stores adopting the system has reached almost 10. The system has already achieved a considerable amount as a delivery system targeting SMEs.

Fig.1.5.2-1 Use of 2-D SCM Label and Delivery Labels


1. Prescription for dispensing pharmacies

A new service has started in which prescription data is encoded into QR Codes and printed on prescriptions. The specifications for recording the data are standardized by the Japanese Association of Healthcare Information System Industry (JAHIS). In this service, users read prescription data with a scanner, which enters patient and prescription data quickly and accurately into the computer, preventing input errors and alterations of prescriptions. Because the service reduces time required for data input, waiting time becomes shorter for patients while pharmacists can spend longer time giving instructions on dosage and administration. Data to be encoded include information on the medical institution, diagnosis and treatment department, physician’s name, patient’s name, health insurance information, and drug information. Coded information complies with the data exchange standard of HL7 with which GS1 concludes a Memorandum of Understanding for collaboration.

2. Standardization at the Japan Association of Medical Equipment Industries

GTIN and serial numbers are coded into QR Code and directly marked on steel surgical instruments.

3. Test System for Blood Specimens

Medical laboratories analyze and test medical specimens such as blood as commissioned by medical institutions. These specimens must be accurately managed and identified individually because a great number of specimens are handled every day for individual hospitals, and test types. At some laboratories QR Code labels are automatically printed, marked and attached by labeling equipment. Data include acceptance date, medical institution name (in Japanese kanji characters), analysis/test item code, test site code, and identification number.

4. Sales Management of Glasses and Contact Lenses

QR Codes are used for the sales management of contact lenses and glasses. For a contact lens, the product code, product name, degree of correction, base curve, and other information are encoded into a QR Code of about 8 square mm size. The code is printed on the lens container, and the information is used for point-of-sales or inventory management.

5. Visitor Management System

At various exhibitions, seminars, and receptions QR Codes on the ID badges of visitors and/or event staff are scanned when they enter and exit the venue, and used for various purposes such as on-site security management, marketing management, and customer management. For example, QR Code was used in the Expo 2005 Aichi Japan for the staff/vehicle entry control.

Section III : Other QR Code Applications including QR Code adopted as a standard symbology for direct part marking on surgical instruments in JapanThe QR Code presently finds a wide range of applications in various industries.


GS1 Singapore News

1. Prescription for dispensing pharmacies

A new service has started in which prescription data is encoded into QR Codes and printed on prescriptions. The specifications for recording the data are standardized by the Japanese Association of Healthcare Information System Industry (JAHIS). In this service, users read prescription data with a scanner, which enters patient and prescription data quickly and accurately into the computer, preventing input errors and alterations of prescriptions. Because the service reduces time required for data input, waiting time becomes shorter for patients while pharmacists can spend longer time giving instructions on dosage and administration. Data to be encoded include information on the medical institution, diagnosis and treatment department, physician’s name, patient’s name, health insurance information, and drug information. Coded information complies with the data exchange standard of HL7 with which GS1 concludes a Memorandum of Understanding for collaboration.

2. Standardization at the Japan Association of Medical Equipment Industries

GTIN and serial numbers are coded into QR Code and directly marked on steel surgical instruments.

3. Test System for Blood Specimens

Medical laboratories analyze and test medical specimens such as blood as commissioned by medical institutions. These specimens must be accurately managed and identified individually because a great number of specimens are handled every day for individual hospitals, and test types. At some laboratories QR Code labels are automatically printed, marked and attached by labeling equipment. Data include acceptance date, medical institution name (in Japanese kanji characters), analysis/test item code, test site code, and identification number.

4. Sales Management of Glasses and Contact Lenses

QR Codes are used for the sales management of contact lenses and glasses. For a contact lens, the product code, product name, degree of correction, base curve, and other information are encoded into a QR Code of about 8 square mm size. The code is printed on the lens container, and the information is used for point-of-sales or inventory management.

5. Visitor Management System

At various exhibitions, seminars, and receptions QR Codes on the ID badges of visitors and/or event staff are scanned when they enter and exit the venue, and used for various purposes such as on-site security management, marketing management, and customer management. For example, QR Code was used in the Expo 2005 Aichi Japan for the staff/vehicle entry control.

6. Passenger flight information carrier for ticket-less boarding

Many airline companies are introducing a ticket-less boarding service that allows domestic flight passengers to go on board without check-in. In Japan, passengers can choose QR Code as an information carrier. The ticket-less boarding system varies with airlines, but a customer who purchased a ticket, reserved a seat, and paid for it online can usually choose QR Code as a medium to receive flight reservation information. The QR Code is then sent to the customer’s mobile phone or PC. A boarding pass is issued when the code is scanned by the reader at the security check counter or the boarding gate. This service is advantageous to customers who no longer have to check in. It is also advantageous to airline companies which no longer have to issue paper tickets. A Japanese airline company plans to completely switch to the electronic ticket system by the end of 2007. Recently, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced a global standard that allows multiple 2D symbols including QR Code for use in mobile phone check-in system, which will be implemented by 2010.

