And Driving Digital Transformation in the Automotive Supply Chain

GEFEG is pleased to announce its participation at Odette2025. The 23rd Odette International Automotive Conference for Supply Chain Professionals and Digital Transformation Experts takes place on 26 and 27 May 2025 in Bratislava . Experts from business, government and technology will discuss about the evolving landscape of the automotive supply chain.

Being part of this event means so much more to us than just being there with a booth. It is a clear message: Standardisation is the backbone of successful digital transformation in the automotive supply chain. Using real use cases and proven tools, GEFEG demonstrates how companies can manage data efficiently, securely and in accordance with standards. And of course this also applies to requirements in compliance with EU regulations.

🌐Which are the important and interesting topics to discuss?

The regulatory and sustainability landscape is changing rapidly – and the pressure on companies is growing. As industries such as the automotive industry shift to digitalised supply chains, they are also facing many new requirements. The wave of environmental regulations and regulatory requirements currently includes, for example, the EU regulation on electronic freight information (eFTI). Companies will not be able to sidestep these challenges.

GEFEG provides solutions and tools to master these challenges. And more importantly, we help companies to implement them – with the perfect software, strategic guidance and international co-operation.

At Odette2025, GEFEG will showcase how international standards, robust modeling tools and expert collaboration help companies turn complexity into opportunity. We will share best practices and lessons learnt from successful work with supply chain professionals and technology leaders. GEFEG brings clarity and structure to these topics. This enables you not only to prepare for compliance, but also to leverage it as a strategic advantage.

🔍 Key Topics in the Automotive Supply Chain – Our Key Discussion Points

• eFTI and the EU Customs Data Model

With GEFEG.FX companies can prepare for the eFTI regulation and enable seamless digital transport processes. And all this with structured, and legally compliant data models based on international data standards, and according to the EU regulatory data sets.

• EMSWe – European Maritime Single Window environment

The EU-wide initiative harmonises the digital exchange of data in maritime transport. As an important technical partner in this project, GEFEG is your expert for the implementation of the required EU-wide data specifications. With our software GEFEG.FX, we support public authorities and shipping companies insuring compliance in their data exchange processes across borders with regulations.

• Automotive Standards & APIs with VDA and Odette

GEFEG is a long-standing partner to the automotive industry. We support the implementation of modern standards and APIs for data exchange in the automotive supply chain with VDA and Odette. Our expertise drives supply chain transparency, process automation, and harmonisation — setting industry benchmarks.

• VAT in the Digital Age(ViDA) – Value Added Tax in the Digital Age”

On 11 March 2025, the European Commission adopted the ‘VAT in the Digital Age’ (ViDA) package. This package modernises VAT regulations in the EU and adapts them to the rapidly developing digital economy. European companies involved in cross-border trade, especially trading companies, must prepare for far-reaching changes. There is time for this implementation until 2035. What does this mean for businesses?

• Digital Product Passport (DPP)

Creating transparency, promoting sustainability and enabling circular economic models for the entire life cycle of a product: this is only possible on the basis of high-quality, standardised product data. What do companies have to do today and in the future to comply with regulatory requirements? In the course of the current legislative developments related to the introduction of product passports, all companies involved in the production of the impacted products are faced with many new tasks.

Companies will only be able to meet these challenges with new test systems that ensure that they fulfil all compliance requirements. The implementation of modern data management and test systems will therefore not only become a competitive advantage. But they become an indispensable prerequisite for companies to survive in an increasingly regulated market on the one hand. At the same time, it also makes a positive contribution to the sustainable transformation of the value chain.

We are looking forward to meeting you in Bratislava!

Meet the GEFEG experts at stand 12 in the Crowne Plaza in Bratislava. Regardless of whether you are dealing with new legal requirements, want to harmonise data or are striving for international interoperability. Our team is ready to discuss your individual challenges and opportunities.

GEFEG – Your Partner for Smart Data Standards

With decades of experience, powerful software and a strong international network, GEFEG helps organisations to turn complex requirements into practical digital solutions.

Join us at Odette 2025 & learn more in advance at: Conference | Odette

New industry standard guarantees seamless and digital communication between all partners

In vehicle and tyre maintenance, businesses face a key challenge: How can service and maintenance contracts be efficiently managed when multiple stakeholders – from tyre manufacturers and service providers to transport companies – need to collaborate? The answer lies in an industry-wide standard that enables seamless digital communication between all partners

Until now, many systems relied on message-based interfaces, which were often too rigid as they typically only facilitated exchange between two partners However, the reality of tyre management is far more complex: a system not only has to manage contract details, but also record data on vehicles, axle assignments and prescribed replacement sequences in real time. This is where the EDIWheel Workorder API comes in. The new API enables direct and dynamic communication between the systems involved. At the same time, the API ensures that maintenance processes are optimally coordinated.

