eBIZ adoption FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions on eBIZ)

Where can I get help to get started in e-Business?

Valuable information is maintained on the www.ebiz-tcf.eu website including a list of e-Business software and service providers which have tested eBIZ and this is a good stating point while Section 12 of the eBIZ CWA offers a step by step approach to getting started.

What are the main benefits I can gain from e-Business?

Amongst others - improved efficiency of operations, quicker communication with fewer errors, better information to support decision making and the chance to develop new services.

What are the advantages of using such open networks and public standards such as those found in the eBIZ Reference Architecture?

A single interface minimises risks and minimises the costs and is easily extensible to future partners.

Where can I get help to use the eBIZ architecture?

Information on how to use the architecture is contained in the document eBIZ CWA 16667:2013 (published by CEN) and additional useful information is provided on www.ebiz-tcf.eu.
Requests for further technical information should be directed to (ebiz-initiative@enea.it).

How will the architecture be maintained in the future? And how can I be sure that the eBIZ specifications will not become out of date and be replaced with something completely different?

Following the success of the eBIZ project a permanent eBIZ Advisory Board (AB) and an eBIZ Interest Group on LinkedIN has been established providing a platform for all stakeholders in the sectors to extend the uptake of e-Business.

The eBIZ Advisory Board (AB) and the group of interest will continually improve the specification by including new requirements or making modifications in response to feedback from actual e-Business networks with the concept of a single e-language as its main priority.
It should be remembered also that, in many cases, the eBIZ architecture cross-references specifications in external sources as a way of ensuring that are constantly kept up to date.

What if some of the documents or processes needed in my business are not included in the current eBIZ Architecture?

The eBIZ architecture is open to extension, as has already happened following request from some pilot projects. Further requests should be submitted to the eBIZ Advisory Board (AB) and you will be involved in the subsequent architecture development process.

Is the eBIZ architecture endorsed by any standards organisations?

Between 2012 and 2013 a CEN Workshop was managed by CEN (www.cen.eu, the European Standardisation Committee) in order to create a CEN Workshop Agreement that officially recognises the eBIZ specifcations: at the end of 2013 it was delivered as eBIZ CWA 16667:2013. Furthermore GS1 were consulted during its creation and many of the referenced specifications are outcomes of standardisation initiatives.

Are there any costs or licence fees for adopting eBIZ specifications?

No.

I’m already using e-Business with my largest customer, can I use that system to connect to my other customers?

This will depend on the system they are using. Provided these customers don’t use proprietary systems and the one being used is based upon an open standard, chances are that it can also be used for other customers without too much modification.
If you do not have the necessary ICT knowledge internally, you may need to engage an external consultant.

I already use e-Business with my partners. Why should I adopt the eBIZ specifications and ask them to do the same?

The benefits will be seen when you or any of your existing e-Business partners want to extend to additional trading partners, particularly if they are using eBIZF compliant solutions.

I am an ICT provider. Why should I incorporate the eBIZ specifications in my products?

Compliance with eBIZ will give your products added value to your existing customers as they will be able to use them to connect with more of their partners and simply the effort needed to integrate the partners.
It should also provide an important selling point for you when approaching new customers.

Are there eBIZ ongoing initiatives that can extend financial support to new pilots?

At the moment direct financial support for new pilots is closed. Other support (not specifcally addressing eBIZ) might be found within other innovation programs in the framework of supply chain improvement or intelligent industry initiatives..

As an IT service provider, I would like to be part of the eBIZ community, how can I join and contribute?

Firstly you need to demonstrate your commitment to delivering products or services supporting the eBIZ specifications.
Participation in the eBIZ Interest Group is open to all the bodies and companies willing to support or be part of the eBIZ community.
Furthermore you can ask to be in the list of companies offering eBIZ solutions (http://www.ebiz-tcf.eu/index.php/ebiz/users-of-ebiz.

Do I need to adopt all of the eBIZ business processes? What if I need just some of the documents?

Flexibility is a key feature of the eBIZ approach enabling you to select the scenario that suits you best. However, for each scenario there is a minimum set of mandatory documents to be implemented, following the basic logic of the business flow.

Is it better to create my own software solution for e-Business or to adopt an existing solution?

This depends on your internal ICT skills and resources and how closely your requirements match the solutions available in your country. You should first define your requirements and objectives and then, if necessary, seek external assistance to make the decision.

How long does it take to develop/deploy an eBIZ compliant system?

This of course, can vary dependent on your business environment and on the size of the network. Experience from the eBIZ pilots tells us that this can be probably be measured in weeks rather than in months. However, a greater advantage comes when you need to extend the network as the standard interface allows additional nodes to be added very quickly.

Do I need to change my ERP/RMS system in order to adopt eBIZ?

Not necessarily. Most of the eBIZ pilots were able to update or add modules to their existing ERP/RMS. In many cases, all you need is to map your data to the standardised formats and to manage their transmission.

Is eBIZ more suited for the ASP (Application Service Provisioning) model, rather than EDI Hubs or direct peer-to-peer data exchange?

No, it might be adopted within any of these models.

I don’t use the GS1 GTIN system to identify my products. How much does it cost and do I need to change all of my systems to use it?

You will normally need GTIN codes for products when using e-Business with retailers. In fact, many large retailers ask for his coding before stocking your products. The cost depends on your location and your turnover and you should refer to your local GS1 organisation.
It is not necessary to change all your systems to use GTIN codes but you need to be able to translate between GTIN and your internal codes when sending or receiving data from your retailers.

There are not enough numbers available in the GTIN system to code all of my products. How can I solve this?

A number of larger companies overcome this problem by having multiple company registrations, you should talk to your local GS1 organisation about this.
It increases the cost but does not make translation between your numbering system and GTIN more difficult. It may also be worth reviewing your procedures for re-using product numbers as it may be possible to reduce the amount of numbers required.