7. Backup of vehicle inspection certificate information

In Japan, QR Code is marked on the vehicle inspection certificate, which certifies each vehicle registered and inspected to meet the requirements. While the certificate is kept by the car owner, a vehicle inspection sticker is attached to the car itself. When the sticker needs to be reissued, the QR Code on the certificate is read to reduce paperwork.

8. Shipment Management System for Clothing

An apparel manufacturer prints QR Codes displaying the shipment destination, GTIN, color, and size on the shipping instructions and utilizes them for shipment management. Some of the information encoded in QR Codes are written in Japanese kanji characters or and/or phonetic characters.

9. Identification of Building Sites for Sale

A local organization engaged in urban land readjustment and redevelopment sticks ceramic tiles with QR Codes carrying the location information to land survey markers to match the sur-veying drawings. These QR Codes on the site enable correct and prompt identification of land and buildings and improves work processes.

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Ms Marianne Timmons, Vice President, Supply Chain & Global Business to Business, Wegmans Food Markets Inc., USA, delivering her keynote speech on behalf of retailers.

Mr Robert A. McDonald, Chief Operating Officer, The Procter & Gamble Company, USA delivering his inspiring keynote speech on behalf of the manufacturers.

From left: SMa President, Mr Edwin Khew, Co-Chair of ECR Singapore, Mr David Lim, Minister for Trade & Industry, Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Co-Chair of ECR Asia Pacific Council, Mr Barron Witherspoon and GS1 Singapore Executive Director, Mr Tan Jin Soon officiating the opening of the ECR Asia Pacific Conference.

LOSCAM Asia Pacific Business Development Director, Mr Gary Bachell welcoming Minister Lim at LOSCAM exhibition booth.

From left: GS1 Singapore Executive Director, Mr Tan Jin Soon, Co-Chair of ECR Thailand & Lion Corporation (Thailand) Ltd Executive Director, Mr Mangkorn Dhanasarnsilp and ECR Thailand CEO, Ms Pitchya Vajarodaya at the hand over ceremony of the ECR Asia Pacific flag.

The first keynote speaker was Ms Marianne Timmons, Vice President, Supply Chain & Global Business to Business, Wegmans Food Markets Inc., USA, who delivered the keynote speech on behalf of retailers with the theme "New Ways of Working Together” - Lessons Learned from "The New Generation Sales Call Pilot". Her presentation aroused great interests among the delegates. This is the first time that such a revolutionary subject was presented in Asia.

Through the course of the day conference, attendees learnt about Retail And Shopper Trends In Asia from Mr Ashok Charan (ACNielsen Research (S) Pte Ltd), How To Enhance Consumer Value – L’Oreal Paris Contribution To Skin Care & Hair Care from Mr Jean-Marc Auverlau (L’Oreal Group), Why “Right Product, Right Price, Right Time” Is Harder (And More Important) Than Ever from Mr Jeffrey Smith (Accenture Pte Ltd), Powering Pallet Pooling To Deliver Consumer Value from Mr Kenny Tan & Ms Abby Abastillas (Loscam Asia Pte Ltd), Sharing Information To Revolutionise New Product Development And Launch from

Mr Chris Cave Jones (IBM), Future Logistics Center Through RFID from Mr Yoon Chul Joo (CJ GLS), The Pioneer RFID Pallet In Asia from Mr Nicholas Ngam (LHT Holdings Ltd), Consumer Science Vs Art : When Do You Make A Choice … Or Do You? from Mr Andreas Lueckler (SAP Asia), How Supply Chain Packaging Can Enhance Consumer Value from Mr Jeffrey Wong (CHEP Asia), Out-Of-Stock Management: The Hong Kong Experience from Mr Keith Bartlett (AS Watson Group, Hong Kong) and Innovation Through Point-Of-Sale Marketing from Mr Anish Gupta (Accenture Pte Ltd).

The first day’s proceedings ended with a wrap-up session by Mr Barron Witherspoon from Procter & Gamble Asia Singapore & Co-Chair of ECR Asia Pacific Council.

Day Two started with a video presentation on "Enhancing Consumer Value Through The Supply Chain" by Mr Miguel A. Lopera, President & Chief Executive Officer, GS1. He gave an excellent summary of GS1 and its more than one million user companies spreading from retail, manufacturing,

distribution, logistics, aeronautics, healthcare and publishing. He also mentioned how GS1 grew from Bar Code and expanded to eCom, GDSN and EPCglobal RFID. His presentation had created a great impact to a gathering of about 500 CEOs and senior management of companies in Asia Pacific.

Mr Lopera’s presentation was followed by a Lion Dance to wake up everybody to open the second day of the conference. This exciting innovative lion dance opening was followed by Mr Robert A. McDonald, Chief Operating Officer, The Procter & Gamble Company, USA’s inspiring keynote speech on behalf of the manufacturers with the theme on "Joint Value Creation: P&G’s Approach to Enhancing Consumer Value - At the First Moment Of Truth".

