Questions and answers about Food Data Finland program

Food Data Finland is a cooperation network and development program that brings together actors in the Finnish food chain, from primary production to industry, retail trade, and services. The aim of the program is to improve the utilisation of data in the Finnish food chain and thereby strengthen the competitiveness of the entire sector.

The food chain generates a lot of data, but its utilisation is often fragmented and inefficient. The aim of the project is to create common operating models, solutions, and services that enable information to flow more smoothly and reliably between companies and organisations. This will support the efficiency, transparency, and international competitiveness of the entire food chain.

The digitalisation of the food chain and growing data requirements call for shared operating models and compatible solutions. For example, traceability, sustainability, and legal requirements need info from a bunch of companies to be collected and processed. Individual companies can develop their own solutions, but the real benefits only arise when data can be efficiently transferred and utilised among those who need it. Common and scalable operating models enable more cost-effective solutions and the utilisation of automation throughout the chain.

Food Data Finland offers companies the opportunity to develop data utilisation together with other food chain operators. Companies can participate in development projects, network with other players in the field, and influence the types of solutions and operating models that are developed in the field. Cooperation also helps companies prepare for future data requirements and develop new business opportunities. 

Food Data Finland promotes the use of data through practical development projects. These projects may involve, for example, the development of data models, data sharing practices, or new digital solutions that help food chain operators make better use of information. The aim is to build solutions that benefit the entire chain.

The program offers, for example:
•    training on data utilisation and food chain digitalisation
•    events and webinars on current data-related topics
•    reports and studies on topics such as data requirements and opportunities for data utilisation
•    the results of joint development projects and potential new services
•    coaching on applying for funding for development projects
•    a network of technology suppliers and other partners

Companies can participate in the program according to their own needs and interests and utilise the information and solutions generated in the program in their own operations.

Food Data Finland deals with topics that affect several different functions within a company. Utilising data is not just a matter for one function, team or unit, but is linked to areas such as business development, IT solutions, product information management, sustainability, quality, logistics, and marketing.

The program focuses in particular on how data can flow smoothly between internal and external systems within companies. That is why experts from fields such as IT, product information management, supply chain, sustainability, and business development are often involved. In practice, Food Data Finland provides companies with a forum where experts from different fields can work together to develop solutions for utilising data throughout the food chain.

The program involves companies, associations, research institutes, and technology suppliers from the food industry, retail trade, and foodservice sector. The cooperation network covers the entire food chain from primary production to industry, retail trade, and services. The program is open to everyone, and participation in the collaboration is voluntary.

The aim of the program is to develop solutions that benefit the entire food chain. Larger companies often have more resources to participate in development work, but common operating models and solutions make it easier for smaller companies in particular, as they do not have to develop solutions on their own. When solutions are shared and scalable, their implementation is easier and more cost-effective for all operators.

Food Data Finland is not a single IT system, data sharing agreement, ready-made service, or project of a single organisation. Nor does the project focus on developing GS1 Finland's product information service. Its goal is to promote the use of data by developing shared solutions and practices that different operators can use in their own processes and systems.

Through the program, companies can promote the adoption of GS1 2D codes together with other operators and ensure that their use is based on interoperable and scalable operating models.
In practice, companies can, for example:

• utilise the program's events, training, reports, and networks in planning the adoption of GS1 2D codes
• participate in or launch pilots to test the use of GS1 2D codes
• network and collaborate with other companies and technology providers to develop common operating models
• develop new data services or consumer-oriented solutions based on information obtained through GS1 2D codes.

The Food Data Finland program is coordinated by GS1 Finland, a non-profit and neutral organisation. GS1 provides the program with a neutral collaboration platform through which food chain operators can jointly develop solutions for utilising data.

GS1 Finland is a non-profit and neutral organisation whose mission is to promote cooperation in value chains based on international supply chain data standards.

Food Data Finland offers GS1 Finland the opportunity to work closely with companies and other actors in the food chain and to identify the types of standards-based solutions and operating models that companies need for data sharing and utilisation. The lessons learned and networks created through the program will help GS1 Finland to further develop GS1 standards and its operations, as well as to better support Finnish companies in utilising data in the food chain.