A variety of file formats can make situations in your business everyday life confusing. Effective data exchange is essential to ensure a smooth flow of e-commerce projects. In this post, we would like to present the different formats in detail and highlight their specific applications.

The Importance of Differentiating File Formats

Each file format was developed for a specific purpose. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the right format for the respective application. Basically, we can distinguish between two main categories: master data exchange and transactional data exchange.

Details on Master Data Exchange Formats

BMEcat

BMEcat is a standardized exchange format for electronic product catalogs and multimedia catalog data between suppliers and customers. The acronym "BME" stands for Bundesverband Materialwirtschaft, Einkauf und Logistik e.V., one of the initiators who, in collaboration with Fraunhofer Institute (IAO Stuttgart) and the University of Duisburg-Essen, developed this XML-based standard from 1999. The acronym "cat" stands for catalog. BMEcat is offered by Smartstore as an independent plugin that seamlessly integrates into the existing system landscape, allowing for optimal integration.

  • Definition: An XML-based format, specifically for catalog data in the B2B sector.
  • Particularities: It supports the entire procurement process and can transmit logistical data such as product dimensions, delivery times, and hazardous material information.
  • Distribution: Particularly in German-speaking countries and increasingly in Europe.
  • Smartstore Plug-in
  • More information: BMEcat on Wikipedia

openTRANS

openTRANS is an XML-based standard for the automated exchange of business documents and belongs to the category of transaction standards. Like BMEcat in 1999, the standard was developed in 2001 by the eBusiness Standardization Committee in collaboration with Fraunhofer IAO.

The goal was to standardize business process documents to reduce time and costs in order processes. Through collaboration in the development, BMEcat and openTRANS have a very similar structure and often use the same data elements. BMEcat is offered by Smartstore as an independent plugin that seamlessly integrates into the existing system landscape, allowing for optimal integration.

  • Definition: A modern standard for business documents.
  • Development: Under the leadership of Fraunhofer IAO by leading companies.
  • Smartstore Plug-in
  • More information: openTRANS on Wikipedia

DATANORM

DATANORM is a standard procedure for the exchange of item and master data between manufacturers, retailers, and the construction trade. The record descriptions were developed in close cooperation by associations, manufacturers, retailers, and software houses and technically detailed.

  • Definition: A format for item master data, existing since 1986.
  • Application: Especially in the secondary construction, plumbing, heating, and electrical industries.
  • Particularities: Simple structure but limited information capacity. Cost-effective and widespread.
  • More information: DATANORM on Wikipedia

ECLASS

ECLASS depicts a large portion of goods and services traded worldwide. Different standards from industries such as electrical engineering, food, automotive, or office supplies are further developed by ECLASS into a unified, cross-industry standard.

  • Definition: A global standard for the classification of products and services.
  • Application: As a basis for product group structures in ERP systems and as a "language" for Industry 4.0.
  • More information: ECLASS on Wikipedia

ELBRIDGE & ETIM

ELBRIDGE is a standard developed by ETIM Germany for connecting wholesale shops to industrial product configurators. The interface technically standardizes the product selection process. As the "ETIM Head Office Digital Interfaces," ITEK oversees the development and dissemination of the standard.

ETIM is the international standard for the classification of technical products. ETIM allows the flow of technical information within the value chain with its standardized structure consisting of clearly defined product classes and features. It ensures that the interaction between B2B partners worldwide is efficient and error-free.

Finding the right technical product solution has never been easier!

  • Definition: Standards specifically for the furniture industry and product classification.
  • Application: For the smooth exchange of information between manufacturers and trading partners.
  • More information: ETIM on Wikipedia

Transaction-Related Data Formats

OCI PunchOut

OCI (Open Catalog Interface) is a standardized interface for connecting external supplier catalogs to ERP and e-procurement systems. The standard was developed by SAP and enables the structured exchange of shopping cart data between webshops and leading procurement systems. OCI is mainly used in the B2B environment where companies want to integrate dynamic catalogs into their internal shopping processes. BMEcat is offered by Smartstore as an independent plugin that seamlessly integrates into the existing system landscape, allowing for optimal integration.

  • Definition: Interface standard for transferring item data and shopping carts between webshops and ERP/e-procurement systems.
  • Particularities: OCI is based on HTTP parameter transmission (key-value structure) and is not a classic XML message format. It enables the integration of dynamic pricing logic, customer-specific conditions, and configurable products. Especially in the SAP environment, OCI is an established de facto standard for shop integration.
  • Smartstore Plug-in
  • More information: OCI on Wikipedia

cXML PunchOut

cXML (Commerce eXtensible Markup Language) is an XML-based standard for the electronic exchange of business documents in the procurement environment. cXML was originally developed by Ariba and is now used internationally in numerous e-procurement platforms. The standard enables the structured transmission of orders, order confirmations, invoices, as well as PunchOut processes between suppliers and purchasing systems. BMEcat is offered by Smartstore as an independent plugin that seamlessly integrates into the existing system landscape, allowing for optimal integration.

  • Definition: XML-based message standard for integrating procurement processes between supplier shops and ERP/e-procurement systems.
  • Particularities: cXML works with structured request and response messages and supports both PunchOut scenarios and complete order and invoice processes. The standard is internationally spread and particularly established in cloud-based procurement platforms.
  • Smartstore Plug-in
  • More information: cXML on Wikipedia

EDI & EANCOM

EANCOM® is a globally valid message standard that enables the electronic exchange of business data internationally and across industries. It is the most widely used standard worldwide for electronic data interchange (EDI). Particularly noteworthy about EANCOM® is the consideration of global GS1 standards for identification, such as GLN, GTIN, and SSCC/NVE.

  • Definition: Standards for electronic data interchange between companies.
  • Particularities: EANCOM was specifically developed for the consumer goods industry and includes message types such as delivery notes, inventory reports, and sales reports.
  • More information: EANCOM on Wikipedia

EDIFACT

The term refers to an international standard format for electronic data interchange (EDI). The UN/EDIFACT standard was published in 1988 and is regularly updated by the CEFACT (a group within the UNECE).

  • Definition: An international standard for data exchange in business transactions.
  • Application: In many industries, from chemicals to insurance, with industry-specific subsets.
  • More information: EDIFACT on Wikipedia

XRechnung

XRechnung is a data exchange standard for electronic invoices, developed and provided by the "Koordinierungsstelle für IT-Standards" (KoSIT). XRechnung is a purely structured data format in which the contents of an invoice are specified and can be automatically processed electronically.

  • Definition: An XML-based format for electronic invoices.
  • Application: Especially in exchange with public authorities in Germany.
  • More information: XRechnung on Wikipedia

Conclusion on the Choice of File Format

The choice of the right file format depends heavily on the industry and individual requirements. However, it is advisable to opt for modern and open standards, as they are often more flexible and future-proof. A good example of this is the combination of OpenTrans and BMEcat, which offers an efficient solution for many applications.

Do you have questions about this topic? Or would you like to send us your feedback? Then reach us via the contact form, via email at info@smartstore.com, or by phone Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the number +49 231 53350.