Other speakers that provided a wealth of insights on ECR for conference attendees include the presentations on the very successful pilot trial of shipments from China to Hong Kong to Japan using EPCIS by Ms Anna Lin (GS1 Hong Kong) and Mr Shinichi Ishii (Ministry of Economy,

Trade and Industry, Japan), Improvement On Collaborative Performance Through VISS by Mr Kim Kyong Hwan (Lotte Mart of Lotte Shopping) and Mr Park Hong Gyun (Johnson & Johnson Korea), How To Win Over The Japanese Consumer Hearts For Your Brands by Ms Yuka Kanehara (Izumiya Research Institute Co., Ltd and Mr Hiroshi Takano (Aqua Image Inc.), Cold Chain Management @ NTUC Fairprice by Ms Chong Nyet Chin (NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Ltd)


and Shrinkage Management – ECR Europe Experience by Mr Colin Peacock (P&G).

The top 3 ECR Asia-Pacific Award Entries were also presented at the plenary. The presentations were on Enhancing Consumer Satisfaction Through A New Health And Beauty Concept – Breaking New Grounds With NTUC Fairprice By NTUC Fairprice & L’Oreal Singapore (Mr Alan Steward, NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Ltd & Ms Isabelle Svartstein-Bourjade, L’Oreal Singapore), Jump Over Supply Chain Inefficiency Thru CPFR By Samsung Tesco & Yuhan-Kimberly (Mr Kim Sung Cheol, Samsung Tesco & Mr Oh Doo Hyun, Yuhan-Kimberly), Swire Coca-Cola Reverse Vending Machine By Swire Coca-Cola Hong Kong (Mr Felix Choi, Coca-Cola HK Ltd).

There was also a CEO Panel Session discussing on Enhancing the Consumer

Value which was moderated by Mr Jeffrey Smith, Global Managing Director, Accenture Retail Industry Practice, Accenture Pte Ltd and Mr Patrick Medley, Asia Pacific Markets Leader, IBM Global Business Services, IBM. The panel comprised of Mr Robert A. McDonald, Chief Operating Officer, The Procter & Gamble Company, USA; Ms Marianne Timmons, Vice President, Supply Chain & Global Business to Business, Wegmans Food Markets Inc., USA; Mr Yann Bozec, Head of Market Supply Chain for CPD/PPD, L’Oreal Group; Mr Keith Bartlett, Group IT & Logistics Director, AS Watson Group, Hong Kong; and Mr Roger Luo Jun, Deputy General Manager, Beijing Hualian Group.

Mr Bernard Karli, Managing Director, International Commerce Institute of ECR Europe was present at the ECR Europe booth to promote the ECR Europe activities including the presentation of the International Commerce Review: ECR Journal to delegates. This ECR Journal is the official publication of International Commerce Institute. The Review's Editorial Board is a roll-call of the most admired supply chain, marketing and retail academics from around the world.

Organized by Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation, GS1 Singapore, ECR Singapore

and ECR Asia-Pacific Council, this conference received support from Consumer Association of Singapore, ECR Europe, GS1, IDA Singapore, IE Singapore, IT Standards Committee of Singapore, SPRING Singapore, Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau, Singapore Retailers Association and Spartan System (S) Pte Ltd.

The conference concluded with Mr Tan Jin Soon, Executive Director of GS1 Singapore, the Secretariat of ECR Singapore handing over the ECR Asia Council flag to Mr Mangkorn Dhanasarnsilp, Co-Chairman, ECR Thailand and Executive Director, Lion Corporation (Thailand) Ltd. ECR Thailand will be hosting the 11th Annual ECR Asia Pacific Conference in Bangkok, Thailand during 15 – 17 October 2008.

This conference has received excellent complimentary comments from delegates for the rich content and the high quality speakers sharing their experiences with delegates on enhancing consumer values.

To our sponsors – Thank you!

Much of the success of this conference was due to the very strong support of sponsors and their contribution to containing the cost for attendees.

ECR Singapore expresses deep appreciation for the support of each of these sponsors – Accenture, IBM, L’Oreal, LOSCAM, Unilever, CHEP, LHT, SAP and KAO.

Receiving Minister Lim at Accenture exhibition booth are Accenture Managing Partner, Consumer Goods & Services Asia Pacific, Ms Apolonia Kersch and Managing Partner Supply Chain Asia Pacific & Consumer Goods Industry ASEAN, Mr Jeffrey Russell.

L’Oréal - world’s leading skin care and hair care manufacturer.

LOSCAM - an established pallet leasing company in Australia and Asia.

Unilever - a leading consumer product manufacturing company.

LHT Holdings Ltd RFID Manager, Mr Thomas Yeo explaining his company’s products to Minister Lim.

CHEP - another established pallet leasing company based in USA.

IBM Worldwide General Manager, Consumer Products industry, Mr Tom Peterson welcoming Co-Chair of ECR Asia Pacific Council, Mr Barron Witherspoon to IBM exhibition booth.

IBM - world’s leading solution provider.

Comments from Delegates

“This is an excellent example of the new initiative of bringing together GS1, GCI and ECR. It is amazing that such an example of close co-operation and collaboration among GS1, GCI and ECR was so successfully demonstrated in Singapore at the ECR Asia Pacific Conference 2007.”

