Ten Count: GS1 Connect 25
June 17, 2025
Last week, Ten Count Consulting attended GS1 Connect ’25 in Nashville, where industry leaders came together to discuss the evolving landscape of supply chain standards—especially in pharmaceuticals. As the DSCSA serialization data exemption ended May 27 for manufacturers, wholesale distributors shared that they’re receiving data for approximately 97% of products, though with a 5% error rate, emphasizing the ongoing need for strong exception handling and audit preparedness. Barcode quality issues were a discussion topic in some of the round table discussions and mentioned in several panels. The proposed NDC‑12 rule, expected to be finalized in early 2026, also drew significant attention, as it will require system updates and packaging redesigns across the industry. GS1 US-led workgroups are already collaborating to prepare stakeholders for the changes. Overall, GS1 Connect reinforced the importance of data accuracy, regulatory readiness, and cross-industry collaboration in advancing pharmaceutical supply chain security.