Synkka (GS1) integration - How to connect product information to GS1 Synkka

Why Synkka integration is often linked to product data management challenges

Synkka is based on the GS1 standard structure, which means product data must already be structured. If product data is scattered across different systems, Excel files, or supplier materials, delivering or retrieving data through Synkka easily becomes a manual and time-consuming task.

What Synkka is from a product data perspective

Synkka functions as a platform through which companies can share product data in a standardized format. Through it, companies can distribute for example:

• basic product information
• logistical information
• packaging information
• product classifications
• images and other materials

Product data can also be retrieved through Synkka, for example when a company receives product information from suppliers or other partners.

Typical challenges with Synkka product data

In many companies, product data is not located in one place but spread across several different systems. When product data must be delivered to Synkka or retrieved from it, this begins to appear as practical challenges.

Typical challenges include for example:

• product data is scattered across ERP systems, Excel files, and supplier materials
• the same information is maintained in multiple places
• GS1 standard fields are missing or inconsistent
• product data must be manually edited before delivering it to Synkka
• data retrieved from Synkka must be converted into the company’s own data structure

In many cases, the issue is not Synkka itself but how product data is managed before it is delivered or received.

The role of the GS1 standard in product data

Synkka is based on the GS1 standard, which defines how product data is structured and which data fields are used. The standard simplifies information sharing between different parties, but at the same time it requires that a company’s product data can be aligned with this structure.

If product data has been collected from different sources in different formats, it often needs to be modified before it can be delivered to Synkka or used when retrieved from Synkka.

In which industries Synkka is used

Synkka is primarily used in industries where product data must be standardized and easily shared between suppliers and retailers. In Finland, the service is widely used for example in:

• grocery retail
• food and beverage industries
• consumer goods and durable goods
• healthcare products
• cosmetics and hygiene products

In these industries, product data must be continuously delivered to different retailers in a standardized format. Synkka then acts as a shared distribution channel for product data between suppliers and retailers.

In many companies, however, Synkka is only one part of a broader product data ecosystem. Product data must also often be managed in ERP systems, webshops, catalogs, and other channels, which increases the need for centralized product data management.

How Pimmix can help with Synkka integration

Pimmix helps companies manage product data centrally and prepare it for different distribution channels, such as GS1 Synkka.

Instead of maintaining product data in multiple systems, data can be collected, structured, and normalized into one place within Pimmix.

Pimmix can help for example by:

• collecting product data from different sources
• retrieving product data from Synkka into the system
• structuring product data consistently
• managing GS1 standard data structures
• converting product data into GS1 structure or from it into the company’s own data model
• delivering product data to Synkka

Because the GS1 standard structure can be integrated into the system, product data can easily be converted between different structures when needed.

Synkka as part of broader product data management

When Synkka is seen as part of a broader product data management process, integration becomes significantly easier. Instead of modifying product data separately for Synkka, the data can be prepared correctly already during the product data management stage.

In this case, a company can:

• maintain product data in one place
• retrieve and receive product data from Synkka
• prepare data for multiple channels simultaneously
• reduce manual work
• keep product data consistent across different systems

Pimmix is designed specifically for situations where product data needs to be managed centrally and delivered forward in different standards and formats.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about Synkka (GS1) integration

What does Synkka integration mean in practice?
Synkka integration usually means that product data can be delivered automatically to Synkka or retrieved from it into the company’s own system without manual processing.

Why can Synkka integration be challenging?
The challenge often relates to product data being scattered across different systems or not being structured according to the GS1 standard.

Can product data be automatically converted to GS1 format?
Yes. When product data is managed in a structured way for example in a PIM system, it can be converted into the GS1 standard structure.

Can product data be retrieved from Synkka into a system?
Yes. Product data can be retrieved from Synkka for example when receiving data from suppliers, after which it can be integrated into the company’s own product data management.

Is a PIM system required for Synkka integration?
Not necessarily, but a PIM system significantly simplifies product data management and preparation before data is delivered to Synkka or used from Synkka.

Markus Rahkonen

Co-founder

"Many companies think of Synkka integration as a technical project. In practice, the biggest challenge is often related to product data management. When product data is scattered, delivering or using it through Synkka requires a lot of manual work. When the data is centralized and properly structured, the integration becomes significantly more straightforward."

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