This HSV Catalogue draws data from the National Product Catalogue (NPC), and synchronises with the Victorian Product Catalogue System (VPCS) and health services’ own catalogues for supplier information whether products and services are on HSV contract or not.
A common base identifier (BID) number is allocated to each item and the catalogue contains detailed information about packaging and the availability of sizes and the number of items in a pack or pallet. The catalogue also indicates what combinations of pack sizes are available for ordering.
Over time functional equivalent data will be uploaded making it easier to source products in the event of a shortage.
Suppliers upload complete and accurate information to the NPC, including images, which makes products visible and accessible to HSV. Suppliers need to ensure information is regularly updated. GS1 can help by providing regular NPC data quality reports to assist suppliers in staying up-to-date.