Covisint plans to lead an industry group that will drive
the replacement of Electronic Data Interchange technologies with
XML and internet-based messaging in the motor trade.
The online automotive exchange said the move to web standards will
improve communications between companies in the motor industry and
replace costly EDI systems. The messaging solution will also enable
smaller companies not currently using EDI to connect to their
customers and suppliers.
EDI is a commonly used proprietary data standard developed before
the widespread use of the internet in business.
Members of the consortium backing the move include DaimlerChrysler,
Delphi, Ford, General Motors, Johnson Controls and Lear. Each has
committed financial and human resources to the development of the
XML-based system.
Due to be available later this year, the new messaging solution
will allow Covisint customers to send and receive data from
applications behind each others' firewalls, as well as to Covisint
applications, at a significantly lower cost than is available from
current EDI solutions.
It will support the latest internet-based protocols and XML
standard messages, as well as the millions of EDI (Edifact and X12)
messages that are exchanged daily in the automotive business. The
specifications for the solution are being developed in cooperation
with the Automotive Industry Action Group.
"Covisint's new messaging service will help to enhance open
communication and information sharing at all levels of the supply
chain," said Gary Valade, executive vice-president, global
procurement and supply, at DaimlerChrysler.
What is Covisint?
Covisint is a technology services company whose
business-to-business applications and communication services
connect the global automotive industry. It provides firms in the
motor trade with a common connection to their suppliers and
customers based on common business processes.