Why collaborative location management is the future (and why AI isn’t the answer)

We’ve all heard the saying: “If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” These days, AI feels like that hammer -an exciting, powerful tool being swung at every challenge. But in reality, not everything is a nail, and AI isn’t always the magic solution, especially when it comes to collaboration, alignment, and setting standards. While some may argue that AI can solve everything, I’ll stay skeptical until proven otherwise! 

Take data quality, for example. Sure, AI can clean up messy data with impressive efficiency. But it can’t create accurate location data out of thin air. AI won’t know the exact coordinates of your warehouse, its opening hours, or who to contact in an emergency. That kind of precise information -we call it location data- comes from real-world input maintained by real people like you and your business partners. 

Here’s the hard truth: AI can’t bring everyone together on the same page. It can’t establish industry standards, foster collaboration, or ensure every partner works with the best, most up-to-date data. That’s a human task. It requires a platform that encourages cooperation and a community willing to align on standards and processes to create real value.

What makes location data so special?

We all agree: good business partner data is crucial. No one questions the value of accurate product data -it reduces costs, streamlines processes, boosts sales, and ensures compliance. Systems like public registers already exist to verify business partner data (in fact, we consolidate over 100 sources worldwide to improve business partner data). Networks like GDSN allow companies to share product data and media based on industry standards upheld by GS1.

But with location data, the story is different. It's shady. There are no official sources or universal "ground truth" maintained by an authority. The only trusted source is the owner of the locations themselves. In fact, companies don’t even agree on what "location" means -it could be a virtual cost center, a specific warehouse ramp, or even a shelf. Definitions and required data vary widely depending on the context.

The challenges of location data in a nutshell

1️⃣ Untrusted data: No official registers for company locations exist. Only location owners know the truth (and even that’s not guaranteed in all cases).

2️⃣ Data silos: There’s no common understanding or standardized model for location data.

3️⃣ Lack of updates: Without a common standard, updating information is clumsy, labor-intensive, and system-specific.

Why should your company care?

Location management is strategic, and ignoring it now can impact your business significantly in the future. Working with incorrect, incomplete, or outdated location data can lead to:

❌ Missed deliveries (wrong addresses)

❌ Product shortages (inefficient delivery routes)

❌ Compliance issues (e.g., missing certifications)

❌ Poor decision-making (misjudging warehouse capabilities)

With new regulations emerging, it’s more important than ever to know your locations—and those of your business partners.

We believe that trusted location data -just like business partner and product data- is becoming an essential asset and a success factor for smooth-running ecosystems . Based on our experience in data sharing, we’re convinced that collaborating on location data is paramount to tackle these challenges.

That’s why we created GLN Connect: a platform built on GS1 standards. It enables all players in an ecosystem to maintain location data on a central, easy-to-use platform. GLN Connect automates data cleansing, standardizes information, and allows companies to structure and, most importantly, share location data with their network while receiving real-time updates from business partners. 

GLN Connect comes with a solid range of benefits:

• Significantly cut costs on data maintenance, due to automated updates from your network
• Eliminate inefficient, siloed location management systems
• Adhere to global standards for smooth data exchange
• Make better decisions based on real-time information
• Increase transparency and compliance within their network
• Manage your own locations efficiently and share them across your company's divisions

And of course, we offer an API to integrate our services directly into your existing landscape.

We believe in the power of communities

The best solutions are created together, within forward-thinking ecosystems.

Want to join our community of global companies sharing their experiences and working towards better location management solutions?

Interested in a demo of GLN Connect? Or maybe you’d like to chat about how we can solve your location challenges? Feel free to drop me a message.

Drop me an email at peter.schenkel@cdq.com Reach out to me on LinkedIn Check out CDQ GLN Connect website