- Leading Solution Provider

“The number of high caliber international speakers at the 10th Annual ECR Asia Pacific Conference is really impressive and my team learnt a lot from the sessions.”

- FMCG Supplier



Fig. 4.2.2-1 Work Flow from Receipt of Raw Material, Manufacturing to Shipment

Section IV : Food Traceability : A case study of QR Code used by Q.P. Corporation, Japan – the largest mayonnaise manufacturing company in Japan.Q.P. Corporation, Japan’s largest mayonnaise manufacturing company, established the most advanced traceability system using two-dimensional symbol labels carrying GTIN and additional data based on the Traceability Guideline for Raw Materials of Processed Foods set forth by GS1 Japan.

Fig.4.2.2-2 Segmenting raw Fig.4.2.2-3 Label with QR Code materials and the screen to monitor the process



GS1 Singapore News

GS1 DataBarThe GS1 DataBar (formerly known as Reduced Space Symbology or RSS) symbols is the latest development in space-constraints identification. The GS1 DataBar is a small size bar code symbology which is smaller than the linear EAN/UPC bar codes.

GS1 Global Office announced a global sunrise date of 1 January 2010 for the implementation of GS1 DataBar.

GS1 DataBar can identify small items and carry more information than the current EAN/UPC bar code. GS1 DataBar encodes the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) identification for hard-to-mark products like fresh foods, jewelry and do-it-yourself hardware products.

The GS1 DataBar also can contain additional information such as serial numbers, lot numbers, and expiration dates (all encoded with the appropriate GS1 Application Identifiers). This creates the opportunity for solutions supporting product authentication and traceability, product quality and effectiveness, variable measure product identification, and couponing. Recommendations for these application fileds are bring developed or will be developed in the near future.

GS1 DataBar will benefit the fresh food produce sector. It can be small enough to fit onto small labels or objects. It can be applied to individual fruits or vegetable, for example, an apple or an orange. This will allow each piece of fruit to be identified by its type and at POS.

The healthcare industry has numerous pharmaceutical products that are physically too small to have the EAN-13 or the EAN-8 bar codes symbology marked onto the packaging. With GS1 DataBar, medical supplies can have product identification plus additional information like expiry date marked onto the packaging. Monitoring of expiration date will allow companies to have efficient management of inventory and cost savings due to minimisation of wastage of expired or unsold medication.

Though the GS1 DataBar is a breakthrough in technology, it will not replace the linear bar codes that are being used world wide as it will be left to the brand owner of the product to decide.

No. Description AI Data Format

1 Product Identification (GTIN)

(01) n2+n14

2 Expiry Date (YYMMDD) (17) n2+n6

3 Production Date (YYMMDD)

(11) n2+n6

4 Batch/Lot No. (10) n2+n..20

5 Serial No. (21) n2+n..20

Table 4.2.2-1 Data Elements

Data Structure of QR CodeQ.P. Corporation has adopted the above-mentioned guideline adding one optional attribute, serial No.:

Fig 4.2.2-1 shows a series of flow processes from receiving raw materials, to manufacturing, followed by shipment. The QR Code (shown in Fig 4.2.2-3) displays the lot information and is attached to the product and read at each point to store the production data, enabling the tracing of any product from upstream material suppliers to downstream customers. These systems not only help prevent shipping errors of the product, but also enable traceability. Whenever a problem is found in the manufacturing process, even after the product is already being sold to consumers, and when the cause of the problem is determined, any manufacturing lot that could have possibly been affected by the problem and the shipment destinations of the problem lots can be identified, and defective product recalls can be started immediately. A series of such systems from receiving raw materials to shipping finished products can ensure food safety throughout the food manufacturing process and enable traceability from upstream to down-stream, and from raw material manufacturers to the points of sale.


Enhancing Consumer Value

The challenge for the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry today is how to enhance consumer satisfaction, meet their needs, increase customer loyalty and at the same time cut the unnecessary costs from the supply chain. Speaking at the opening of 10th Annual ECR Asia Pacific Conference & Exhibition held at the Swissotel The Stamford on 23 October 2007, the Guest-of-Honour, Minister for Trade & Industry, Mr Lim Hng Kiang highlighted in his opening speech the importance of ECR for Singapore to meet the growing demand of the FCMG industry. We reproduce below his opening speech.

“Good morning, and a very warm welcome to all, especially our overseas speakers and delegates. This is the second time that this Efficient Consumer Response, or ECR, Asia-Pacific Conference is held in Singapore, and we are happy to host it. I understand that this conference showcases the latest developments in ECR to help meet the needs of the growing Fast Moving Consumer Goods or FMCG industry in the Asia Pacific.

FMCG Sector – Opportunities And Challenges We all know that Asia Pacific’s rapid economic growth has far outstripped

those in other regions and is driving robust expansion in the FMCG sector. Markets – such as those in China and India – are opening up and growing rapidly, complemented by favourable demographic and social trends.

Along with the rising middle class, a new breed of global consumers has emerged. These consumers are highly conscious of global market trends. They possess sophisticated tastes, demand greater variety of choices in their purchase and expect high level services customised to their needs. The demands from this emerging consumer segment has spurred much innovation and vibrancy within the retail industry.

