Development of XML industry standards for information exchange and commerce [electronics recycling industry example]

Information sharing via a common language is the basis upon which successful industries and supply chains are built. The rapid changes now underway in the electronics recycling industry require concurrent changes in the common language of industry commerce. Today's economy and business climate also depends on cross-border industry collaboration - yet another challenge to developing and implementing common industry terminology - brought about in large measure through the increased use of IT tools. A set of common document interfaces that would allow industry partners the ability to not only view data but also integrate the data with backend ERP or database systems is a compelling vision. The problem to be addressed is how to use the Internet and a flexible XML schema to reduce costs and ultimately help generate new market opportunities for today's businesses.