CPMA's vision relative to data synchronization is to achieve a single globally standardized methodology for produce identification to support data synchronization and ecommerce.

The ability for trading partners to communicate commerce transactions (from quotes to payment) electronically is a cornerstone to supply chain efficiencies in global commerce. The foundation of electronic commerce is the ability to synchronize align data, in particular product identification. (Typically the product is identified at the case level, with the individual consumer item reference being one of the attributes, or descriptors, of the case.) Currently, there is a great deal of activity in the North American produce sector as industry struggles to find a solution to this issue.

Produce and E-Commerce/Data Sync for Canada

The CPMA works closely with the GS1 Canada, regarding produce data synchronization through ECCnet, Canada's national product registry. At this time, the de facto solution for produce is via I Trade Network which has an agreement with ECCNet relative to produce data sync at the retail and foodservice level.