Overview

XML is an acronym for "eXtensible Markup Language". XML is designed for information exchange over the internet. Within GS1 set of standards, XML is used for Electronic Data Interchange - GS1 eCom.

The GS1 XML standards are not meant to compete or replace GS1 EANCOM - the GS1 standard for "traditional" EDI. GS1 XML standards initially addressed different user groups than the existing EANCOM standards, but currently both technologies are being used in parallel.

Key features of GS1 XML

 

GS1 XML is a part of the integrated portfolio of supply chain tools

The GS1 XML is part of the wide portfolio of standards and solutions that forms the GS1 System. It is not a stand-alone standard, but is integrated with other supply chain management tools that GS1 offers

The GS1 Identification Keys are used in all GS1 standards, both in physical flow of goods and in information flow of business data and also in XML messages for the identification of:

The use of GS1 keys allows for direct integration of data received by means of electronic communication with data captured during scanning of products sold in retail, during logistic activities, etc. It saves users costly and time-consuming mapping of proprietary identification schemes. The same identification keys are used to collect retail sales data at the point of sales and logistic activities during despatching and receiving of goods by scanning bar codes.

The GS1 XML messages are used in Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN). The GDSN connects business partners and allows them to share product, price and party information in an automated manner. It enables master data alignment, making the transactional information slimmer and their exchange more efficient and less costly.

The automatic exchange of business information using GS1 XML standards facilitates the event management, enabled by the Electronic Product Code (EPC). This is a global standard and infrastructure for radio frequency based object identification, their tracking and management of events related to these objects.

GS1 XML is fully compliant with UN/CEFACT methodology

The GS1 XML message development is based on the Global Data Dictionary (GDD). The GDD is the repository of:

  • data components, used to create the GS1 XML standards, developed according to the UN/CEFACT Core Components Technical Specification (CCTS)
  • business terms and their representation in GS1 XML and other target standards

The GS1 Core Components are submitted as an input to UN/CEFACT development. GS1 is actively involved in several efforts within UN/CEFACT, CCTS being only one example.

Though the development of the actual UN/CEFACT XML standard (UN/XML) is still in the early stages, GS1 is participating actively and continues to incorporate the UN/XML standards into the GS1 XML suite. Additionally, the development of GS1 standards is based on the same modelling, design and technical principle as UN/CEFACT.

Due to GS1's unique relationship with UN/CEFACT, GS1 has been recognised by the UN/CEFACT as a non-governmental organisation, like World Customs Organisation (WCO) or SWIFT.

GS1 XML is being developed based on a well-organised process

Any development of a new standard or any modification to an existing GS1 standard follows a rigorous, well-documented change management procedure: the Global Standards Management Process (GSMP).

All developments are done in response to a change request that can be submitted by any company, member of GS1. Each change request is processed following the GSMP procedures, based on user requirements. Each step of GSMP Development Process includes a validation with industry as to the importance of the proposed change and the commitment of users to implement that change. When the final solution is created, it is thoroughly checked for compatibility with the entire set of GS1 standards and is approved by the users who have helped define the requirements and made a commitment to implement them.

The GSMP concept has been submitted to UN/CEFACT as an input for common development. The UN/CEFACT has implemented some parts of GSMP, mainly in gathering of requirements.

GS1 XML can be implemented by companies from many sectors, anywhere using any technical configuration

GS1 develops standards that can serve international business in any place in the world, but are also extensible to meet specific regional and industry requirements. This extension methodology is currently being used in GS1 XML development and actively implemented in the Global Data Synchronisation Network. This approach allows for new industry requirements to be easily added to the existing set of messages to enable new processes without interrupting the current install base. It assures the scalability of GS1 XML solutions.

GS1 XML standards provide solutions for multiple sectors using the same XML business message. This is achieved through context driven extensions applied to general XML schemas.

GS1 XML is designed in such a way that the messaging is transport agnostic. GS1 supports reliable and secure messaging via the use of AS1 and AS2 transport protocols, but is not limited to these standards. It is very simple to exchange GS1 XML documents using any technical solution or profile, such as Web Services.

GS1 XML is an open standard, all the XML standards can be freely downloaded from the GS1 website.

GS1 does not mandate users to report the usage of standards. An annual survey is conducted among the Member Organisations, to help judge adoption. The results of the survey are published every year on the GS1 website.

GS1 provides a local and global support for its standards

GS1 is a fully integrated global organisation with more than 100 local Member Organisations, serving over a million companies in over 140 countries.

Every member company can receive support from the local GS1 Member Organisation in its own language, by the staff familiar with the local business practice, legal constraints, etc. Local staff are supported by the GS1 Global Office and GSMP subject matter experts, helping to answer all user questions.

GS1 Member Organisations and Global Office also provide training for the user companies, both through classroom and on-line courses.

GS1 XML Standards are based on many years of business experience

GS1 was one of the first standard organisations to publish a global XML based business standard. GS1 XML currently contains more than 60 "document" XML schemas, not counting supporting schemas from the common library.

GS1 has been developing and applying eBusiness standards since the mid 1980s, based on UN/CEFACT standards and methodology.