“With this API, we can ensure that service providers, transport companies, and tyre manufacturers always work with up-to-date data – without manual coordination or delays,” explains Jérôme Bodet, project leader of the WORKORDER workgroup at EDIWHEEL. “This not only enhances efficiency but also improves the quality of tyre maintenance.”

Why EDIWheel Chose GEFEG!

Developing such a standard requires not just technological expertise but also in-depth knowledge of existing industry solutions. That’s why EDIWheel chose to collaborate with GEFEG for the specification and implementation of its API.

“We have been working with GEFEG products for years when it comes to standardising EDI interfaces. The ability to transfer our existing XML-based specifications into the world of APIs using GEFEG technology without having to start from scratch was a decisive advantage for us,” says Managing Director Michael Berthel.

GEFEG not only provides powerful tools for interface modelling but also brings extensive expertise in standardising digital business processes. By using the software, EDIWheel was able to ensure that existing specifications were efficiently transferred to the new API standard – a seamless transition from EDI to API without having to reinvent the wheel.

The API as a Milestone for the Industry

The EDIWheel Workorder API is more than just a technological advancement – it sets a new benchmark for digital tyre maintenance. Thanks to real-time communication between the systems of the workshops and tyre manufacturers, maintenance orders are processed faster and more precisely. In addition, compliance with quality standards is also significantly improved. In addition, compliance with quality standards is also significantly improved.

Through its collaboration with GEFEG the API was not only developed on a solid methodological basis, but was also designed to be future-proof. Businesses can adapt it flexibly to their needs while benefiting from GEFEG’s extensive experience in data standardisation.

The publication of this new standard is an important step towards more efficient, more transparent and better networked tyre management. … and the journey has only just begun.

You can also access the complete documentation via this link:

GS1 Germany supports companies on their way to secure and error-free digital data exchange

For many years, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) has been the backbone of efficient data communication in trade and consumer goods industries – both nationally and internationally. Whether purchase orders, delivery notifications or invoices: EDI ensures smooth communication between business partners.

With the adoption of new technologies such as APIs, XML and JSON, the range of digital communication options is expanding. At the same time, the number of requirements for companies to expand and further develop their EDI activities is increasing. Whether it’s new partners, additional message formats or more complex data structures: further developing EDI is no longer the exception, but rather a central part of modern, digitally integrated supply chains.

This is also coupled with the challenge of securely adapting existing message content to new requirements, reliably guaranteeing data quality and avoiding unnecessary disruptions during go-live. This is often where uncertainties arise:

Are the new data sets truly correct? How can potential errors be avoided before we go into real-time operation? How can I, as a company, support my partners during the go-live of new or changed messages?

EDI Checker: For error-free data and smooth implementation

This is where the EDI Checker comes in – the web-based validation solution that GS1 Germany makes available to all interested parties. When introducing and changing digital data, companies achieve significant acceleration in the EDI implementation process and excellent data quality by using the EDI Checker, which is available around the clock.

The EDI Checker at GS1 Germany enables profile-accurate checking of EDI test data and supports the ORDERS, DESADV and INVOIC formats based on GS1 EANCOM ^® 2002. Syntax and semantic checks based on current EANCOM^® implementation recommendations deliver improved data quality. At the same time, they minimise the risk of errors during operation – in other words, before data is used in real-time operation.

“We are convinced that the EDI Checker makes an important contribution to the digitalisation of business processes and will help companies succeed in a changing world, ” says Roman Strand, Senior Manager Master Data + Data Exchange at GS1 Germany. ,,We’ve received consistently positive feedback from EDI Checker users.”

EDI Checker Highlights

• Ready for use 24 hours a day – flexible and requires no installation
• Faster implementation of new and changed digital data – error-free even before go-live
• Real EDI messages can be used – realistic testing environment
• Detailed feedback – including online view of the standard specification and error report
• Comprehensive checks: syntax- and semantics for top data quality

• Data security & reliability – checks take place without saving data, ensuring data protection and compliance
• Free of charge for ALL

“With the EDI Checker, we enable a faster implementation cycle before EDI goes live. It even makes sense to test real EDI messages to ensure data quality,” emphasises Roman Strand, Senior Manager Master Data + Data Exchange at GS1 Germany. “In today’s fast-paced business world, it’s more important than ever that EDI processes run smoothly and data is transmitted without errors. Companies that show weaknesses in this area risk competitive disadvantages and operational inefficiencies.”

