GS1 US launches cross-industry blockchain discussion group

Industry standards group GS1 US said this week it will launch a monthly cross-industry blockchain discussion group designed to help companies better understand blockchain technology and prepare for its implementation using GS1 standards. The group will host a kick-off meeting in Chicago, November 28-29.

The cross-industry group will consist of members of GS1 US initiatives in the apparel/general merchandise, foodservice, healthcare and retail grocery industries as well as GS1 experts, the group said. They will discuss how the distributed ledger technology facilitates decentralized, secure and efficient data exchange, as well as how it supports supply chain imperatives, including product traceability and authentication.

GS1 US said the group also will identify the role GS1 standards will play in blockchain moving forward and develop "getting started" guidance.