INTEGRATING SYSTEMS

IN THE B2B
VALUE CHAIN
 Designed for integration

• Bilateral vs Multiple Integration

• Application architecture (system)
• Structured data input
• Metal XML

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 Bilateral integration
2 UNIX
Integration with other
3 DOS systems may be
ORG 1
COMPLEX
4 SYBASE
TIME-CONSUMING
5 BAAN
EXPENSIVE
6 ORACLE

7 SAP
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 Integration via the Steelscreen
electronic marketplace
2 UNIX
Advantages of a
3 DOS single integration:

1 4 SYBASE FASTER

Webmethods
5 BAAN
CHEAPER
6 ORACLE
7 SIMPLER
SAP
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Definitions
• Html : language designed for viewing
graphics and text on screen.

• WAP : Wireless Application Protocol.

E-business by mobile phone.

• XML : eXtended Markup Language.

Language of communication
for electronic commerce.

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 Architecture on three levels
WWW ERP WAP
Integration

1st nivel HTML/ASP

Metal XML
WML/ASP
Based on
/ EDI components

Repeats logic of
2nd level Business
Components transactions and
tasks for different
Data access media
components

Flexible solution for

3rd level decentralized multi-
Database
server environments
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Structured data input

Data input based on options defined by

industry experts:
2 700+ international standards
18 000+ metal specifications

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Differences between HTML & XML
• XML allows the user to select data that reflect what he
wants to find or send.
• This makes it possible for the server on the customer
side to access data sources in any format and in any
web site.
• HTML only indicates what the selected data should be
like, it does not explain what they are (in language).

•XML information exists as both data and documents,

and can be processed as either.

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 www.metal-xml.org

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 Metal XML and the buy/sell transaction M etal XM L in the Business Process

$
$
BUYER

Accounts
W arehouse
Tracking Accounting Payable
Construction Purchasing Quality Assurance

Order acknowledgem

Query order status

Stock inform ation
Product program

Query certificate
Dispatch advice
Metal standard

Order status

Certificate

Certificate
Invoice
Inquiry

Bank
Order
Offer

Logistics
$

Bank

$
SUPPLIER

Accounts
Marketing Manufacturing Receivable
Distribution Accounting
Sales Custom er Service

Research & Developm ent

Quality Assurance

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 XML documents developed

Stock info
Inquiry
Offer
Order
Order acknowledgement
Code Set – “Dictionary”

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