Try it now – simple and online

The EDI Checker is available free of charge to anyone interested and can be accessed directly via this link

Partner for GS1 Germany: GEFEG – experts in digital standards and structured data quality

GEFEG brings over 35 years of experience in the digitalisation and standardisation of data at both national and international levels – and is a recognised expert when it comes to digital standards, data harmonisation and compliance.

GEFEG has worked successfully with GS1 Germany for many years on the development and maintenance of industry-relevant data standards. This includes the German-English version of EANCOM^®, the world’s most important and widely used EDIFACT subset in trade, as well as the complementary GS1 XML standard. GEFEG also plays an active role in the further development of the UN/CEFACT reference data models focusing on supply chain processes – such as the electronic invoice.

As a provider of the powerful software solution GEFEG.FX, GEFEG supports companies in the planning, creation and validation of structured digital standards. The EDI Checker, the customer-specific version of the GEFEG.Portal for GS1 Germany, is continuously developed by GEFEG and offers a practical, future-proof solution for the successful use of standardised EDI processes. The web-based GEFEG.Portal solution for checking compliance with digital data standards such as UN/EDIFACT, GS1 EANCOM^® and ISO 20022 is used successfully by numerous companies. It also enables IT managers to ensure compliance with company and industry-specific standards and thus supports smooth and standard-compliant data exchange with business partners. By recognising and correcting potential errors at an early stage before going live, it helps to increase efficiency and reduce costs in EDI projects.

With GEFEG and GS1 Germany, companies can rely on sound expertise, reliable solutions and future-oriented data quality.

Best Practices for Modern API Design with GEFEG.FX

In this article, which focuses on GEFEG.FX functions, we concentrate on best practices for developing standards-compliant interfaces with API technology – a key building block for sustainable and maintainable IT systems.

This article supplements the EDIWheel Workorder Project Report with information on further technical features of the API functions in GEFEG.FX.

Complex Requirements in Interface Design

When developing interfaces for data exchange with external partners, companies encounter typical challenges: A lack of standards-compliant documentation and missing validation of data streams often lead to errors and security risks. At the same time, uncoordinated approaches complicate future scalability and maintenance. In addition, inconsistent structures and a lack of versioning strategies cause technical debts that slow down further development in the long term.

The key solution: Integrated design of interfaces and data formats

GEFEG.FX provides an integrated approach by combining various editors (functional areas). In addition to the OpenAPI editor, the software offers other editors. Each editor is customised for the development of specific technical data formats based on established industry standards and user-defined data structures. These data structures can be integrated into the API Editor, enabling validation of incoming and outgoing data using schema files.

By merging interface design with data exchange format design, GEFEG.FX acts as a comprehensive tool for API development, from the initial design stages to documentation. This integrated approach supports consistent implementation and, through the use of data format schema files, enables systematic quality assurance of exchanged data.

Practical Features for Efficient API Development

The API Editor in GEFEG.FX supports domain experts with numerous practical functionalities. At the same time, full compliance with the OpenAPI 3 format ensures that all APIs created fulfil the standard requirements. The flexible export to YAML or the OpenAPI 3 format enables seamless reuse in other applications and systems. In addition, existing data structures from JSON schema or XML schema can be imported directly and used as the basis for new APIs, thus eliminating the need to capture redundant data structures.

The regularly updated international code lists, which can be integrated into the APIs with just a few clicks, provide a further efficiency gain. Customisation options for API responses and the integration of example values in API descriptions simplify implementation for external partners. These functions not only simplify API development, but also promote smooth collaboration with business partners.

With the OpenAPI Editor in GEFEG.FX, developers and domain experts have a well-designed tool that supports the entire lifecycle of API interfaces while ensuring data quality. Agood example of this is the EDIWheel Workorder Project, which was developed with the API editor from GEFEG.FX.. Die Kombination aus Benutzerfreundlichkeit und technischer Tiefe macht den OpenAPI Editor zur idealen Lösung für moderne Integrationsanforderungen.

What is “VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA)”?

On 11 March 2025, the European Commission adopted the VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) package, aimed at modernising VAT rules within the EU and adapting them to the rapidly evolving digital economy. Businesses across Europe must prepare for far-reaching changes that will be implemented by 2035. This reform has significant implications for international trade and requires immediate adjustments by companies involved in cross-border business.

What does this mean for businesses?

