What key characteristic ensures that a manufacturer's serialized data can communicate successfully with a wholesaler's system, regardless of software vendor?
Interoperability
Interoperability is the essential requirement ensuring that serialized data can move smoothly and effectively between different entities operating across the supply chain, specifically between trading partners like manufacturers, wholesalers, and dispensers. It mandates that the disparate IT systems used by these competitive entities must share a common language or standard to communicate the serialized product information seamlessly. Without interoperability, even if every manufacturer correctly applies a unique serial number (as required by law), that number cannot be reliably verified or traced downstream if the next party's system cannot interpret the data structure. This necessitates adherence to shared standards, such as those provided by GS1, to maintain the flow of traceable information.
