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EANCOM

 

 

EANCOM is an implementation subset of UN/EDIFACT Message Standard. It was developed and maintained by EAN International (now GS1). As a subset of UN/EDIFACT, EANCOM has no new segments, no new data element and uses the same EDIFACT directory.

 

EANCOM provides its users with a more concise and relevant elements of the messages needed for Commerce and Trade. It contains lots of explanation notes and examples to provide trading partners a common understanding of the messages.

 


History

 

The EANCOM Standard started to take shape in 1980's when different EAN Numbering Organizations wanted to harmonize their existing National EDI Standards. In 1987, the EAN International adopts the UN/EDIFACT as a basis for the development of EANCOM.

 

The EANCOM manual 's first official release was on July 1990, where it contains 7 messages. And since its first release , EANCOM continue to grow, new messages are being added as user requires it and as the business need for it becomes apparent. In 1994 marks the second release of the EANCOM Manual, which contains 27 EDI messages. The third and latest release of the manual was in 1997 where it contains 42 messages.

 


The Need to Adopt EANCOM for EDI as a supplement for UN/EDIFACT


 

The primary objective of the UN/EDIFACT process is the development of EDIFACT Standard messages (United Nations Standard Messages or UNSM's) along with the supporting directories containing the building blocks of the messages (segments, composite data elements and codes) needed to implement the standards. However, as a result of the generic and dynamic nature of the standards, their wide scope of application and numerous interested parties (each with their own specific business requirements) involved in the development, the EDIFACT standard messages are often complex, overburdened with functionalities and difficult to understand and implement. Practically, UN/EDIFACT messages must be supplemented by implementation guides such as EANCOM.

 

The need and benefits to adopt EANCOM for EDI can be summarized as follows;

 

- EANCOM simplifies EDIFACT messages and their implementation by subsetting EDIFACT messages down to the core components needed to support an EDI business transaction.
- EANCOM provides rules, descriptions, clarifications and examples on the detailed use of EDIFACT messages, reducing the number potential EDIFACT message interpretations and versions.
- EANCOM provides a common reference point on the evolving EDIFACT standard within a user community.
- EANCOM offers stability and coordinated message version migrations through a set of independent version control procedures.
- EANCOM and the EAN Numbering Organization act as an interface between the end-users and the EDIFACT standardization process.
- EANCOM is only one of the components from a comprehensive EAN toolbox which includes EAN product numbering, location coding and bar coding standards. These standards or technologies, when combined together with EDI provide the means for designing a powerful system for the unambiguous and efficient exchange, capture and communication of data. The EANCOM messages have been designed to take full advantage of these associated standards to provide maximum efficiency and benefits to user.
- EANCOM Standard Messages are simple and accurate. The unambiguous coding of products and locations greatly simplifies EDI messages, reducing transmission cost and facilitating processing.
- EANCOM is a multi-industry standard. It can be use by organization regardless of the nature of their business.

 


Flow of EANCOM Messages in the Trading Cycle

 

The messages in EANCOM cater not only for a buyer- supplier relationship but also for other players in the supply chain involved in commerce and trade. Price catalogue message, Purchase orders and Invoices are exchange between buyer and supplier. Instruction for the transport of goods that has been ordered or to be returned is communicated by the supplier/buyer to the Carrier, Logistics service provider or Freight Forwarders. Payment communicated to bank is catered for in EANCOM via Financial messages.

 


Flow of EANCOM Messages in the Trading Cycle

 

The messages in EANCOM cater not only for a buyer- supplier relationship but also for other players in the supply chain involved in commerce and trade. Price catalogue message, Purchase orders and Invoices are exchange between buyer and supplier. Instruction for the transport of goods that has been ordered or to be returned is communicated by the supplier/buyer to the Carrier, Logistics service provider or Freight Forwarders. Payment communicated to bank is catered for in EANCOM via Financial messages.

 

This information flow between these parties can be illustrated below;