1 Scope
This Technical Specification provides governance rules to be used for executing an organized process for business entities to connect to one another electronically for the conduct of electronic trade in a secure and open environment through a standardized framework for information exchange. This standardized framework includes the processes and process tools that will ease connections between trading partners, provide full visibility, and reduce the time goods spend in transit. Additionally, the application of these rules and attendant standards and technology applications are expected to allow business entities to engage their legacy systems without the cost of upgrades.
The processes and process tools include web services technologies to improve the operating efficiency, safety, and security of freight movement. These technologies are used for sharing information between supply chain partners in a commonly understood manner by capturing it only once and sharing it many times, and giving all partners the same view of the data.
A service-oriented architecture leverages the web services functionality and necessitates the requirement for data exchange standards. These tools hinge on the successful definition and adoption of data standards published in open and accessible forums. The advantages of using information technology tools are undeniable and their use is now widespread across industry. The freight transport and logistics industry is no exception with all businesses using e-business to some extent.
This Technical Specification does not address liability of any kind as this is considered within the domain of each participating party.