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 Foundation There are several standards on which UNeDocs is based. These currently include:
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 is an open and technology-neutral solution that can be easily implemented by SMEs and large companies alike. UNeDocs documents can:
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. See also |