1. E-invoicing becomes mandatory:

From now on, EU Member States can enforce the mandatory introduction of electronic invoicing under certain conditions.

To ensure that they fulfil these new requirements, companies should act now.

How can your company implement this change efficiently, and what are the benefits of e-invoicing for your processes?

2. Optimisation of OSS and IOSS: More efficiency in international trade

The One-Stop Shop (OSS) and Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) systems will be further enhanced to simplify VAT procedures in cross-border transactions and to minimise fraud risks. It is particularly important for internationally active commercial companies to familiarise themselves with the structural changes in the IOSS in order to ensure their own compliance.

Which opportunities arise from these changes for the efficiency of your business processes?

The optimisation of the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) and Import One-Stop-Shop (IOSS) systems offers international trading companies numerous advantages. By simplifying VAT handling and minimising fraud risks, business processes can be made more efficient:

• Less administrative work: Companies benefit from a centralised VAT declaration that facilitates cross-border sales.
• Faster and automated processes: Digital tax reporting reduces the risk of errors and speeds up processes.
• Increased transparency and compliance: The new regulations help to minimise the risk of fraud and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
• Competitive advantage through early adjustments: Those who deal with the changes in good time can optimise their processes and work more efficiently in the long term.

3. New obligations (from 1 July 2028)

From 2028, significant changes will affect platforms that mediate short-term accommodation and passenger transport. With the introduction of deemed supplier measures, digital platforms will be more heavily involved in tax obligations, forcing companies to adapt their tax strategies.

Additionally, reforms to the Single VAT Registration will come into force, including:

• Expanded OSS schemes with more efficient processes and a new ‘transfer of own goods’ system to facilitate cross-border goods movements.
• Obligation to reverse the tax liability (reverse charge) for unidentified suppliers, which means that companies must prepare for a change in invoicing.

4. Digital reporting for B2B transactions (from 1 July 2030)

The gradual digitalisation of VAT continues: From 2030, digital reporting for cross-border B2B transactions will become mandatory. Businesses must adapt to new reporting obligations and adjust their systems accordingly in order to fulfil tax requirements seamlessly.

5. Real-time tax reporting at EU level (by 1 July 2035)

By 2035 at the latest, real-time tax reporting for domestic transactions is to be aligned with EU standards. The goal is a unified, digital VAT system that increases transparency and reduces administrative burden for businesses in the long run.

What strategies should businesses develop to prepare early for these changes?

To adapt effectively, companies should assess and digitalise their tax processes early on. Modernising ERP and accounting systems is essential for efficiently managing the new reporting requirements and real-time reporting.

Compliance strategies also need to be revised, especially regarding the reverse charge procedure and the new taxation rules for platforms. Regular training of finance teams and collaboration with tax advisors will help meet legal requirements in advance.

In addition, pilot projects for digital reporting formats should be launched and ensure that their interfaces with government authorities function smoothly. Those who act now can reduce administrative efforts, ensure compliance, and gain long-term competitive advantages.

6. Unified VAT system:

The new regulations aim to harmonise the VAT system within the EU and thereby reduce the administrative hurdles for businesses. Internationally operating companies will benefit from a standardised and simpler system.

But how can this harmonisation be integrated by your company?

From GEFEG’s perspective, several aspects are of central importance: the standardisation and continuous maintenance of data exchange formats plays a decisive role. GEFEG solutions support companies in efficiently implementing standardised electronic invoice formats and reporting procedures. In addition, GEFEG’s software helps to comply with new EU regulations. Another advantage of the GEFEG software tools is the ability to check and validate exchange data against the harmonised VAT regulations – which further facilitates compliance with legal requirements.

Why should businesses act now?

The introduction of the new ViDA requirements is not only a legal obligation, but also offers companies numerous opportunities to optimise their internal data structures in a highly targeted manner. If companies get to grips with the coming changes at an early stage, they will be able to reap the following benefits:

• Increased efficiency and error reduction: Electronic invoicing enables faster and error-free handling of VAT processes.
• Better compliance: The new rules provide a clearer and safer way to declare VAT, reducing the risk of penalties or errors.
• Reduced complexity in cross-border trade: The harmonisation of VAT regulations simplifies international trade and companies can benefit from uniform processes.

Act now and shape the transformation with GEFEG!

GEFEG supports you with modern solutions that allow you to analyse and implement the new requirements for digital data in your IT systems quickly and efficiently. We offer customised software solutions and consulting services that optimally prepare your company for digital change.