Accompanying these opportunities are challenges which retailers in the FMCG industry need to address very quickly. The mismatch of supply and demand of goods often lead to out-of-stock situations, resulting in customer dissatisfaction and higher supply chain costs. Lack of knowledge about best practices in supply chain management have also resulted in shrinkage or stock loss, especially in new expanding markets. In addition, the rising customisation needs of the global consumer are beginning to strain FMCG supply chains.

Importance of ECR To capitalise on these exciting regional business opportunities and address the challenges ahead, FMCG companies today are adopting ECR best practices to improve their supply chain operations and enhance customer satisfaction.

I understand that ECR practices have already been adopted in over 40 countries worldwide, including Singapore. ECR is a voluntary supplier-retailer initiative that serves to fulfil consumer needs better, faster and at lower cost. It does so through enhanced demand and category management, such as improvements in shelf layout, assortment, pricing, promotions, new product introductions and new offerings. Companies that adopt ECR benefit from increased service levels, on-time delivery, shorter lead time, and more accurate invoicing. A study1 commissioned by ECR Europe Academic Partnership and IBM Global Business Services estimated that full adoption of ECR will improve sales by 5% as a result of increased customer satisfaction and loyalty .

Many of the largest international companies today have established dedicated sourcing operations in the Asia-Pacific and made supply chain efficiencies central to their overall strategy. As a result, the Asia-Pacific

Guest-of-Honour, Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade & Industry speaking at the opening of the 10th Annual ECR Asia Pacific Conference & Exhibition.

Delegates gathered in Singapore for the 10th Annual ECR Asia Pacific Conference & Exhibition.

continue on page 16

1 Source: The Case For ECR: A review and outlook of continuous ECR adoption in Western Europe by ECR Europe Academic Partnership and IBM Global Business Services.


GS1 Singapore News

L’Oréal Singapore and NTUC FairPrice Score Top Award at ECR Asia-Pacific Awards

L’Oréal Singapore and NTUC clinched the top award of the ECR Asia Pacific Annual Award at the 10th Annual Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) Asia Pacific Conference for their Health and Beauty area at the brand new hypermarket FairPrice Xtra at AMK Hub.

The conference organised by the Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation, GS1 Singapore, ECR Singapore and ECR Asia-Pacific Council was held from 22 – 24 October 2007 at the Swissotel, Singapore.

The award recognises improvements in consumer choices, satisfaction and service.

Selected from a total of eighteen entries from the region, the results were announced following presentations by the top 3 finalists, L’Oréal Singapore and NTUC FairPrice from Singapore, Samsung Tesco and Yuhan-Kimberly from Korea and Swire Coca-Cola from Hong Kong.

"L’Oréal Singapore's presentation has reached the high standard for Content, Quality of Presentation, Value in Consumer Satisfaction, Collaboration with Supplier & Benefit Obtain, and especially Innovation. We congratulate L’Oréal for winning the first position for the ECR Asia-Pacific Annual Awards 2007 in collaboration with NTUC FairPrice," said Mr. Tan Jin Soon, Executive Director, GS1 Singapore and ECR Singapore.

Mr. Jean-François Couvé, Managing Director of L’Oréal Singapore, said: “We are extremely honoured to receive this vote of confidence from the industry together with our partner NTUC FairPrice, the leading retailer in

Singapore. We have witnessed excellent presentations and achievements over the past 3 days. We believe that the key success factors that distinguish us are our focus on the shopping experience and out-of-the-box approach.”

Mr. Tng Ah Yiam, Director (Integrated Purchasing) of NTUC FairPrice, said: “We are happy to have collaborated with L’Oréal on this milestone project that registered a significant sales increase of more than 100% in the Health and Beauty department at our first hypermarket. But more importantly, we have added value to our customers’ shopping experience. We look forward to working with L’Oréal to roll out the same concept to more stores where appropriate. With this award, it will spur us on to make FairPrice stores a destination point for health and beauty products.”

This landmark project to introduce a new shopping concept in hypermarkets is helmed by the Consumer Product Division (CPD) of L’Oréal Singapore. L’Oréal’s expertise in beauty categories and retail merchandising concepts was invaluable to the success of this partnership while NTUC FairPrice provided insightful consumer shopping knowledge based on its vast retail experience in Singapore.

The L’Oreal-FairPrice team successfully

met the objectives of this new Health and Beauty area which are to become a one-stop hub offering a diverse mix of brands and categories and to establish a new concept to hypermarkets based on extra services and advice to the consumers. All these translate into the creation of consumer value and satisfaction in a new type of retail environment.

The main challenge faced by the team was to ensure that the section layout enabled the free flow of shoppers while facilitating a pleasant and hassle-free experience. Despite the challenges faced in the course of this project, the Health and Beauty area at FairPrice Xtra at AMK Hub is a model for success with strong sales growth of about 2 to 3 times more as compared to other stores.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank NTUC FairPrice for their support and commitment in this project,” said General Manager of L’Oréal Singapore’s Consumer Product Division, Ms. Isabelle Svartstein-Bourjade. “We are pleased that this initiative has contributed to the enrichment of the typical shopping experience in hypermarket format and has benefited not only the consumers and partners involved, but also the industry in general”.

