1. What do EAN.UCC XML standards offer to users?
EAN International and the Uniform Code Council offer a set of global business standards developed through a joint development process directed at users. XML standards address the main challenges of the e-economy on the internet, which are as follows:
- lack of data synchronization regarding products, transaction pages, and price lists between trading partners,
- complexity and excess of information in business processes as a result of a lack of data synchronization.
Once data synchronization is implemented, the simplification of business transactions, referred to as Simpl-eb, will be achieved. Initially, these include the Order, Advance Ship Notice, and Invoice.
2. What is the value of the standards?
The standards enable an enterprise to adopt common solutions that meet broad industry needs. They simplify processes and allow all participants to perform the same activities in the same way, thereby creating efficient and improved business practices.
3. What are the EAN.UCC XML standards based on?
EAN.UCC schemas are based on a core set of XML schemas in accordance with the latest W3C consortium recommendations. These schemas are common to all industries, although extensions correspond to industry-specific needs. EAN.UCC schemas were created from business needs identified and documented in UML (Unified Modelling Language) as business process models. EAN.UCC XML standards are based on Simpl-eb principles and initially apply to fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
4. What distinguishes EAN.UCC standards from others?
EAN.UCC standards have the following fundamental characteristics:
- they are global standards defined by business users,
- they comply with World Wide Web Consortium recommendations. W3C has developed interoperable technologies (specifications, guidelines, software, and tools) that lead the internet to achieve its full potential as a forum for information exchange, commerce, communication, and mutual understanding. W3C is the standardization organization for XML and recently approved standards for XML schemas,
- they have been tested for functionality in an e-economy environment,
- they have been developed with the help of world-class standard management processes,
- they use an e-economy architecture that enables modular development, component reuse, and extensibility.
- They are compatible with initiatives of other major standardization organizations.
5. Who will benefit from XML standards?
Initially, Data Synchronization and Simpl-eb processes were developed for the needs of fast-moving consumer goods such as groceries, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and perishable goods. These initial standards will provide a foundation for the future development of messages for other industrial sectors.
6. Why are EAN.UCC XML standards so important?
EAN.UCC standards will enable broad data exchange over the internet and can be applied globally in their current form for fast-moving consumer goods. Users of the exchange accept these standards and are fully convinced to apply them. Extending this set for the needs of other industrial sectors will be faster through the use of existing components.
7. What is the relationship of XML standards to traditional EDI (e.g.,
EANCOM 97R)?
XML standards do not have a simple relationship to traditional EDI in the sense that they do not constitute exact equivalents of existing data segments, data elements, or code values. Bridges will be built to enable transparent conversion between different communication protocols for the purpose of conducting electronic commerce without ambiguity.
8. How do XML standards relate to software vendors?
The EAN community will work with software vendors to ensure that their products comply with EAN.UCC standards. The data content of the new EAN.UCC standards does not depend on software vendors.
9. What are the financial consequences of adopting or not adopting EAN.UCC standards?
These consequences are individual to each enterprise. Some of the factors influencing the consequences are as follows:
- The ability to conduct business with enterprises that do not have traditional EDI (e.g., EANCOM 97R);
- The ability to solve fundamental business problems, such as a lack of data synchronization. Research conducted by companies proves that this is a significant problem.
- The ability to simplify business procedures once data synchronization is achieved.
10. Which organizations support EAN.UCC standards?
Network service providers, UCCnet, and the Global Commerce Initiative support EAN.UCC standards for the e-economy.
11. Which XML EAN.UCC standards are currently available?
The first set of integrated standards is intended for fast-moving consumer goods. Subsequent ones are under development.
12. Are these standards integrated with software from independent vendors?
EAN.UCC standards have been tested in two global pilot projects with retailers, manufacturers, network service providers, and UCCnet. Electronic document exchange software manufacturers are certified in the communication protocols used with EAN.UCC standards. The user portion of the standards is independent of software vendors.
13. What will be the financial impact of the new XML standards initiative (e.g., software modernization or replacement)?
Enterprises can protect their existing investments in traditional EDI (e.g., EANCOMR) and can gradually implement XML standards if it makes sense for their business. Many small and medium-sized enterprises that have not previously used electronic transactions in their business can start with smaller capital investments and faster time to market.
14. How can a company promote e-economy XML standards?
EAN.UCC standards are designed to minimize integration costs.
15. What are the upcoming work plans for the future of XML standards?
Standards are planned for the following processes:
- collaborative processes (e.g., VICS CPFR)
- warehouse deliveries
- made-to-order apparel manufacturing
- transportation processes
- cargo manifest, transport status, invoice
- publish / subscribe processes
- consumer deliveries
- credit / debit.