Don’t miss out – act now! Take action and secure a digital advantage for your company. Get in touch with us and find out as early as possible what changes you need and what support GEFEG can offer you to achieve strategic advantages in implementing the new ViDA requirements.

The maritime sector faces challenges in data exchange due to fragmented systems, inconsistent formats, and diverse regulations. These complexities inflate costs, delay decisions, and hinder efficiency. However, the push for standardised digital solutions and regulatory alignment offers a path to streamlined compliance, smarter decision-making, and improved operations.

EMSWe-MIG 1.0: A response to the challenges

As a response to these challenges, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has taken a pioneering step and has now published the first maritime data set aligning the reporting obligations of all European Member States in the one and only EMSWe-MIG 1.0.

In October 2024 EMSA has published the first European Maritime Safety Reporting Implementation Guide (EMSWe) 1.0. . This uniform framework simplifies ship-to-shore reporting and promotes standardisation and harmonisation for efficient implementation. It paves the way for real trade facilitation, transparency, efficiency and sustainability in maritime transport.

How does EMSWe-MIG 1.0 enable stakeholders?

The EMSWe-MIG 1.0 is more than just a guide—it’s a practical toolkit for stakeholders.

Check out the EMSWe-MIG 1.0 Now: emsa.europa.eu/emswe-mig/

Discover the Future of European Maritime Reporting: EMSWe MIG 1.0 for first-time users

Join us on 17th January 2025 for an exclusive webinar by GEFEG designed to present the EMSWe- MIG 1.0 and its components to you. Also learn more about using how GEFEG.FX will support you in successfully implementing EMSWe- MIG 1.0.

How does GEFEG.FX support your EMSWe-MIG 1.0 Implementation?

As the technical experts in EMSWe data development, GEFEG and its GEFEG.FX software support standardised message guidelines, XML schemas and mapping of internal formats and international standards. This boosts harmonisation, compliance and seamless data exchange. With GEFEG.FX software and GEFEG consulting services, you will smoothly integrate and stay compliant within the EMSWe framework. This allows you to enhance operational efficiency and boost your data transparency.

📅 Register now and benefit from our free webinar!

📌 Language: English

Friday, 17 January 2025 11:00-12:00 (UTC+01:00) Amsterdam, Berlin, Bern, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna.

📌 Language: German

Friday, 17 January 2025 14:00-15:00 (UTC+01:00) Amsterdam, Berlin, Bern, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna.

🌍Take the opportunity to learn more about the tools and expertise you can use to lead your organisation into the future of maritime compliance!

The new 2024-Q4 release of GEFEG.FX introduces significant enhancements for the JSON Editor. Among the key new features is the ability to not only map JSON Schema Guides but also publish them as structured documentation These functionalities provide a new level of flexibility and efficiency in managing JSON-based data structures.

Link JSON schema guides with other data formats

With the new release, JSON Schema Guides can now be semantically mapped to other data formats in GEFEG.FX. This feature ensures that JSON Schema-based data structures are precisely connected to other data formats, enabling seamless harmonisation of interfaces even with differing terminology:
· For instance, an item number might be described as data element 7140 (UN/EDIFACT) or IDTNR (SAP IDoc).
· The mapping links all identifiers, allowing the JSON tag for the item number to be quickly located across other formats.

• For instance, an item number might be described as data element 7140 (UN/EDIFACT) or IDTNR (SAP IDoc).
• The mapping links all identifiers, allowing users to quickly locate the JSON tag for the item number across other formats.

Publication of JSON Schema Guides

Soon, it will be possible to publish JSON Schema Guides using a dedicated new template—a functionality already available for other editor types in GEFEG.FX. This new documentation capability supports both internal and external communication through clear and structured presentations of JSON data formats.

What New JSON Features Does the 2024-Q4 Release Offer?

• Optimised data integration: Map JSON schema guides with other data formats.
• Publication and Communication: Publish JSON Schema Guides as structured documentation for internal and external use.

These new features in the GEFEG.FX JSON Editor make working with JSON data structures more efficient and enhance validation capabilities.

Tips & Tricks for GEFEG.FX: Using the Publishing Project File (.man)

A useful feature in GEFEG.FX is the Publishing Project File (.man), which plays a central role in generating outputs such as:

• Documentation in HTML, Word, or PDF formats.
• Exports for XSD generation.

Predefined Publishing Projects: The “Templates” folder within the GEFEG.Distribution contains predefined .man files that allow company-specific specifications to be documented without additional configuration.

