Starnode Position Paper on the Future of the USC Services

The USC Services is the only field proven standard for the cataloging or codification of services available in the world. This is in contrast to material cataloging where a number of open and proprietary standards exist, causing great confusion and an inability to interchange data between companies using different standards and therefore placing great limitations on electronic trading.

Of all these standards one is emerging internationally as being the most accepted neutral open standard complying with ISO 8000 and TC 184/SC4 and whose acceptance is gaining in popularity across industries. This is the eOTD from the Electronic Commerce Code Management Association. (ECCMA).

Although the eOTD is quite comprehensive with regards to the cataloging and codification of material items, it is rather lacking on the services side. It is for this reason that Starnode decided to release the USC Services for inclusion into the eOTD. This will happen through the newly formed Services Industry Content Standardization Council (SICSC) in which Starnode will be playing a leading role.

The SICSC will be responsible for building and maintaining the eOTD Identification Guides for services and to develop associated services terminology for inclusion in the eOTD. The USCTM Services will be used as basis for this process.

The question remains: How does this effect current users of the USC Services?

Firstly, eOTD Identification Guides will be created with the USCTM Services as base. This will ensure upgrade ability from the USCTM Services to the eOTD. Secondly, a larger participation base is expected from companies across the globe. This will rapidly increase the growth of the Services dictionary to the benefit of all. It will also reduce the possibility of another services standard emerging and creating a similar situation as currently exists with material cataloging. The data investment of current users of the USC Services and eOTD services will therefore be protected.

About Starnode:
Starnode is an experienced Content Refinery utilizing extensive unique technologies to enhance quality and productivity with a currently capacity of producing more than 50000 enriched line items per month for the international market. Cataloging and Content creation services are provided in accordance with all major international standards i.e. e-OTD, USCTM, UNSPSC, SMD, NATO, etc.

Starnode developed the Universal Catalog Standard (USCTM) for the cataloging and codification of material items. Cataloging and coding material items based on the USCTM form the basis for inventory optimization, procurement and specifically e-procurement.

Starnode developed a unique world first model and methodology for the cataloging of Services. This model is field proven internationally at a number of large corporate clients and is currently excepted by the Electronic Commerce Code Management Association as the basis for the eOTD Services. This schema based Services Catalog leverages the investment of a well-structured Material Catalog.

Global trends are to cataloging of Material Items and Services in accordance with International standards for improved trading. Such standards provides a standardized way for describing the items uniformly and consistently so that items can be compared and buyers can utilize computer systems to find the items effectively.

Starnode also provides a range of solutions for internet based content creation which caters for a variety of ways to perform supplier adoption, from basic stand-alone systems as well as sophisticated internet based software tools. The technology is modern and of an Object Orientated Web based design, making upgrades to keep up with technology changes easy.

Starnode’s International leadership in cataloging and content creation is evident in its growing international client base with clientele across the globe spanning buying companies, supplying companies and e-commerce Market Places. It is further demonstrated by the ECCMA and Nato authorities to deliver papers, and exhibit at the International Codification and Cataloging Conference in October 2005. This international experience is also made available to local clients.

Starnode’s extensive experience is backed by Pi-Log’s comprehensive and powerful Ramis Catalog Management Software Suite. This Partnership is offering clients a total solution for all their cataloging content and software needs with full integration between all modules ranging from Cataloging and content management for the buying company as well as supplier content creation and activation. This relationship also provides for excellent system support, allowing for flexible and fast customisation of the software.

The Universal Standard Catalog (USC), developed by Starnode, is an open standard and one of the most comprehensive standards in the world. The USC was initially developed as a product catalog standard/dictionary, but has since been extended to be a leading services catalog dictionary. The USC comprises of templates with definitions to ensure the correct application of the definitions and in some cases supportive images. Strict version and configuration control is applied to the management of the USC and industry participation in the further development of the USC is encouraged. Furthermore, client specific requests can be accommodated. Starnode has extended its Content Refinery to specialize in the entire area of Master Data for ERP systems. The ERP systems of many large corporate companies are not performing optimally. This means their maintenance; procurement and inventory systems cannot deliver resulting in unnecessary delays in obtaining material from their stores and suppliers. Starnode’s expertise in improving the Master Data in the client’s ERP leads to greatly improved efficiencies impacting positively on the client’s bottom line.