Data standards quality measured for achieving enterprise interoperability: the case of the SETU standard for flexible staffing

Abstract

Data standards should play an important role in achieving inter-organizational interoperability. Millions are spent on development and adoption of these standards, but does it lead to interoperability? This important question is often not addressed. In this study data interoperability in the Dutch temporary staffing industry is studied by focusing on the quality of the SETU standard and its implementations in practice. The Stichting Elektronische Transacties Uitzendbranche (foundation for electronic transactions in the staffing industry) or SETU, develops and maintains standards for exchange of electronic data in the staffing industry. Our results show that although the SETU standard is equipped for achieving interoperability, this in practice has not been achieved due to low quality implementations. We raise the question why these studies are not being performed on every standard. Another result is that localizations (profiles) may be needed for

International E-Customs Standardization from the Perspective of a Global Company

“…The reason is that as the standard gets implemented, small deviations occur that makes interoperability problematic. Folmer et al (2009) describes how strategies for international domain standards get 'localized' when attached to meanings in a local context.…”

“…In the absence of previous works the deduction of a tentative framework based on closely related research is a possible way forward. Examples by Egyedi and Dahanayake (2003), Jakobs (2008), andFolmer et al (2009) indicate that the levels may play important roles in why standard implementations deviates.…”