Implementing the NCS/eOTD
A Global Standard Descriptive Language
for Cataloging
ECCMA
Electronic Commerce Code Management Association is a not
for profit membership association; Members include public
and private sector buyers, manufacturers, suppliers,
application providers, consultants and industry associations
from 42 countries.
Mission:
–
–
–
To improve the quality and reduce the cost of cataloging
To manage an accessible, open and democratic process for achieving
rapid consensus in the development of Open Technical Dictionaries
To support the development of Open Source cataloging tools
www.eccma.org
DLIS
The Defense Logistics Information Service is a
subordinate command of the Defense Logistics Agency
with the mission to integrate logistics data from a variety
of sources for distribution to DOD, Federal, industry and
international users.
July 1st 1952
Defense Cataloging and Standardization Act
Public Law 82-436
FLIS Federal Logistic Information System
FCS Federal Catalog System
NSN National Stock Number
CCR Central Contractor Register
US NCB
The NATO Codification System (NCS)
A standard for logistics information exchange
covering 16 million items of supply
A flexible information system that can be tailored
to national requirements
An important cornerstone in logistics
interoperability
NATO countries
Sponsored non -NATO countries
Countries using the NATO Codification System
Nonparticipating countries
Worldwide NCS use
ECCMA Code maintenance process
USERS
Internet based
request for code
addition
merge or split
An open
democratic
process
Secretariat
Design rules compliance
check
Yes
Impact
existing code
YES
Notify
Originator of
record
DomainDomain
Domain
Domain
Expert Expert
vote Expert
vote
Expert
vote vote
Responses
are collated
and recorded
NO
NO
Secretariat
Definition development
Request sent to
Domain Experts by
selected interest
category
Secretariat
Procedures Review
Approved
Response returned
to sumbitter
with recomendation to
correct or use an
existing code
Yes
NO
New code
created
To language
translation
New code
added to
database
eOTD Data Model
Class
Characteristic
EGII
EGAI
Standard Item Name
Definition
Standard Attribute Name
Definition
Property
EGII (FK)
EGAI (FK)
has
P
Data_type
Definition
Mask
Validation_rule
Validation_text
has
P
Z
Data_type
Enumerated property value
Property unit of measure
EGII (FK)
EGAI (FK)
EGII (FK)
EGAI (FK)
Z
EAVI (FK)
Z
EUMI (FK)
P
Enumerated value
P
Unit of measure
EAVI
EUMI
Standard Value Name
Definition
Standard Unit Name
Definition
eOTD Stats
eOTD Status - August-2004
Tables
EGIS
EGAS
EUMS
EAVS
EQMS
EGIS-EGAS Links
EUMS Links
EAVS Links
EQMS Links
IMAGES
IMAGE Links
Total No. of Records
in eOTD Audit File
60,611
47,850
2,812
16,695
3
1,368,349
62,164
2,527,919
966
6,046
20,988
Total No. of Records in
eOTD Code File
58,970
28,025
2,811
16,006
3
1,335,783
38,673
2,080,797
966
6,046
20,988
Records with
Date_Deleted
1,641
19,825
1
689
0
32,566
23,491
447,122
0
0
0
Records Added in
Current Version
0
239
23
5,067
3
7,155
1,453
95,604
966
0
0
eOTD Copyright
The eOTD is in the public domain
You may use, copy and distribute this material in full or in part
without restriction. You have the right to incorporate the material
in your product without attribution but you must not plagiarize
the material by claiming it as your own work product.
