Each time you update an item, can you go in and just overwrite the region/dist/ pricing section, or do you keep what is in there, and add the new region? Do you overwrite the information, or if you always need to keep what was submitted in the past?
You should always keep the existing region, distribution, and pricing information and add or clone entries when adding new regions. Kroger requires all regions where your items will be sold to be included, so it’s important not to overwrite or delete previous data.
How quickly will the information submitted be reflected on Kroger.com?
Kroger is asking for at least 48 hours.
If we use a FUSE data tool to load SKU information into IM, will we be able to leverage the Playlist to extract these Kroger-specific attribute fields for populated items?
Yes, we suggest adding the playlist to one item set (case/each) with the Kroger playlist populated. That will pull the Kroger attributes into FUSE.
Can these attributes be exported/imported in bulk if we are submitting several items?
Yes, you can download a FUSE template as long as you have the Kroger playlist enabled. The additional attributes will be within the FUSE template you download.
We have the “count” in the case description, but in each description, we do not have. Are you saying we need to remove the count from the case description for Kroger?
Correct. Per the Kroger Style Guide, they request no sizing within the description.
If products were previously published to 0011110000019 (The Kroger Company), these are the ones that will be migrated over, correct? Is anything needed on my end for what was previously published?
Correct, that is what will be migrated. Start the migration by joining the 1WorldSync Migration Queue by clicking HERE. Our teams will work with you to migrate your content from VIP to IM so you can then begin the QA process.
We are following GDSN standards for case description, but Kroger is asking for unique descriptions. Each description goes on their website, and each description does not have a case count. Can you take each description from 1WSync and send it to Kroger VIP?
Kroger requires that all submissions adhere to their style guide. You can provide unique values for any “RDD” attributes in IM, including Production Description, Marketing Message, Trade Item Features & Benefits, and Images. Learn more about RDD values HERE.
We use the template to import items in VIP. Where do we find the template in IM so we can continue to import items once we are migrated over?
In IM, you will need to create a single item in Item Management or wait until the items are migrated over to Item Management. You will then be able to create a FUSE download to use as you did for VIP uploads. Learn more about FUSE HERE.
If I create an item for another retailer and then Kroger decides to take this item, can I go into the Item that I already created in 1WS and just add Kroger's playlist and publish it in Kroger?
Yes, you can after any content is migrated from VIP to IM. You only want to use the playlist when you are working exclusively in IM and no longer making updates in VIP after migration.
Is there a place on IM that will show if the vendor is GDSN? For example, right now, you can look in VIP and see the items highlighted in green that are GDSN.
All customers within Item Management are considered "GDSN" unless you are on another data pool for GDSN services, then you will be signed up for Item Management as a Kroger user only. In VIP, the green GDSN you saw was because your content was published to VIP rather than created directly in it at the time.
Error for “Count of This Specific item in a Non-GTIN Logistic Unit/Non-GTIN Pallet Quantity?”
That error means you do not have the value in for that attribute. That attribute should equal Ti x Hi.
Who will get Rejection notifications?
Rejection notifications will be available in Item Management, allowing you to review, correct, and resubmit as needed.
In VIP, we had issues with validations being inconsistent depending on what point of the commercialization process, or validation did not include all fields Kroger considered mandatory. Are all fields required by Kroger flagged as an error if they are blank?
That's correct. You won't be able to sync your items through the Kroger API until all required Kroger top-off attributes have been completed. Please note, some attributes are dependent, meaning they are not initially required but become required when other attributes are populated. For example, marking the Publication Type as “New” will make the Event Type and Model GTIN Exists become mandatory.
What if you sell to Kroger but your products are not on .com? Is this validation and republishing still required?
Yes, all products, whether for Kroger.com or brick-and-mortar stores, must follow the new Kroger API process.
Sometimes, we are setting up items in advance without available marketing content, like descriptions and images. You mentioned that once the item is published, it will be live on on Kroger page. Is there a way to make items not visible on site before we complete the content piece?
All data must be included in the initial submission to pass certification and ensure a successful transmission to Kroger.
Is there an actual API available to interface with the Kroger API programmatically?
Yes, Item Management is the interface that 1WorldSync is helping you migrate so you can use it with the Kroger API. Please take a look at the Kroger API information in the Community. If you are not familiar with IM yet, please click HERE to learn more.
Will the Kroger playlist be automatically added to each parent and child record that will be migrated to Item management?
No, once you receive confirmation from 1WorldSync that your migration is complete, you will add the playlist after migration to begin the QA process.
Does the Kroger playlist open up the FSMA204 regulatory field data?
The FSMA204 regulatory field data are GDSN attributes incorporated within Item Management.
How long will it take to know if your spec failed? Is an email notification sent out to let you know it failed? Who gets those emails?
Once you publish to the Kroger QA GLN, the team will respond with a CIC indicating the status of your data. This could take a few days, depending on where you are in the queue. No email is sent out. You can monitor your SYNC STATUS Report in IM for the CIC.
Will there be any changes to VIP/Product Introduction or only Item Management?
Once you are migrated, you will no longer use Product Introduction for Kroger
How can Kroger pricing & promo data be removed when publishing to other Retailers?
Other retailers will never see the price and promo information, as these attributes are only for Kroger. The values are only “mapping” available and sent to Kroger. The Kroger playlist adds specific attributes, including the ones regarding pricing, that would only be sent to Kroger.
How do I "republish" to Harris Teeter, and or Ralph's, or whoever wants to go through DSD vs direct to the warehouse?
You would not 'republish.' You would update the division fields and save. It will automatically flow out to update what you've added/changed
So no pullback?
In Item Management, the Withdraw Publication function acts in the same manner as pulling back the item. More information on withdrawing the item can be found at How and Why to Withdraw or Delete Publications
If we begin to add the Kroger playlists today to each product level, the playlists will remain selected even throughout the period of the 1WS team working through VIP to IM data migration.
Yes, that is correct, but activating the playlist could impact your access to VIP. We recommend adding the playlist to your items once your migration is complete from VIP or if you are starting over in IM. Learn more about getting started HERE.
