This publicly available specification (PAS) describes the myOpenFactory process and data standard for
electronic data interchange between various ERP/PPC systems working to coordinate multi-enterprise order
and project management.
The goal of the standard is to permanently reduce the complexity of information exchange between
companies involved in order processing. It is available free of charge and consists of a standardized process
and data model that can be implemented in different ERP/PPC systems. A web cockpit requiring only an
Internet connection is available to small companies that have no ERP/PPC system of their own.
myOpenFactory primarily targets the mechanical and plant engineering sector, but it can also be used in other
industries. Because of its lean, flexible interface design,,myOpenFactory is especially well suited for small and
medium-sized enterprises. The cooperative society myOpenFactory eG is responsible for managing and
optimizing the standard. The latest version of the technical specification is available as a free download at
www. myOpen Factory.org.
The contents of this PAS were developed in the myOpenFactory research project (grant number: 02PW3000-
3012), which received funds from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and was
supervised by the project management agency, Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (PTKA).
Development of the PAS was coordinated by myOpenFactory eG, which emerged from the project and is
solely responsible for its contents.
The Department for Research and Development Phase Standardization at DIN Deutsches Institut for
Normung e. V. has overseen publication of this PAS.
The authors of this document are:
-- Burkhardt GmbH: Wolfgang Sticht, Matthias Vogel
-- The Research Institute for Operations Management at RWTH Aachen University: Prof. G0nther Schuh,
Carsten Schmidt, Benedikt Schweicher, Benjamin Walber, Henrik Wienholdt
-- GPS GmbH: Dr. Reinhard Grol~e Wienker, Michael Slowik
-- GTT Gesellschaft for Technologie Transfer mbH: Torsten Munkelt, Friedhelm Nyhuis
-- Infor Global Solutions Deutschand AG: Norbert Fiedler
-- myOpenFactory eG: Dr. Achim Kampker, Roland Kirschning, Dr. Volker Stich
-- OpenOperation GmbH: Axel Schoth
-- Otto Junker GmbH: Harald Reichel
-- proALPHA Software Systeme GmbH: Johannes Imhof, Cornelius Scheffel
-- PSIPENTA Software Systems GmbH: Karin Glas, Lukas Birn, Torsten Sander
-- Siemens Automation & Drives: Roland Aechtner
-- VMT AG: Fritz Rebstein, Karl-Heinz Vossenkuhl, Matthias Vossenkuhl
-- The Laboratory for Machine Tools at RWTH Aachen University: Christiane M011er, Astrid Stollwerk, Claus
Narr
This PAS offers an alternative to other standards for inter-enterprise data exchange such as EDIFACT.
Section 7.1 discusses how it differs from existing standardization initiatives. At the time of its development,
two other standardization projects--ebXML and UN/CEFACT Core Components--were already underway at
an international level, but they did not appear well suited for quick, inexpensive implementation.