January 7, 2005
To all Kroger EDI Partners:
Like all other retailers and suppliers, Kroger is participating in the industry’s Global Trade Identifying Number (GTIN) and Sunrise 2005 initiatives. The purpose of this letter is to let you know where we stand in relation to these initiatives and how we want to proceed with you in beginning to take advantage of them.
Our schedule for compliance with these two initiatives is as follows;
February 1, 2005 - Kroger systems will be able to process the full 14-digit GTIN for case product. This affects purchase orders, invoices, etc.
June 18, 2005 – Kroger will support the European Article Number (EAN) in our front-end host and scanning systems. This affects consumer-oriented products.
As published previously on our EDI website, we are tying the use of GTIN for case product to the use of the 5010 format for EDI. Therefore, any supplier that wishes to begin using GTIN on product sent to Kroger must do both of the following:
- Contact the appropriate Kroger category manager or buyer to discuss plans for GTIN and provide a list of old and new item numbers. This should include all of your items carried by Kroger.
- Contact the Kroger EDI group to begin the migration to 5010.
Any change in item identifiers will have an impact on systems and business processes. The transition from the old to the new number must be carefully managed to assure that the two numbers and their associated inventories are linked and kept valid. This requires close coordination between supplier and customer to prevent any unexpected business interruption. This is especially true if a large number of items are changing or if numbers are changing on consumer items. Please keep this in mind as you develop plans for the GTIN, and please allow sufficient time for us to work with you on a smooth transition.
Again, any conversion of UPCs to GTIN must include discussion between our EDI group and yours. At the same time, your sales representatives must contact the appropriate Kroger category manager to inform him/her of your plans and provide a list of any numbers (old and new) that are changing. This will start the process of setting up the new GTINs and getting the data transferred from the old UPCs.
Communication and understanding are critical in making this transition a success for both parties. If you have any concerns or questions regarding Kroger’s plans or processes, please call me at (513) 762-4640 or via email at mailto:.
Larry Rolfes
The Kroger Co.
Project Manager – GTIN/Sunrise 2005