eMessaging

What is XML?

XML or Extensible Markup Language is a specification developed by the W3C
(World Wide Web Consortium).

It is a derivative version of Standard Generalised Markup Language (SGML) and was designed especially for web documents. XML allows users to create their own tags, enabling the definition, transmission, validation, and interpretation of data between organisations and their supporting applications.

In the context of B2B electronic commerce, XML and its supporting technologies, combined with other associated internet protocols allows organisations to use the traditional ideas of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and bring them to the internet.

XML is supported by a number of technologies that make it more than just a language or core syntax. (For example, the ability to query, transform and integrate between applications are all possible with XML).

Based on the XML specifications, GS1 XML is one of the two eMessaging standards which GS1 recommends for eCom implementation. It provides a standardised and predictable structure for electronic business messages, enabling trading partners to communicate business data rapidly, efficiently and accurately, irrespective of their internal hardware or software.

BMS and XML schemas

The GS1 Business Message Standards (BMS) and Extensible Markup Language (XML) schemas demonstrate GS1's willingness to build on internet communications not existing when EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport) began over 25 years ago.

The Global Commerce Initiative (GCI) has endorsed the efforts and the standards.

Through the GS1 BMS and XML schemas, GS1 are offering a suite of global Business to Business (B2B) standards aimed at solving some of the major challenges of eCommerce.

This includes:

Lack of data synchronisation among trading partners for: item, party, price and other processes
Complexity and redundancy inherent in follow up business processes resulting from lack of data synchronisation

The business process areas that have been recognised include: align, deliver, pay, plan and technical messages.

The GS1 BMS provide the following key features:

Adhere to global standards defined by business users
Adhere to the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) recommendations. W3C develops interoperable technologies (specifications, guidelines, software, and tools) to lead the iInternet to its full potential as a forum for information, commerce, communication, and collective understanding. W3C is the standards organisation for XML and approved the standard for XML schemas
Tested for functionality in an eCommerce environment
Developed using a world class standards management process known as the Global Standards Management Process (GSMP)
Uses the eBMethodology that is based on international standards such as: ebXML, UN/CEFACT Modelling Methodology (UMM) and W3C. Alignment with these international standards bodies ensures speed in development, reusability of components and extensibility

GS1 does not see XML replacing traditional Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) syntaxes such as UN/EDIFACT, both are viable B2B syntaxes and have varying strengths in different areas. GS1 believes that the implementation of EDIFACT will continue to grow into the future. XML and EDIFACT will be used as complementing standards and will continue to serve the vast business needs; both will be used where its strengths lie most.

More information

GS1 Australia position on XML standards

GS1 Australia recognises there are many XML 'standards' being talked about, used and promoted. In all the industry verticals GS1 Australia is currently involved with, B2B XML uptake has been slow with companies reluctant to invest in resources and commit to standards that continue to evolve. EDI (GS1 EANCOM) is still the standard of choice.

GS1 XML standards

The GS1 XML message standards can be downloaded for free from the GS1 Global website. Please use the link below and navigate by version or functional area depending upon your requirements.

More information

GS1 XML implementation documentation

In addition to the documentation provided within the download of the GS1 XML standard, there is also a range of implementation resources that have been developed by GS1 Global. Some helpful documents are included below.

GS1 XML Technical User Guide to Release 2.0

This guide is designed to be a basic technical introduction to GS1 XML. It provides a good starting point for any party looking to implement GS1 XML or as a basic reference document.

Download

GS1 XML Message Architecture Implementation Guide

The GS1 XML Architecture provide additional functionality around a given business document such as transport and routing of the message and providing instructions for the receiving application. This guide provides a detailed look at the function, structure and usage of the architecture.

Download

Further documentation

For additional documentation on GS1 XML please refer to the GS1 Global website.