Award-winning Health and Beauty area at the brand new hypermarket FairPrice Xtra at AMK Hub.

L'Oréal Singapore creates consumer value and satisfaction in a new type of retail environment.



now plays a major role in the sourcing of almost every category of consumer goods.

ECR Asia, which showcases the latest ECR initiatives for the FMCG retailing industry, will shorten the industry learning curve to meet consumer demands. ECR is currently adopted in more than 10 countries in the Asia Pacific and will certainly grow further, fuelled by the rapid growth of this region’s FMCG industry.

Singapore’s Approach and Experience in ECRIn Singapore, the FMCG sector is also burgeoning. Retail revenue is currently more than $19 billion and growing at 3 to 5% annually. Many FMCG companies that play a regional headquarters role have successfully implemented various ECR initiatives. These include Haw Par, Super Coffeemix, Sime Darby and Khong Guan Biscuits.

To further support the industry’s adoption of ECR, the government, in collaboration with the industry, has adopted a three-pronged approach: (1) Development and implementation of standards to improve supply-chain efficiencies; (2) clustering to realise the benefits of better integrated supply-chains; (3) and strengthening the infrastructure to support ECR efforts.

Allow me to elaborate.

1. Industry-led Standards SPRING Singapore collaborates

with ECR Singapore to facilitate the development and implementation of industry-led national standards. Examples of recent collaborations include the successful implementation of the Standard on Cold Chain Management of Milk and Dairy Products, and later of Chilled Pork to improve freshness, taste and quality. More recently in September, the Cold Chain Management Standard was launched for vegetables, to improve quality and productivity, as well as enable regional sourcing. The

National Standards Working Group which developed these standards, is now working with SPRING Singapore and major supermarkets to implement them.

2. Cluster Approach The cluster approach will enable

more benefits to be realised through integration of the supply chain. One example is the implementation of electronic procurement to address out-of-stock issues and enable FMCG companies to apply Continuous Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment. Local supermarket Sheng Siong, for example, with the support of SPRING Singapore has linked up with its key suppliers to improve inventory control using the Electronic Business eXtensible Markup Language or EBXML standard. This has enhanced the company’s orders, deliveries and productivity. Since the last ECR Asia conference held here in 2002, the majority of the FMCG industry in Singapore has adopted the e-business standard.

3. Enabling Infrastructure Technologies – such as EBXML and

Radio Frequency IDentification, or RFID – have become better and cheaper, and enabled the automation of procurement processes and consequently, increased visibility of stock movements. This has encouraged even more ECR applications.

I understand that RFID technology

is now moving from logistics and warehousing to the shop floor. Walmart, for example, has adopted RFID technology to enhance the efficiency of its global distribution network. Closer to home, Samsung-Tesco in South Korea has implemented RFID successfully for warehousing and shopping carts.. I am told that their tag trolleys gather information on customers’ movements, especially in hypermarkets, to help shoppers find

products more easily and improve traffic flow.

On the local front, I am heartened to note LHT Holdings Ltd has implemented RFID to help cut manpower costs and time spent tracking their pallets. I will leave it to LHT to elaborate on their project later this afternoon at this conference.

With the success of RFID application locally and overseas, I hope to soon see more of such applications implemented in our stores as well. I urge you to seriously consider this as it would not only improve your operational efficiency but also enhance the image of your company as an early adopter of technology. Interested companies can approach Singapore’s National RFID Centre, a multi-agency initiative set up last year involving the Agency for Science Technology and Research, SPRING Singapore; Economic Development Board and Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore. The Centre provides a platform for our businesses to reap the financial benefits of implementing an RFID system to track, trace and control their stocks.

To conclude, ECR is an important competitive strategy for the evolving FMCG industry as it reduces costs and time. Regional fora such as the ECR Asia provide enterprises, especially SMEs, unique opportunities to learn best practices and gain knowledge of markets. I strongly encourage our SMEs to tap on the new technologies and the latest developments to become more profitable and competitive.

Finally, I commend the organisers for bringing the ECR Asia Conference to Singapore. On this note, I wish you all a pleasant and fruitful day ahead. Thank you.”


