How do I create a hierarchy?

We use hierarchies in GDSN to show the links between a product’s different logistical levels.

So that retailers have a full overview from basic unit through to pallet, you create a product sheet for each level. Linking them together gives you the hierarchy.

Pallet
Pallet
Omverpakking
Outer packaging
Consumenteneenheid
Basic unit

Create a separate product sheet for every GTIN in your hierarchy. In product sheets, you refer from top to bottom; to the next underlying level. 

Step 1

Open the product sheet for an overlying unit, such as your pallet.

Pallet
Pallet

Step 2

Go to the ‘Hierarchy’ tab and enter the underlying unit – such as the outer packaging – and the quantity. Always move down one step at a time.

Onderliggende hiërarchie aanduiden

Step 3

Repeat the same steps in your outer packaging, to refer to your basic unit.

Omverpakking
Outer packaging

Step 4

Once you validate and release, your hierarchy will look like this:
In this example, there are 6 basic units in 1 outer packaging, and 160 outer packagings on each pallet

Hiërarchie met 3 niveau's

Displays

The following guidelines apply when creating a display:

  • You must create a product sheet for each item included in the display.
  • Link the items to the display using the instructions provided above.
  • Do you have a mixed display?
    • Use the term MIXED in the product description.
    • se a brick code that includes the term assortment. Be sure to check the definitions in My Product Manager or the GPC browser to find the correct one.
    • Multiple VAT categories in one display (e.g. 6% and 21%)? Use the highest VAT rate for the display.
  • Indicate in the product sheet, that it concerns a display. An additional validation will follow, asking you to specify the type of display: a floor display or one meant for shelving. More information on page 29 (display type code).
  • Displays are usually temporary products. Therefore, always specify an end date for the display to make it easier to unpublish later and potentially detach the underlying units.

Gift packs and bundles

The following guidelines apply when creating a gift pack:

  • Create a product sheet for each item included in the gift pack or bundle.
  • Link these items to the inner pack using the step by step instructions provided above.
  • Indicate in the product sheet, that it concerns an inner pack.
  • Gift packs are usually temporary products. Therefore, always specify an end date for the gift pack to make it easier to unpublish later and, if necessary, detach the associated units. 

Unlinking discontinued items

Sometimes it is useful to unlink discontinued logistic units from still-active products. For example, a Christmas gift pack or a promotional display.
In such cases, follow the steps below:

  1. Follow the discontinuation procedure for the GTINs that are no longer being sold.
  2. Make a backup of the discontinued product sheets using an Excel export.
  3. In the relevant product sheets, you can fill in the ‘target sector’ field with the code VBG.
    1. Only the 7 basic fields required for an ID card (My Product Manager Identify) will remain active in the product sheet.
    2. This action can be performed via Excel or using a bulk action. 

Error messages?

Check the most common error messages here