eOTD implementation tools
Government sponsored Open Source implementation tools
Open Catalog Format
eOTD Open Source Catalog
Builder
eOTD Open Source Query
Builder
Standard XML Catalog Syntax
Standards Compliance
Certification – ESN
Industrial Automation –
integrating cataloging into design
<Attribute
<Attribute
<Attribute
<Attribute
<Attribute
<Attribute
<Attribute
<Attribute
<Attribute
EGAI="027382"
EGAI="021636"
EGAI="027375"
EGAI="023822"
EGAI="010200"
EGAI="010196"
EGAI="004968"
EGAI="027376"
EGAI="027378"
Value="014161" />
Value="009763" />
Value="3225020037" />
Value="0.250" EUMI="00798" />
Value="0.425" EUMI="00798" />
Value="0.484" EUMI="00798" />
Value="0.150" EUMI="00798" />
Value="10" />
Value="0.80" EUMI="02569" />
Multi Language Support
Machine Bolt; Product Number: 3225020037; Nominal thread
diameter: 1/4 inches; Width across flats: 0.450 inches; Width
across corners: 0.484 inches; Head height: 0.150 inches;Count
per pack: 10; Pack price: $0.80
<Attribute
<Attribute
<Attribute
<Attribute
<Attribute
<Attribute
<Attribute
<Attribute
<Attribute
-<Attribute
-<Attribute
-<Attribute
-<Attribute
-<Attribute
-<Attribute
-<Attribute
-<Attribute
-<Attribute
EGAI="027382"
EGAI="021636"
EGAI="027375"
EGAI="023822"
EGAI="010200"
EGAI="010196"
EGAI="004968"
EGAI="027376"
EGAI="027378"
EGAI="027382"
EGAI="021636"
EGAI="027375"
EGAI="023822"
EGAI="010200"
EGAI="010196"
EGAI="004968"
EGAI="027376"
EGAI="027378"
Value="014161" />
Value="009763" />
Value="3225020037" />
Value="0.250" EUMI="00798" />
Value="0.425" EUMI="00798" />
Value="0.484" EUMI="00798" />
Value="0.150" EUMI="00798" />
Value="10" />
Value="0.80" EUMI="02569" />
Rendered
Attribute
Coded
EGAI_Title="ECCMA GLOBAL ITEM IDENTIFIER (EGII)" Code="014161" Value="BOLT:MECHANICAL" />
EGAI_Title="ECCMA GLOBAL CLASS IDENTIFIER (EGCI)" Code="009763" Value="Bolts" />
EGAI_Title="PRODUCT NUMBER" Code="" Value="3225020037" />
EGAI_Title="NOMINAL THREAD DIAMETER" Code="" Value="0.250" EUMI_Title="INCHES" />
EGAI_Title="WIDTH ACROSS FLATS" Code="" Value="0.425" EUMI_Title="INCHES" />
EGAI_Title="WIDTH ACROSS CORNERS" Code="" Value="0.484" EUMI_Title="INCHES" />
EGAI_Title="HEAD HEIGHT" Code="" Value="0.150" EUMI_Title="INCHES" />
EGAI_Title="COUNT PER PACK" Code="" Value="10" />
EGAI_Title="PACK PRICE" Code="" Value="0.80" EUMI_Title="US DOLLAR" />
Attribute
Expanded
eOTD is classification neutral
Used to access many
classifications
ISIC
NAICS
eCl@ss
FSC/NSC
UNSPSC
CPV
HS
Industry
Classifications
ESN Registry
A cooperative cataloging tool
Vendor
Cataloger
Vendor NCAGE
Cataloger NCAGE
Business Name
ESN Administrative Contact Name
Parent NCAGE
ESN Administrative Contact E-mail
ESN Technical Contact Name
ESN Technical Contact E-mail
Date
Status
Business Name
ESN Administrative Contact Name
Parent NCAGE
ESN Administrative Contact E-mail
ESN Technical Contact Name
ESN Technical Contact E-mail
Date
Status
Cataloges
Item of Production
ESN-9 (FK)
Cataloger NCAGE (FK)
Vendor NCAGE (FK)
Part Number
Supplies
• eOTD compliance
• Data integrity
• Data harmonization
• Product differentiation
Item Name
Item Description
UID
External Source
External Reference
Date
Status
URL
Item of Supply
ESN-9
is available as
P
EGII
External Source
External Reference
Date
Status
is defined by
P
Characteristic Data
ESN-9 (FK)
EGAI
EGAI Value
External Source
External Reference
Date
Status
ECCMA Harmonization process
A. Same Name – Different Definition
Same concept  harmonize definition
or
Different concept  differentiate name
B. Different Name – Same Concept
Harmonize name
and
Harmonize definition
RDL - eOTD Harmonization Examples
Class: 11526109: GANTRY (STEPLIB Name: gantry)
A frame structure which is a temporary erection having a working platform
used as a base for building operations or for the support of cranes,
scaffolding, or materials.
Superclass: 8351535: FRAME
287504: FRAME STRUCTURE
Classification: Civil and Structural
The definition appears to be inconsistent with the named concept; the
recommended definition would be as follows
GANTRY
An attachment of sufficiently substantial structure designed for mounting
behind the heel of the boom for shortening cable length, thereby increasing
the workload capacity and decreasing the hazard of cable-breakage when
booms of exceptional length are used. It may or may not be lowered during
transit from place to place.
RDL - eOTD Harmonization Examples
Class: 11526604: FENDER (STEPLIB Name: fender)
An artefact intended to protect as a a cushion (as foam rubber or a
wood float) between a boat and a dock or between two boats that
lessens shock and prevents chafing.
Superclass: 422594: ARTEFACT
Classification: Transport Equipment
The definition appears to be inconsistent with the named
concept; the recommended name and definition would be as
follows:
FENDER:MARINE
A device, fixed or portable, serving to cushion the shocks and
protect the hull when a vessel comes in contact with a wharf or
another vessel.
