ubl — archive

[Sylvia Webb]

Ken, Based on my experience, I have serious reservations that there can be a universal minimum subset defined by the UBL TC. Such a subset can run afoul of local, regional, and international laws which specify minimum data requirements for specific transactions. Additionally, purchasing or contract law can dictate what a minimum subset should be between trading partners. As an example, if I establish a business relationship with a EU company or government agency, I have different minimum data requirements that may be specified in their subsets or guidelines plus additional requirements specified by U.S. and California laws. If I am shipping hazardous goods, I have yet another minimum subset of data required. Finally, depending on what is specified in any purchase order or contract that I receive, I can have multiple minimum subset requirements based on the legally binding requirements of those documents. These minimum data requirements do not include additional data that I may wish to include to satisfy any best practices which my company wishes to follow. IMO, there isn't any way that a standards body can have access to all of the subject matter experts needed to consider all of the business rules and laws which would be needed to determine an internationally acceptable minimum subset. Regards, Sylvia