FIDX Adopts XML Standards for Furniture Industry

Furniture World Magazine

At the September 19th FIDX meeting, it was agreed to focus on developing and implementing XML Standards that meet the furniture industry’s needs. The list of transactions FIDX has been working on came from a list compiled by the IT Committees of AFMA and NHFA. Standards ready for use include advance ship notice, transmission envelope, invoice, order status inquiry, order status report, product catalog, purchase order, and purchase order acknowledgement. The completed transaction schemas can be accessed by going to www.fidx.org. FIDX’s progress has been slowed as attempts were made to align furniture specific XML Standards with the Uniform Code Council (UCC) Standards. FIDX Chairman Mary Frye noted, “Because the UCC is one of the ‘Keepers of the Standards,’ it seemed prudent to be sure the furniture industry was compatible with retail standards globally.” However, FDIX members participating in the Uniform Code Council's Global Standards Management Process (GSMP) reported that over the last six months, UCC has focused on harmonizing the various standards and, as a result, the GSMP process has been delayed. Individual FIDX members will continue to monitor and, to the degree desired, participate in the GSMP process. When the UCC Standards are published, FIDX will determine if and how the FIDX Standards need to be modified. In addition to these and emerging XML Standards, established EDI Standards continue to be endorsed by the three Industry organizations that make up the FIDX executive committee, AFMA, NHFA and HFIA.