Customising Publishing Projects: If the standard templates do not meet your requirements, users can tailor the structure to their needs. A common request is to include individual Word pages in the publishing project, such as a company profile, multi-page process description, or an introduction to the data format being published. These supplementary Word pages can be directly integrated into the Publishing Project File, eliminating the need for manual and time-consuming post-editing.

Performance Improvements for EDI Guides and Standards

Another key highlight of the update is the migration of all “classic” EDI Guides and Standards to a modern database format. This modernisation of the database structure will allow you to open large data, such as UN locodes, more quickly.

Important Implementation Notes:

• To take advantage of this optimisation, all data packages for classic EDI standards must be re-downloaded during the update process.
• Editing EDI Guides remains unchanged: Open, edit, and save existing guides as usual.

This technical modernisation enhances the efficiency of processing EDI files without affecting the user workflow.

Data packages in the GEFEG.FX distribution

The following new, supplemented or modified data packages are available for download according to your license scope.

• cXML

The package has been extended by these new versions: cXML version 1.2.063 and 1.2.064

• Anfavea RND

These standards have been added to the package:

RND003v03, RND005v02, RND009v01, RND012v08, RND101v01, RND301v00, RND302v01, RND303v00, RND304v02, RND305v00, RND306v00, RND500v00, RND600v01, RND601v03, RND603v01, RND605v00, RND800v00, RND810v00, RND820v00, RND900v01, RND901v00, RND997v01, RND998v01

An interview with Sue Probert on the development and impact of semantic data models and their lasting impact on global trade.

In this interview, we talk to Sue Probert, who has just completed her second term as Chair of UN/CEFACT. UN/CEFACT (United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business) develops global standards and semantic data models to facilitate and harmonise international trade procedures and business processes. Over the past decades, Sue has not only witnessed but also shaped key developments in this field, playing a pivotal role in revolutionising how we exchange data globally. We look forward to exploring the insights and experiences from this life long journey.

You’ve had an extensive career in the field of electronic data exchange. Would you kindly start by telling us about your early career and how you got into this field?

Absolutely. I began my trade facilitation journey in the 1980s working for an IBM dealership in the UK. Back then, I was involved in developing a system that allowed exporters to create standardised export documents more efficiently using laser printing technology. This early experience really sparked my interest in the standardisation of data models and electronic trade. At that time, however, it was not yet a question of electronic data exchange between companies. Instead, the aim was to develop functions with which printers could efficiently print out the relevant business documents. So the documents were all still paper-based.

However, in the early 1990s, my company suddenly decided to stop developing the document creation system. I became redundant and found myself on the street, with no car, no laptop, no phone. It’s one of those times when you are forced to think about your future. Three months later, I had started a new business.

And I had negotiated with my previous employer that I could take over all the software that I had been responsible for developing together with most of the development team. So I started a tiny little company in my house. In the beginning, I had six employees, and when the kids went to school, their bedrooms were used as offices.

We focused on software solutions for international trade and through the UK SITPRO organisation, I joined a joint UN/ECE and OASIS ebXML project where I first encountered many people in the XML World. One of them wanted to work together with UN/CEFACT and develop new XML solutions for the international trade. Because of our expertise in both fields this resulted in one of the dotcom companies deciding to buy my company. That’s one of those really crucial events that resulted in a wonderful range of life experiences. I continued to work for this company for the next three years, partly in Silicon Valley and partly in the UK.

How did you then find your way to UN/CEFACT?

By selling the company, I was financially independent and could therefore decide freely about what I wanted to do next. The world of international trade continued to fascinate me. So I decided to give back some of my experience and started contributing directly to UN/CEFACT as an expert volunteer.

And you have come a long way since then. You recently finished your six-year chairmanship of UN/CEFACT, how do you look back on this time? Which of your contributions would you like to see have a longer-term impact?

Reference data models are definitely the most important thing I have worked on, not just in the last six years, but much longer. These Reference Data Models are structured in a meaningful way to represent data related to international supply chains. They ensure that the semantic data used in cross-border trade processes is well defined, standardised, and universally understood across different systems, organisations, and countries.

To understand this universal and standardised approach, let’s use the term “buyer” as an example. A buyer needs to be clearly defined so that everybody involved in a transaction knows very well who is responsible for the payment. The UN/CEFACT data model includes numerous attributes for the buyer party, many designed for general use, such as the company name, address and contact information. However, some attributes are only necessary in specific transactions, such as those involving regulated goods, special tax conditions, or unique contractual agreements. The semantic data models of UN/CEFACT are a kind of library in which all the important data relevant for international trade are defined in a standardised and comprehensive way.

Can you explain in more detail what advantages reference models have and how they are useful for companies in general?

