The Central Database System (CDS) is a collaborative technical platform for the chain of custody of GOTS and Textile Exchange. Developed in partnership between the two organizations, the CDS will integrate scope certificates, transaction certificates, and volume reconciliation across all supply chain stakeholders and certification bodies.
The main objectives of the CDS are to:
– Increase efficiency, traceability, and transparency of certification and its related activities
– Provide standard owners and supply chain operators greater access to certification data for monitoring and evaluation and continuous improvement
– Prevent duplication of certification by creating a single source for verification and volume reconciliation
– Provide accurate, public facing data on certified companies for sourcing
– Provide opportunity for supply chain operators to share material traceability and transparency.
The CDS is being developed by Chainpoint BV with GOTS having secured financial support from the German Government.
It is expected that pilot trials will commence in January 2019 with CBs moving to the platform for all Scope Certificates in April and using it to generate Transaction Certificates progressively thereafter. The CDS is expected to be fully operational the last quarter of 2019.
The CDS will provide vital information regarding volumes and impact data of the Standard.