GS1 Singapore News

02 ENTERPRISE PTE LTDTel: 68873323 Fax: 62356431

AALST CHOCOLATE PTE LTDTel: 68632626 Fax: 68636262

ABUNDO PTE LTDTel: 62898286 Fax: 62898166

ADDICTION FOODS PTE LTDTel: 62278813 Fax: 62270927

ASIAN BLENDING PTE LTDTel: 62652288 Fax: 62620181

BAKTECH FOOD SERVICE & SUPPLIESTel: 63430142 Fax: 62806736

BCT SEAFOODS INTERNATIONAL PTE LTDTel: 62613922 Fax: 62619166

BEAUTY TREND (S) PTE LTDTel: 68420640 Fax: 68420641

BODYNITS INTERNATIONAL PTE LTDTel: 65455231 Fax: 65455361

BONDFLEX PTE LTDTel: 62688333 Fax: 62687515

BOONG POULTRY PTE LTDTel: 96199779 Fax: 62576104

BRILLANT TIME TRADERTel: 62960730 Fax: 62960310

CHIPPEL OVERSEAS SUPPLIES PTE LTDTel: 63683388 Fax: 64627928

COMSTAR ENTERTAINMENTTel: 62623633 Fax: 62623733

COST SAVER SUPPLIESTel: 68468846 Fax: 68468884

EASTGEAR PTE LTDTel: 68371582 Fax: 68371583

EGIS MARKETING PTE LTDTel: 62978122 Fax: 62978322

FEBZWELL INTERNATIONAL TRADINGTel: 65593592 Fax: 65620876

FIRST DART FISHING TACKLETel: 67416333 Fax: 67410333

FRUITY FRUITS HOUSETel: 65658777 Fax: 65658788

GAMERZSTUFF (ASIA-PACIFIC) PTE LTDTel: 62243345 Fax: 62242467

GOLDEN CHAMP PTE LTDTel: 98215509 Fax: 62782022

GOLDPLUS UNIVERSAL PTE LTDTel: 67493168 Fax: 67481008

GRAFFEO COFFEE ROASTING COMPANY ASIA-PACIFIC PTE LTDTel: 62801839 Fax: 62801795

HEALTHWORKZ PTE LTDTel: 63890878 Fax: 63980719

HL DISPLAY (ASIA) PTE LTDTel: 63960096 Fax: 63960169

HT (2005) PTE LTDTel: 68585011 Fax: 68582652

IMEXLINK TRADE PTE LTDTel: 63964551 Fax: 63964552

INFOMEDIA PUBLISHING PTE LTDTel: 63520109 Fax: 63520117

JCS-ECHIGO PTE LTDTel: 62693931 Fax: 62691691

JIAJIA SINGAPORE MANUFACTURING PTE LTDTel: 68633793 Fax: 68632529

L G GROSSTel: 67452600 Fax: 62340473

LAU BOON HENG KWEI TEOW & NOODLE MANUFACTORYTel: 64420784 Fax: 62414523

LG GROUP PTE LTDTel: 67499918 Fax: 68423401

MANDOM CORPORATION (SINGAPORE) PTE LTDTel: 62356700 Fax: 62357100

MD NIVADA PTE LTDTel: 90083628 Fax: 64554076

MEA ENVIRONMENT (ASIA PACIFIC) PTE LTDTel: 68618141 Fax: 68633310

MEDIPHARM PTE LTDTel: 67492282 Fax: 67492298

MOVIELEARN SYSTEMS PTE LTDTel: 63271784 Fax: 64915131

NETHLER MARKETING PTE LTDTel: 63161996 Fax: 63161993

NEW WORLD HOME CARE PTE LTDTel: 62943251 Fax: 62957105

NIU ASIA SPICE MANUFACTURINGTel: 97465078 Fax: 63167903

ODEN TECHNONLOGY PTE LTDTel: 63112955 Fax: 63112907

ORIGIN ENTERTAINMENT PTE LTDTel: 67581968 Fax: 67557522

PAC RESOURCES PTE LTDTel: 62957208 Fax: 62952201

PACIFIC INTERNET LIMITEDTel: 67710796 Fax: 68721200

PANSTAR HOLDINGS (S) PTE LTDTel: 62255776 Fax: 62256463

PLAY IMAGINATIVE PTE LTDTel: 62760811 Fax: 62760812

RED LIPS FOODSTel: 64481048 Fax: 64484839

RENEWE PTE LTDTel: 67474722 Fax: 67428840

SCT HOLDINGS ELECTRICAL PTE LTDTel: 62265888 Fax: 62265666

SINGA PALACE BIRD’S NEST TRADING PTE LTDTel: 67455152 Fax: 67458108

STARGEK PTE LTDTel: 67462168 Fax: 67464678

SUNRISE & CO PTE LTDTel: 62583377 Fax: 62582456

TDF FOOD PTE LTDTel: 67588138 Fax: 67588567

THE WELLNESS GROUP PTE LTDTel: 65360588 Fax: 65367178

TRUST TOBACCO SINGAPORE PTE LTDTel: 64666900 Fax: 64666900

UNISTAR GOO-WAY SOURCING PTE LTDTel: 62987279 Fax: 62984028

WAI YUEN TONG (SINGAPORE) HEALTH FOOD PTE LTDTel: 67757660 Fax: 67730383

YI JIA MARKETING PTE LTDTel: 64676933 Fax: 64674633

New Registered UsersGS1 Singapore extends a warm welcome to the following new registered users

The GS1 system is well established in Vietnam. The Vietnam’s supermarkets have adopted retail POS system as part of World Trade Organisation integration. Applying bar codes is becoming increasingly essential for businesses.

GS1 Vietnam hosted the GS1 Asia Pacific Regional Forum for more than 40 representatives from 17 GS1 Member Organisations (MOs) in Asia Pacific and Global Office for a three-day annual forum held during 13 – 15 November 2007 in Hanoi.