A semantic reference data model allows trading partners to reuse the same data definitions regardless of the syntax format that they may be adopting for data exchange. This means that a company can switch from one syntax exchange format to another, or even adopt new formats in the future, without losing the underlying meaning of the data. This is particularly valuable for international trade, where you have to deal with different regulations and practices across country borders. Our models ensure that the semantic data definitions remain consistent and reliable, no matter where it’s used.

This reusability is the key advantage of semantic data models. In UN/CEAFCT we have continuously developed and expanded our international supply chain reference model and now offer a model that reflects processes in the international supply chain better than any other known supply chain model.

You’ve also been involved in the adoption of UN/EDIFACT, XML and JSON technologies. How did these change the landscape of data exchange?

On the one hand, each new syntax format certainly had a major impact on the technical implementation of data exchange. When XML became very popular around the 2000s and JSON a decade later, new standards and data formats were developed that were specifically tailored to the new data formats in terms of semantics and syntax.

On the other side, these changes have not fundamentally altered the operational processes within international trade. This continuity in processes highlights the importance for companies to shift their attention to semantic reference models that prioritise a clear understanding and alignment with these operational workflows.

So, would you say there’s a best data exchange format for companies to use today?

I wouldn’t say there’s only one best format. Each format—whether it’s UN/EDIFACT, XML, JSON, or even traditional paper forms—serves the same fundamental purpose: enabling data exchange between trading partners. The choice of exchange format often depends on the specific needs of the organisation and the technical expertise available. What’s important is that companies focus on the semantics of the data they are exchanging. If they get the semantics right, they can adapt to any format that comes along. But it is an important thing to remember that the developers in any organisation are often only experienced to implement what they’ve learned recently. And currently that’s most likely JSON and not semantic data models – this is a continual challenge in the real world. Another issue is that important lessons learned over the years are not always remembered over time.

What do you recommend companies do to ensure that they are well equipped for efficient data exchange?

My recommendation would be to focus on the semantics of your internal data systems and align them with international standards as much as possible. This alignment will make it much easier to exchange data with external partners, no matter what format is being used. If your internal systems are too rigid to change, then at least make sure that your external data exchanges are standardised.

When companies introduce a new ERP system or digitise processes, they all too often only think about their own internal procedures and lose sight of their external business partners. I find it amazing that they don’t think more about this. The question of how data is exchanged externally should be given a much higher priority.

And finally, what do you see as the biggest challenge for the future of data exchange?

The biggest challenge will be ensuring that all the different formats and technologies continue to be part of the picture. I spent my life meeting with people who think they’re doing something for the first time. They’re not. It’s a long, long journey and we all need to acknowledge both past and future in order to move forward. Otherwise we will just reinvent the same problems. There’s a lot of valuable data being exchanged in older formats like UN/EDIFACT, and we need to make sure that this remains accessible and usable. The future of data exchange needs to be inclusive of all relevant technologies.

Sue, thank you for the interview

GEFEG.FX 2024-Q3 Release News

With the new GEFEG.FX quarterly release 2024-Q3, the following functionalities are also available for use.

Schematron Editor – More efficient validation with precise checks

The GEFEG.FX Schema Editor makes working with XML schema much easier and more efficient. You can specifically restrict formats, value scopes and accuracies of elements and attributes in GEFEG.FX schema. Transmitted values of the XML file must fulfil precisely these requirements.

In practical situations, it is often not enough just to check the syntax; complex business rules, such as totalling calculations or if-then conditions, must also be fulfilled. These specific requirements can be perfectly covered in GEFEG.FX with Schematron rules.

You can use the Schematron editor to edit and test individual Schematron rules directly and specifically in your XSD project. You don’t have to process the entire file, instead changes can be checked quickly and precisely.

This is how it works:

• Simply click on the ‘Check’ note of your Schematron rule and select ‘Edit and test Schematron rule’ in the context menu to open the editor for the respective rule.

Your benefits:

• Fast validation: Check your XML files easily and precisely.
• Clear results: Thanks to the markings in green (error-free) and red (incorrect), you know immediately where action is required.
• Efficient workflow: Edit rules directly in the ‘Assertion’ field, test the changes immediately and repeat the process until the desired result is achieved.

With the Schematron editor, you can prepare or correct Schematron rules more quickly and ensure smooth and correct data processing.

Which export is the best choice to create an XSD from my GEFEG.FX schema?

Depending on the application, use different export options to generate an XSD file from your GEFEG.FX schema.

