Intro to UNeDOCS
UNeDocs is based on the concept of a cross-domain (Trade, Transport and Customs) data model, known as the UNeDocs Master, from which any document used within the international purchase and supply chain can be derived. This data model, which is based on international standards, allows users to produce documents in paper, EDI or XML format.
Background
United Nations electronic Trade Documents (UNeDocs) started as a joint project of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and SITPRO Ltd to develop and implement a set of aligned documents in paper and electronic format. The paper and electronic documents are based on international standards and on best business practice. UNeDocs paper and electronic documents are based on a common data model, where the same data can be used across many documents. This approach ensures that the paper and electronic documents are a different implementation of the same document concept. This link ensures that traders can at any time choose the type of document technology that best meets their business requirements and technology capabilities. UNeDocsUK is the national implementation of this generic project and includes specific UK data and extensions.
In supporting the delivery of UNeDocs, SITPRO and the United Nations developed a UNeDocs repository of international trade documents. The documents of the repository are aligned to international standards and can integrate into the latest XML based Internet technologies as well as into UN/EDIFACT and paper. The generic UNeDocs documents can be translated and adapted to national requirements to build national sets of aligned trade documents. In the UK, this is called UNeDocsUK.
UNeDOCs Standards Fundation
There are several standards on which UNeDocs is based. These currently include:
- UN/CEFACT Trade Reference Model for the International Purchase and Supply Chain
- UN/CEFACT Unified Modelling Methodology (UMM)
- UN/CEFACT Core Components Technical Specification (CCTS) Version 2.01
- UN/CEFACT TBG17 Core Component Library Version 9c
- UN/CEFACT XML Naming and Design Rules Version 1.1
- ISO 7372 United Nations Trade Data Elements Directory (UNTDED) 2005
- United Nations Layout Key (UNLK) UN/ECE Recommendation No. 1
- UN/CEFACT EDIFACT Directory Version D03A
Current Status
UNeDocs aims to become the world electronic trade document standard under UN auspices and will be developed into an official UN/CEFACT standard.
UNeDocs is a simple and low cost answer for the exchange of document-based data:
- It has been designed with the objective to make small and medium enterprises participate in advanced supply-chains
- It is built upon the United Nations Layout Key, the world standard for international trade documents in paper format
- It is based on the UNTDED/ISO 7372 United Nations Trade Data Elements Directory
- It incorporates UN/CEFACT trade facilitation recommendations and electronic business standards for efficient and secure trade
- It implements key documents for trade (invoice, custom declaration, shipping instruction, forwarding instruction, etc.)
It is an open and technology-neutral solution that can be easily implemented by SMEs and large companies alike. UNeDocs documents can:
- Be generated in paper, XML, PDF and EDI format
- Be visualized using a standard Internet browser or can be implemented in standard office software
- Support electronic signatures
It is a powerful migration tool from paper to paper-less environment. UNeDocs has been developed by UNECE and provides interoperability for the exchange of document-based information between the public and private sector.