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A variety of file formats can create situations in your Everyday business situation become confusing. A variety of file formats can make situations in your everyday business situation confusing. Effective data exchange is essential to ensure the smooth running of e-commerce projects. In this article we would like to present the different formats in detail and elaborate their specific applications.
The importance of distinguishing file formats
Each file format was developed for a specific purpose. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the right format for the particular use case to be selected. Basically, we can distinguish between two main categories: Master data exchange and Transaction data exchange.
Master data exchange formats in detail
BMEcat
BMEcat is a standardized exchange format for electronic product catalogs and multimedia catalog data between suppliers and customers. The abbreviation "BME" stands for Bundesverband Materialwirtschaft, Einkauf und Logistik e.V. (German Association for Materials Management, Purchasing and Logistics), one of the initiators which in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute (IAO Stuttgart) and the University of Duisburg-Essen from 1999 this XML-based standard have developed. The abbreviation "cat" stands for catalog.
- Definition: An XML-based format, specifically for catalog data in the B2B-Bereich.
- Special features: It supports the entire procurement process and can provide logistical data such as product dimensions, delivery times and Transfer dangerous goods information.
- Dissemination: Especially in German-speaking countries and increasingly in Europe.
- More information: BMEcat on Wikipedia
DATANORM
DATANORM is a standard procedure for the exchange of article and master data between manufacturers, retailers and the building trade. The record descriptions were developed in close cooperation of associations, manufacturers, resellers and software houses developed and technically specified in detail.
- Definition: A format for item master data that has been used since 1986 exists.
- Application: Especially in the ancillary construction, plumbing, heating and electrical industries.
- Special features: Simple structure, but limited information capacity. Cost effective and widely used.
- More information: DATANORM on Wikipedia
ECLASS
ECLASS Represents a large portion of the goods and services traded around the world. Different standards from industries such as Electrical engineering, food, automotive or office supplies. are combined by ECLASS into a uniform, cross-industry standard further developed.
- 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 to connect wholesale stores to the product configurators of the Industry. The interface technically standardizes the product selection process. As "ETIM Staff Office Digital Interfaces" supervises ITEK supervises the development and dissemination of the standard. ETIM is the international standard for the classification of technical Products. With its standardized structure consisting of clearly defined product classes and -characteristics the flow technical information within the value chain. It ensures that the interaction between B2B-Partnern worldwide efficient and error-free runs.
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
Transactional data formats
EDI & EANCOM
EANCOM® is a globally valid message standard that facilitates the international and cross-industry electronic exchange of business data internationally. It is the most widely used global standard for electronic data interchange (EDI). Particularly noteworthy about EANCOM® is the consideration of the global GS1-Standards for identification like GLN, GTIN and SSCC/NVE.
- Definition: Standards for electronic data exchange between companies.
- Special features: EANCOM has been specially developed for the consumer goods industry and contains message types such as shipping notification, Inventory notification and sales report.
- More information: EANCOM on Wikipedia
EDIFACT
The term refers to an international standard format for electronic data interchange (EDI for short). The UN/EDIFACT standard was 1988 published and is regularly updated by CEFACT (a grouping 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
openTRANS
openTRANS is an XML-based standard for the automated exchange of business documents and belongs to the category of the Transaction Standards. Similar to BMEcat in year 1999 the standard was introduced in the year 2001 by the eBusiness Standardization Committee in collaboration with Fraunhofer IAO. The target was, To standardize business process documents and thereby save time and cost in ordering processes. By working together on development, BMEcat and openTRANS have a very similar structure and often use the same data elements.
- Definition: A modern standard for business documents.
- Development: Under the leadership of the Fraunhofer IAO of leading companies.
- More information: openTRANS on Wikipedia
XBill
XBill is a data exchange standard for electronic invoices, developed and provided by the "Coordination Office for IT Standards" (KoSIT). XInvoice is a purely structured data format where the contents of an invoice are are specified and can be automatically processed electronically.
- Definition: An XML-based format for electronic invoices.
- Application: Especially in the exchange with public clients in Germany.
- More information: XBill on Wikipedia
Choosing the right file format depends heavily on the industry and individual requirements. However, it is advisable to choose modern and open standards, as these are often more flexible and future-proof. A good example of this is the combination of OpenTrans and BMEcat, which provides an efficient solution for many applications.
If you have any further questions about this topic or would like to make an appointment for a Live Demo we are at your disposal. You can reach us via the contact form at , by e-mail at info@smartstore.com or by phone from Monday to Friday between 10 and 16 o'clock at +4923153350.
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