RDL - eOTD Harmonization Examples
Class: 11526379: DOLPHIN (STEPLIB Name: dolphin)
An artefact that is a cluster of closely driven piles used as a fender for a dock or
as a mooring or guide for boats.
Superclass: 422594: ARTEFACT
Classification: Transport Equipment
The definition appears to be inconsistent with the concept defined in
Concise Oxford English Dictionary; A separate class name should be
used:
“dolphin: a small gregarious toothed whale with a beak-like snout and a
curved fin on the back”
The name and definition does not appear to accurately capture the
concept as commonly used in trade and industry :
“A Donut fender is a foam-filled fender which has been designed to be slipped
over a stationary monopile. The fender floats at the water line, and can rotate
upon contact with a ship. These features make it ideal for turning dolphins, and
in applications where large water level changes occur, such as in rivers or tidal
estuaries.”
Recommendation: Use FENDER:MARINE;STATIC and
FENDER:MARINE;FLOATING and add the term Dolphin to a synonym
table.
RDL - eOTD Harmonization Examples
Class: 11526469: VAN (STEPLIB Name: van)
An automotive vehicle which is covered or roofed for carrying and delivering
goods.
Superclass: 11524427: AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE
Classification: Transport Equipment
The definition appears to be inconsistent with the named concept; the
recommended name and definition would be as follows:
TRUCK:VAN
A truck with a cab not integral with the enclosed body, designed to protect
cargo and equipment from the elements, pilferage, and/or to provide working
quarters for personnel. It may be insulated, have windows, lighting, and/or
ventilation. Excludes TRUCK:PANEL
or
TRAILER:VAN
A trailer with an enclosed body which may be insulated, designed to protect
cargo and equipment from the elements and pilferage and/or to provide
working and/or living quarters for personnel. Excludes van type trailers
equipped for specific function.
RDL - eOTD Harmonization Examples
Class: 11525912: RAIL TRACK (STEPLIB Name: track)
An artefact which is an assembly of the parallel rails of a railroad
Superclass: 422594: ARTEFACT
Classification: Transport Equipment
The definition appears to be inconsistent with the named concept; the
recommended name and definition would be as follows:
RAIL:TEE;RAILWAY
A bar of steel, formed approximately in the shape of the letter T, used as a
guide and runway for the flanged wheels of railway cars and other rolling
stock.
RDL - eOTD Harmonization Examples
Class: 11526002: BAG (STEPLIB Name: bag)
An artefact that is a container made of flexible material (paper, cloth, leather)
with an opening at the top, used to carrying things from place to place.
Superclass: 422594: ARTEFACT
7953749: CONTAINER
Classification: Material Handling Equipment
The definition appears to duplicate the definition contained in the
Concise Oxford English Dictionary; the COED definition should be
used as the normative reference:
bag
a flexible container with an opening at the top.
Benefits

Much lower cataloging costs
– Elimination
of most manual aspects
of cataloging

Better integration with industry
– Better
item descriptions and
descriptive guides
NWI
The objective of this project is to establish the ECCMA Open Technical
Dictionary (eOTD) as an ISO registry and to provide guidelines for
incorporating cataloguing data, which references the eOTD, into STEP
data.
The eOTD is an open standard descriptive language that contains over
60,000 Standard Item Names and over 30,000 Standard Attribute
Names, with definitions, multilingual translations and classification. The
eOTD is used to create standardized language independent descriptions
of individuals, organizations, locations, goods and services using simple
attribute-value pairs.
The proposed ISO Technical Specification (ISO/TS)
establishes and specifies the behaviour of a registration
authority the role of which is to develop, maintain and
update an open technical dictionary to be used in intigrating
cataloging data into ISO 10303 product data files.
NWI
This Technical Specification specifies the maintenance process applied to an
Open Technical Dictionary (OTD) by a registration authority (RA) and
provides guidelines for the use of dictionary elements defined in the OTD
as reference data for the incorporation of cataloging information into ISO
10303 product data files.
The following are within the scope of this Technical Specification:
— the purpose and scope of an OTD;
— a specification of the data elements to be included in the OTD and reference to
a document containing the external syntax;
— the procedures to be used by the RA to maintain the dictionary, including
procedures for requesting changes to the dictionary, registering domain
experts, approving changes to the dictionary, and releasing the dictionary;
— guidelines for the incorporation of cataloging data, based on dictionary
elements defined in an OTD, into ISO 10303 product data.
The following are outside the scope of this Technical Specification:
— the content of the reference dictionary.;
The team includes representatives
from the following organizations:







Concurrent Technologies Corporation
Defense Logistics Information Service
ECCMA
Lehigh University
LSI Group
NIST
United Kingdom National Codification
Bureau