NEW GDST TOOL WILL TEST INTEROPERABILITY OF TRACEABILITY SOFTWARE

Just one month after announcing several important updates to its structural growth at Seafood Expo North America, the Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST) has successfully completed the first round of beta testing of the first-ever tool to verify the ability of software solutions to achieve GDST data sharing interoperability. When released later this quarter, the testing tool will meet strong industry demand for a way to verify the GDST capability of traceability systems offered by solution providers or used by supply chain partners. The testing tool was designed to support the recently updated GDST 1.1 standard, which includes a new communications protocol to enable automatic computer-to-computer sharing of GDST-compatible data.  Taken together, the testing tool and the updated GDST standard significantly enhance the power of the GDST to assure reliable interoperability.

The capability test itself is an interactive on-line tool that communicates directly with a traceability platform, simulating how two traceability systems would share data during a routine business transaction. A half dozen leading traceability solution providers were heavily engaged in the beta testing, with particularly strong involvement by OpsSmart Global, Pacifical, Trace Register, and Wholechain. In addition to helping ensure that the new tool is functional across a wide range of traceability solutions, these companies demonstrated that they are well advanced towards GDST IT capability and will be in strong position to verify the capability of their products when the testing tool is formally launched.

The development of the capability tool is a major step forward for the implementation of the GDST standards across the seafood industry. Jayson Berryhill, Co-founder of Wholechain, agreed: “The GDST capability test is an important step to validate that traceability systems are capable of using the standard. Wholechain is grateful to have collaborated with the GDST team from the beginning and to be among the leading companies in the beta testing process.”

Phil Werdal, CEO of Trace Register, added, “Trace Register has long believed interoperability is key. We have been supporting GDST from its early days and are thrilled to see this incredible progress. GDST has delivered a global, real-world, and practical standard, for seafood traceability.”

Once the testing tool is officially launched, traceability systems that have successfully passed the test will receive public recognition on the GDST’s website, allowing solution providers and supply chain actors to demonstrate the verified GDST capability of their software to their customers and supply chain partners. In the period remaining before the formal release of the tool, the GDST will continue to work closely with those involved in the beta testing phase on refinements and finalizing its user interface. GDST also plans to host future technical workshops for all endorsing solution providers and GDST members.

To learn more about the GDST and how your company can get involved visit www.traceability-dialogue.org.