Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 45 seconds

XML is Dead - Long Live XML

xml_kills_ediThe old debate about XML replacing EDI as a format for transacting global business has all but faded from conversation. But that doesn't mean that the format itself is gone. The use of XML as a transfer medium between applications has become a default because of its flexibility and its ease of configuration. But the bigger question is, "Does the format of the data actually matter?"

 

As trading partners become more tightly connected and translation services take over an increasing amount of the detailed work around converting transaction files between trading partners, the actual format of the inbound and outbound documents will become less and less a concern. What remains is the reliability of the conversion and the consistency of the integration with each partner's ERP and other systems.

At the point that the technical details of data transformation fades from top of mind management, and is reliable and consistent, the actual format of the data will also fade from concern. I see this happening when major enterprise applications like ERP, HR, and CRM include built-in facilities for generating and accepting transactions. These can, and are likely to be EDI formatted documents, but when executed, those documents flow transparently to the supply chain service provider (likely a SaaS provider) who accepts the documents in their predetermined formats, converts them to an internal data structure, and then sends them on their way to their intended recipients in what ever format those trading partners require.

The details of those transformations are unimportant to the trading partners themselves. Some will chose XML formats because they have internal processes that use that format, while others will choose EDI formatted documents, probably because they have been using the format for many years. And still others may chose flat files, .XLS files, or any format they like based on the capacity of their transport service provider.

So while the debate about XML replacing EDI is not the hot debate it once was, the reality of XML being used with increasing frequency is an accelerating trend. But in the end, very few trading partners will actually care.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Read 4821 times
Rate this item
(0 votes)
Scott Koegler

Scott Koegler is Executive Editor for PMG360. He is a technology writer and editor with 20+ years experience delivering high value content to readers and publishers. 

Find his portfolio here and his personal bio here

Visit other PMG Sites:

PMG360 is committed to protecting the privacy of the personal data we collect from our subscribers/agents/customers/exhibitors and sponsors. On May 25th, the European's GDPR policy will be enforced. Nothing is changing about your current settings or how your information is processed, however, we have made a few changes. We have updated our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy to make it easier for you to understand what information we collect, how and why we collect it.