A History of mpXML
mpXML was founded in 2001 in response to rapidly evolving data standardization efforts. mpXML's members recognized both the potential of a seamless electronic supply chain, and the challenges faced in achieving that goal. In 2001, there were numerous standards development efforts underway, some of which promised to replace existing business systems and processes, and many of which were working on overlapping or parallel standards efforts. Most of these efforts were driven by the "center of the store" and did not necessarily address the unique business requirements of the meat and poultry supply chain, with its perishable, often variable weight products. mpXML's members recognized that leveraging the potential of electronic data would be much harder if multiple approaches were pursued and that the industry would be better served by a consolidation of efforts. Further, mpXML's members also recognized that an overall upgrade of systems, while attractive from the standpoint of a data purist, would be significantly less attractive from a cost standpoint. To this end, mpXML was formed with a number of goals and guiding principles:
- Ensure the unique needs of the meat and poultry supply chain were addressed in the standards processes
- Protect against standards efforts targeted at the center of the store that would be onerous for the meat and poultry supply chain
- Push to coalesce different parallel standards efforts to into a single approach
- Push to extend usage of existing systems and infrastructures
With your help, we can accomplish even more. Please join mpXML today, and support the organization that supports your industry standards.
How Do I Join?
Download the Membership Application and send it back to us via fax, e-mail, or snail-mail. There is NO money due.
If you want to introduce yourself, please join us on our next call this Thursday at 3:00 EST. The call is open to members and non-members.
The number is (877) 459-1244, and the passcode is 169778.
Accomplishments to Date
Our work product illustrates the mpXML commitment to advancing efficiency in our industry through data integration and standardization. We could do even more with greater participation from industry partners. Please join today.***
Data Synchronization Implementation Guideline for Meat and Poultry (2004) to facilitate the adoption of data synchronization in our industry
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Allocation Rules for Global Trade Item Numbers for meat and poultry products that often include the need for differentiating pre-priced consumer products, case-ready bulk products, and frozen from chilled products
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EDI Implementation Guide for Order to Cash transactions that enable the exchange of meat and poultry requirements
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EDI 856 Advance Ship Notice (2006) to address gaps and additions for meat and poultry products
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Global Product Classification for meat and poultry products to differentiate key product differences. The revised United Nations Specialized Products and Services Code (UNSPSC; updated March 2007) and GS1 Global Product Codes (updated November 2008) better support product sourcing, and demographic product analysis for all parties that need product visibility in the supply chain
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Country of Origin Labeling guidance (2009) to ensure company compliance with USDA labeling and record keeping requirements and recommendations for the electronic exchange of country of origin information
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Traceability Implementation Guide (2010) for the US meat and poultry supply chain to organize industry efforts to strengthen product traceability end-to-end for suppliers and retailers
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