A two-day technical training programme was also held in parallel to this regional forum. Ms Pauline Lim, Ms Nancy Quek and Ms Joy Lee, the Manager and Executives of GS1 Singapore respectively attended the technical training which was attended by more than 20 delegates. The training session covered topics on Bar Code Verification, GS1 DataBar, Traceability and EPCglobal.

GS1 Singapore’s Executive Director, Mr Tan Jin Soon made a report on the mentoring programme.

Ms Rosyati Mohd Said, General Manager of GS1 Singapore reported on the results of the survey conducted on the LEARN implementation

programme. LEARN is an online training course covering topics on GS1 bar coding systems.

Among the topics discussed at the forum included Progress Report on projects identified during the last meeting in 2006 and 2007 Asia Pacific Business Plan, Progress Reports on Working Plan 2007, Sharing of MOs Experiences, Healthcare, Traceability, QR Code, EPCglobal and Unauthorized used of GS1 Country Prefix

Mr Miguel Angel-Lopera, CEO of GS1 gave an overall GS1 Global Update on GS1 System Integrity, Sustainable Financial Model, GS1 Governance, RosettaNet project and Affiliates Integration.

In his presentation, Mr Vicente Escribano, COO of GS1 discussed the issues on EPCglobal, GDSN, RosettaNet, Scorecard, and GSMP.

This is a very successful and fruitful forum. The forum allows MOs to share experiences and review progress of the GS1 system. The gathering also provides opportunity for delegates to discuss the current situation of the adoption of the GS1 system and initiate new ideas for future implementations.

GS1 Global Office had announced the sunrise date of GS1 DataBar to be 1st January 2010. This means that retailers will be using GS1 DataBar on 1st January 2010 and suppliers will be using GS1 DataBar to encode a range of products with small space on the labels.


Todate in USA and Europe, healthcare products, cosmetics (lipsticks) and fruits have already used GS1 DataBar.

GS1 DataBar is the next generation bar code for retail but will not replace EAN symbols to increase the level of retail automation and accuracy.

To prepare for the global adoption goal of January 2010, GS1 Singapore successfully hosted a Technical Training on GS1 Bar Code and AIDC for the technical staff of GS1 Asia Pacific MOs. The training was conducted by Mr Scott Gray of GS1 Global Office on 27 August 2007 covering the following topics:-• Manage and Grow GS1 Identification • GS1 DataBar • GS1 AIDC Standard in Healthcare

At the end of the training session, delegates have better understanding of the areas where GS1 BarCodes & Identification is evolving to solve real business needs.

Mr Scott Gray of GS1 Global Office highlighting to participants the importance of global implementation of GS1 identification system.

Busy traffic in Hanoi

GS1 Asia Pacific Gathering in Hanoi

GS1 Bar Code and AIDC Training

Delegates from 17 MOs gathered in Hanoi for the GS1 Asia Pacific Regional Forum.


GS1 Singapore News

EPCglobal/ RFID Singapore Forum:

Making a Vision a Reality


The EPCglobal / RFID Forum 2007 was successfully held on 16 and 17 May 2007. Taken place at the Le Meridien Hotel Singapore with the theme “Making a Vision a Reality”, the event was organised by GS1 Singapore, Singapore Manufacturers’ Federation and EPCglobal Singapore.

More than 300 delegates attended this event. They heard some stimulating and informative presentations from an impressive line-up of international and national speakers including Mr Mike Meranda, President of EPCglobal, Mr Ian Robertson, Global Industry Director & Asia Regional Director of EPCglobal, Mr Tatsuya Yoshimura of Sony Corporation, Japan and many others.

It was well supported by IDA, SPRING Singapore, IE Singapore, IT Standards Committee of Singapore (ITSC), ECR Singapore and Spartan System (S) Pte Ltd. with SATO Asia Pacific Pte Ltd and Intermec as sponsors.

Mr Boon Swan Foo, Executive Chairman, A*Star Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd was the Guest-of-Honour for this event.

The welcome and opening address was delivered by Mr Edwin Khew, Chairman of GS1 Singapore and EPCglobal Singapore.

The full 2-day event focused on real experiences of companies in Asia deploying RFID and demonstrated the present and future perspective of RFID. A total of 18 presentations were made by experts from USA, China, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. Singapore’s presentation on the Low Cost Handheld RFID Reader at US$100 each caught a great deal of attention.

The event proved to be an excellent session and delegates left feeling motivated and committed to embark on EPCglobal/RFID within their industry.

< Guest-of-Honour, Mr Boon Swan Foo, Executive Chairman of A*Star Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd receiving a token of appreciation from Mr Edwin Khew, Chairman of GS1 Singapore.

< Interested participants gathered at SATO Asia Pacific’s exhibition booth.

> Mr Simon Langford, Director, RFID Strategy & Global Transportation Systems of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. USA delivering his keynote address at the EPCglobal /RFID Singapore Forum.

< Participants take a closer look at the products displayed at Intermec’s exhibition booth.

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