Why the BDI?

Greater control over data, less complexity across the supply chain

Digital collaboration across supply chains is becoming more complex due to fragmented data, different systems and costly integrations. At the same time, the need for up-to-date, reliable information is growing to support sustainability, compliance, automation and AI.

The Basic Data Infrastructure (BDI) enables network-based collaboration through shared agreements, keeping data at its source while preserving control, ensuring controlled access and enabling transparent data use.

What does the BDI offer your organisation?

Working according to the BDI can help organisations achieve:

• easier onboarding of new customers, suppliers and supply chain partners
• lower integration and maintenance costs as the network grows
• greater control over their own data and who is authorised to use it
• up-to-date and reliable information, obtained directly from the source wherever possible
• less manual and administrative work through smarter data exchange
• a stronger foundation for automation and AI, by making reliable data more accessible
• scalable collaboration between organisations and sectors, across national borders

When is the BDI relevant?

The BDI is particularly relevant when multiple independent organisations need to share data to carry out a joint process, while each organisation wants to remain in control of its own data. Examples include logistics supply chains, where shippers, carriers, terminals and customers exchange information. The same applies to collaboration in sectors such as agrifood, construction, pharmaceuticals and defence.

The more parties, data sources and interconnections there are, the greater the potential value of a shared, federated approach to data sharing.