ECLASS: European Classification for Advanced e-Commerce

ECLASS data standard plays a crucial role in developing an international data standard that provides unique and consistent descriptions for products, materials, systems, and services in the e-commerce industry. This document aims to provide an overview of ECLASS and handling of ECLASS data standard in the STEP system.

ECLASS is an industrial language designed to facilitate the exchange of standardized, machine-readable product data in a consistent manner. ECLASS standard ensures that information provided across different platforms and systems is interoperable and easily understood. It facilitates seamless communication, exchange, and integration of product data throughout the supply chain. By adopting this standard, organizations can eliminate manual data cleansing, transformation, and other time-consuming tasks. ECLASS simplifies the process of data exchange, allowing organizations to seamlessly share information with their partners, customers, and other stakeholders.

ECLASS Basic and ECLASS Advanced are two variations of the ECLASS standard, each designed to cater specific needs and applications. Below are the key differences between the two:

  • ECLASS Basic offers a simple and flat classification hierarchy, making it easy to understand and implement. It supports data exchange through CSV and XML formats, ensuring machine readability. ECLASS Basic is primarily used in eProcurement applications, enabling organizations to efficiently manage their procurement processes.

  • On the other hand, ECLASS Advanced features a more complex classification hierarchy. It utilizes XML format for data exchange, allowing for greater flexibility and customization. Implementing ECLASS Advanced requires more technical expertise due to its complexity. This variation is specifically tailored for applications in engineering, IoT (Internet of Things), and digital twin technologies. It excels in handling technically complex products, providing detailed and comprehensive descriptions.

STEP supports both, ECLASS basic and ECLASS Advanced. By leveraging the ECLASS standard, STEP empowers organizations to achieve greater accuracy, efficiency, and consistency in managing and exchanging product data across various platforms and systems.

This will be the comprehensive guide to data handling within STEP in the ECLASS Advanced standard. This document serves as a valuable resource for understanding the intricate aspects of data management within the ECLASS Advanced framework. As you navigate through the sections ahead, you will gain comprehensive insights into the various facets of handling data in accordance with the ECLASS Advanced standard.

This portion of Solution Enablement material introduces the ECLASS Advanced functionality, including the use of Easy Setup and other necessary configurations.

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It is recommended that users be familiarized in using STEP and the STEP Online Help topics before beginning ECLASS Advanced functions.