A coalition of floral industry trade associations have released guidance to help floral companies implement much-needed standardized product identification coding at the box level. The new Floral GTIN Implementation Guide is intended to help the floral industry take advantage of the efficiencies of the Global Trade Identification Number (GTIN) standards that have long been used by the packaged goods industries.

"The floral industry has lagged behind other industries in its adoption of supply chain standards and technologies,” said Christine Boldt, executive vice president of AFIF. “In today’s highly fragmented and competitive marketplace, we must find ways to cut costs, increase efficiencies and increase demand to protect our margins. This guide is one step in that direction.”

The feasibility and value of GTIN implementation was studied during a recent pilot project involving more than 20 floral companies that was commissioned by PMA, AFIF, WF&FSA, SAF, CCFC and CAFGS. The success of – and lessons learned from – that pilot project contributed to development of the Floral GTIN Implementation Guide.

The guide is now available free of charge. This all-inclusive guide contains all the information necessary for a company to begin using the GTIN. The guide can be accessed via the website set up for the GTIN floral project at www.floralGTIN.com.   The Web site also includes updated information, addendums and conference information.

“The floral industry has yet to embrace new technologies that can make dramatic improvements in process automation and collaboration,” said Gary Fleming, vice president of industry technologies and standards of PMA. “While many companies recognize the importance of such initiatives, many are uncertain how to proceed and where their efforts should be focused to achieve optimal benefit. This guide helps remove that uncertainty as it pertains to standardizing product identity.”

The following organizations sponsored the floral GTIN pilot project and development of the GTIN guide:

·        Produce Marketing Association (PMA)

·        Association of Floral Importers of Florida (AFIF)

·        Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association (WF&FSA)

·        Society of American Florists (SAF)

·        California Cut Flower Commission (CCFC) and

·        California Association of Flower Growers and Shippers (CAFGS).

“We know cultural change is painful,” said Jim Wanko, executive director of WF&FSA. “The incorporation of the GTIN is the first step needed to bring supply chain automation to our industry. This is not an easy step. These associations are all here to help.”