Digital Transformation in Construction with GS1 UK and NBS Partnership
The construction sector is on the brink of a major digital shift thanks to a strategic partnership between NBS, powered by Hubexo, and GS1 UK.
Together, they’re embedding globally recognised product identifiers into the industry, a move designed to eliminate fragmented data and transform how products are tracked, specified, and managed across the supply chain.
Tackling the Data Challenge Head-On
For decades, construction professionals have struggled with inconsistent product data. Unlike retail or healthcare, where identifiers like GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers) have long underpinned supply chain efficiency, construction has lagged behind. This collaboration changes the game by enabling manufacturers to assign GTINs to their products on NBS Source, creating a unique digital identity for every item.
Dr Stephen Hamil, innovation director at NBS, explained the motivation: “Our aim at NBS is to make structured, high-quality product data available where and when it’s needed. That starts with consistent identification. By incorporating GTINs into NBS Source, we’re helping to remove ambiguity from specifications and make it easier for manufacturers to manage their digital product information at scale. The adoption of open standards like these is essential if we want to build a more transparent and connected industry.”
By addressing the long-standing issue of disjointed data, this initiative ensures that project teams, specifiers, and contractors can work from a single, verified source of truth. It’s a step that aligns neatly with government-led frameworks such as the Golden Thread of Information and digital product passports (DPPs), both of which aim to strengthen accountability and safety in the built environment.
Industry Leaders Already on Board
Early adopters of this initiative include Knauf Insulation, Aico, Devi, Ibstock, Armitage Shanks, Fischer, Wallbarn, Permavent, Fire & Acoustic Seals, URSA, and C-TEC. Their involvement signals growing confidence that GTINs will become a cornerstone of modern construction processes.
Ryan Ferguson, Head of Product & Innovation at Knauf Insulation, emphasised the long-term benefits: “We’re now able to assign a single, globally recognised product identifier, that travels with our data from internal systems into specification platforms like NBS, through procurement and distributor platforms, and right through to end-of-life stages like disassembly. Even years later, if disassembly is needed, that same unique code still links to vital product information – helping teams carry out the process safely and sustainably.”
For manufacturers, the attraction is clear. GTINs offer a way to extend product visibility far beyond specification documents. From Google listings to procurement platforms and AI-powered assistants like ChatGPT, the potential reach is unprecedented.
A Supply Chain Built on Clarity and Consistency
GS1 UK has already proven the power of GTINs in other sectors. Shervin Yousefzadeh, head of construction at GS1 UK, explained: “This is a significant moment for the construction industry. We’ve seen how identifiers like GTINs unlock better supply chain visibility in other industries, and now construction has the chance to benefit in the same way. Wider adoption of these will provide the clarity and consistency the sector has needed for years. The beauty of GTINs is that they’re open, globally recognised and ready to use. They will help construction product manufacturers prepare for upcoming regulation and allow the wider industry to access trusted product data at every stage of a project.”
By incorporating GTINs, construction can finally enjoy the same level of efficiency, traceability, and compliance already standard in logistics and healthcare. For project teams, this means quicker access to accurate data, fewer costly errors, and better collaboration across disciplines.
The Regulatory Push Towards Transparency
The timing of this partnership couldn’t be more relevant. Regulatory frameworks are tightening worldwide, demanding clearer accountability and more transparent data flows across the lifecycle of buildings and infrastructure. In the UK, the Golden Thread of Information is already pushing firms to adopt structured digital records. At a European level, digital product passports are set to play a pivotal role in advancing circular economy goals.
The integration of GTINs directly supports these mandates. By giving every product a permanent, universal identity, manufacturers and specifiers alike can ensure compliance while also future-proofing their operations against upcoming regulations.
Education and Outreach on the Horizon
Both GS1 UK and NBS are keen to accelerate adoption. Over the coming months, they’ll launch training materials, best-practice resources, and industry outreach sessions aimed at manufacturers and specifiers. The objective is to ensure everyone across the sector understands not just the importance of GTINs, but also how to implement them effectively.
This focus on education reflects a broader commitment to breaking down silos in construction. As the industry becomes more digital, collaboration and shared knowledge are essential to reaping the full benefits.
Building on Strong Foundations
NBS has long been a trusted name in the sector. With roots in the UK’s National Building Specification, the organisation has spent over 50 years helping professionals reduce risk and build better. Today, its cloud-based platforms serve architects, engineers, designers, and contractors worldwide.
As part of Hubexo (formerly Byggfakta Group), NBS is strengthening its global reach, acting as a digital marketplace for the entire construction industry. Meanwhile, GS1 UK is no newcomer either. With a community of more than 60,000 organisations in the UK alone, and operating as one of 120 independent GS1 bodies worldwide, the organisation has transformed industries with barcodes, QR codes, and digital identifiers for over five decades.
From supermarkets to hospitals, GS1 standards are already a backbone of modern commerce and care. Bringing these same standards into construction signals a new era of efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
A More Connected Future for Construction
The integration of GTINs into construction workflows is more than a technical upgrade. It represents a cultural shift towards openness, transparency, and data-driven decision-making. For manufacturers, it’s a chance to expand reach and reduce compliance risks. For specifiers and contractors, it’s an opportunity to simplify workflows and access trusted information faster.
As both GS1 UK and NBS roll out their education initiatives and drive adoption, the sector is likely to see a ripple effect. Manufacturers that embrace the system early will gain an edge, while laggards risk being left behind in an increasingly digital marketplace.
Driving Progress with Digital Identity
The partnership between NBS and GS1 UK is a clear sign that construction is ready to catch up with other industries in its use of global standards. By embedding GTINs across specifications, procurement, and asset management, the industry gains more than just efficiency. It gains the clarity and trust needed to build safer, smarter, and more sustainable projects.
This isn’t just about data management; it’s about reshaping the future of construction. And if early adoption rates are any indication, it’s a future the industry is more than ready to embrace.
