date_of_issue: 28 February 2001
last updated: 28/05/01 17:51
Reference to be quoted : EEG6-WG3-ToR-02.doc
This is a working draft of the Terms of Reference for EEG/WG3. It was reviewed and discussed by its members at the EEG6/WG3 meeting in Arlon before being presented to the EEG6 group.
WG3 is a sub-committee of EBES Expert Group 6 (EEG6). It works on behalf of the EBES Expert Group 6 (EEG6) on matters related to the standardisation of exchange of classifications.
Before submission and dissemination to other EDI Expert Groups or other structures of EBES, all written documents produced by the group must be agreed by EEG6.
Representatives of statistical bodies and experts in classifications, nomenclatures and coding matters are invited to participate.
The primary aim of EEG6/Working Group 3 (EEG6/WG3) is to define a structured EDI message to exchange the structure and contents of classifications (e.g. nomenclatures, code lists, directories,...), and their relationships.
In addition to this, EEG6/WG3 aims at:
· easing the dissemination of classifications by economic operators, maintenance agencies and international bodies (e.g. National Standards Institutes, National Statistical Administrations, Customs Authorities, professional federations, Chambers of Commerce, Eurostat, OECD, UN/STAT, etc.).
· promoting the exchange of official classifications, in particular statistical classifications, in EDI messages.
A specific side of this work is to ensure that the multi-lingual aspects of the classifications and the use of different character sets within the same message are catered for, including the handling of textual components.
Ø Establish and maintain a work plan agreed with the EEG6 and in accordance with the agreed modus operandi.
Ø Promote standards for the exchange of classifications.
Ø Develop a toolbox in order to ease the exchange of classifications in a multi-standards environment.
Ø Analyse needs for new standards, or changes to existing standards, relating to the exchange of classifications.
Ø Propose new standards, or changes to existing standards, via official standardisation procedures.
Ø Follow up the work of other relevant groups and projects.
This embraces work on existing message formats (e.g. CLASET EDIFACT or SGML), new data models and formats (e.g. XML, Object Management). The group will build on the output from other groups working in this area (e.g. DSIS, METIS and the DOSIS research programme).
For the working procedures of WG3, please refer to EEG6 Terms of Reference.
The continuing need for the working group should be reviewed by itself every two years and a recommendation should be made to the EEG6 on whether to continue with it or not.