EDATA, UK data pool, takes centre stage in GS1’s in-depth case study

EDATA, the UK’s data pool for the electrotechnical sector run and managed by the Electrical Distributors’ Association, has recently featured in an in-depth case study detailing the need for a unique numeric identification code for each product.

GS1’s GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is the preferred option for enabling EDATA integration with wholesalers’ web sites and ERP systems. GTIN is a global standard managed by GS1 and is the code we are all familiar with when represented as a bar code. By working with GS1 UK and embedding GTINs into its EDATA platform, the EDA is making it easier for wholesalers and contractors to access, share and trust the product data they need.

The EDA/GSI case study can be accessed here.

The EDATA data pool, which launched in 2020, recently celebrated its 100th manufacturer subscriber. The data pool features high-quality product information and imagery on 300,000 SKUs and access is available to every EDA Wholesaler Member and Branch free of charge.

Inside EDATA there are currently 4 types of data:

1. Manufacturer Master Data: the basic data which enables the identification of an individual product or SKU (including manufacturer’s part number and GTIN or bar code number). The Manufacturer Master Data also includes product descriptions and marketing bullets enabling manufacturers to highlight key selling points.

2. Digital Assets: including pictures showing the product at different angles, installation and maintenance instructions, certificates, and so on.

3. Technical Attributes: data structured in accordance with the ETIM standard showing the technical and performance attributes for each product.

4. Sustainability and Packaging Data: new fields introduced in 2025 to supplement manufacturers’ core product data. These new data fields give manufacturers the opportunity to share information with wholesalers about embodied carbon, recycled content, energy efficiency, WEEE, RoHS and REACH data, battery data, packaging sizes and weights, and packaging materials.

The EDA offers a programme of data quality training workshops to both manufacturers and wholesalers to help businesses develop the highest quality product data. New in 2025, this programme of free workshops has expanded to offer Sustainability and Packaging data training. Manufacturers are increasingly being asked for sustainability and packaging data, including packaging materials, to supplement their core product data. This data can now be distributed to electrical wholesalers through the EDATA data pool platform.