In the B2B environment, an XSD file is often used for different scenarios:

• Message structure: An XSD can be used to represent the structure of a message by clearly displaying all the necessary elements and attributes of an XML file.
• Validation: An XSD is also used to validate XML instances. Higher requirements are placed here, as messages can be designed at element level in GEFEG.FX.

If you want to use your XSD file for validation, we recommend exporting it as a „Validation Schema“. This export takes into account all changes that you have made at element level and creates an XSD file that integrates these adjustments. This differs from the ‘Profile Schema’ export, where such changes are not applied.

The ‘Validation Schema’ export is available as an add-on and offers you a customised solution for validating complex XML instances.

With the right export, you can ensure that your XSD file meets exactly the requirements you need for your application.

Tipps and Tricks for GEFEG.FX: Open the Windows Explorer in the Manager

Here’s a pro tip for those occasions when you need to handle something outside of GEFEG.FX. Simply highlight the relevant section in the GEFEG.FX Manager, then select “Open folder in Explorer” from the menu. This will give you direct access to the files you need right within Windows Explorer. It’s a quick and efficient way to manage your data without leaving the GEFEG.FX environment.

This function is particularly useful if you want to fill a test data folder with test messages: Open the test data folder directly from GEFEG.FX, copy the test messages to the corresponding folder in Windows, and then update the test data folder in GEFEG.FX Your test messages are then immediately available for validation in the GEFEG.FX. Your test messages are then immediately available for validation in GEFEG.FX.

Data packages in GEFEG.FX

The following new, supplemented or modified data packages are available for download according to your license scope.

• cXML – New data package
• New: Sample data provided for API and JSON
• UBL 2.2, 2.3, 2.4
• RosettaNet Update: New PIPs provided
• WCO Data Model version 4.1.0

Data update now available with GEFEG.FX

The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has recently published version 4.1.0 of its data model. GEFEG.FX users of the WCO Data Model can now access the new version publication 4.1.0 after performing an internet update.

New: Booking Reservation Information DIP Now Included in version 4.1.0

As with previous updates, the World Customs Organisation provides key regulatory data requirements in response to new or amended legislation. These are first submitted by customs authorities and implementers as amendments to the WCO data model and then implemented.

With the release of version 4.1.0, the WCO data model introduces the new Booking Reservation Information (BRI) dataset. This dataset is now available as a derived information package (DIP), which has been specifically designed to simplify the implementation tasks of the users of the WCO Data Model and the cruise industry.

This updated version also integrates the UPU dataset and the Joint Message Standards, which further improves the simplification and processing of postal items. These enhancements are aimed at improving efficiency and compliance across the global customs landscape.

Customs authorities around the globe further strive for effectiveness and efficiency

It is an important objective for the WCO to provide and further develop its global standard for seamless cross-border transactions for all Customs administrations worldwide.

What are the benefits of the WCO Data Model, which is intended to be the basis for information exchange of cross-border regulatory processes in a global supply chain?

The Data Model opens the possibility for Customs authorities to achieve interoperability and collaboration in Single Window and other implementations. Data flow and integration of business data for Customs procedures are simplified and harmonized.

The main components of the WCO data model consist of ‘Base Information Packages’ and ‘Additional Information Packages’.

Information packages are used to compile information that is transmitted by the trading partners on the one hand. On the other hand, customs authorities process this information for typical customs processes and procedures. Customs processes cover Single Window, or other implementations, including those at the virtual border. This includes, for example, declaration of goods movement, licenses, permits, certificates, or other types of regulatory cross-border trade documents.

Delivery of the WCO Data Model in a structured and reusable format in GEFEG.FX

In cooperation with the World Customs Organization, GEFEG has been delivering the WCO Data Model with GEFEG.FX software since the early 2010s. For customs authorities, government organisations, traders and other parties involved in cross-border regulatory processes, this has opened up new opportunities for joint development work and user-specific use of the WCO Data Model. The advantage for our users: GEFEG.FX simplifies and rationalises the reuse of the WZO data model. Furthermore, a ready-to-use XML schema export function compatible with the WZO data model also contributes to the support of customised implementations.

Easy and effective use of the WCO Data Model

Many users of the WCO Data Model packages in GEFEG.FX have already successfully made use of the simple and efficient methods for reusing the WCO Data Model. They use GEFEG.FX to plan and implement their country and/or region-specific customs data requirements based on legislation. Our users have an important task with every new release. They need to determine whether their existing implementations need to be modified to incorporate the latest WCO definitions of objects and customs procedures. This is the only way to ensure continuous compliance with the data model.