Universal interpreter
Using XML, or extensible mark-up language, Slough-based computer systems supplier Coins has developed a website that allows computer systems to "talk" to each other even if those systems use different computer languages.
Coins has been testing the system since the end of 2000, and now top-twenty contractor Kier is using the website to order materials from builders merchant Travis Perkins. Other suppliers, including Caradon, have signed up with Coins to sell equipment through its trading hub direct to contractors and housebuilders.
Before XML, some contractors and suppliers used a computer language called EDI to trade electronically. This relied on both supplier and buyer having computer systems that "spoke" the EDI language. Coins head of procurement Mike Wallis says that with XML it doesn't matter what kind of computer system or language your company uses.
For instance, a housebuilder using the SAP computer system for controlling finances and payroll can log onto the Coins site and place an order electronically with Travis Perkins - even though the builders merchant has a database that uses a completely different computer language and protocol. A buyer can order products by logging onto the Coins site (www.coins-global.com) and clicking the Travis Perkins link or any of the site's other supplier links. The buyer then chooses items and specifies quantities.
The Coins system transforms order information from the Travis Perkins site into an electronic order confirmation that is sent to the buyer. The confirmation then automatically logs into the buyer's computer system. The clever part of the system is that the Coins site creates an audit trail for each transaction, so that there is no arguing later about what was ordered by whom and when.
Foolproof
The system is also foolproof. Orders cannot be lodged unless all of the fields have been filled in. It's a bit like when you try to register on a website – if you don't put your address on the registration, the form keeps popping up with prompts until you do. The same is true of a Coins order; until you enter a contact name, for example, the form keeps popping back up.
Wallis reckons there are huge savings to be made through this feature. "We estimate that 15% of orders are filled in wrongly and cause nearly all of the problems and inefficiencies. Our system eradicates this," he says.
But the major saving for buyers and sellers is that you don't have to invest in new computer equipment to start trading electronically.
Housebuilders have been quick to seize the opportunity. Persimmon and Laing Homes have both started working with Coins and suppliers to increase the amount of electronic trading they do by using the Coins site.
Intelligent system
The system is intelligent. If you log on and then click on the Travis Perkins icon, the merchant's site recognises your login number and automatically activates the discounts you have previously negotiated with the merchant. You place you order and that's it. The site produces the order in an electronic form and in a printable format - so it looks like a traditional order.
As well as invoices and orders, the Coins site can also handle images and drawings. This allows CAD images to be transferred from one computer system to another; so the site can act as an electronic postbox.
Wallis is already working on the second phase of the system. This will be aimed at processing orders for plant hire. The problem is that XML cannot currently handle time periods, he explains. But, he adds, it is only a matter of time before you can raise an order for plant hire electronically. These orders will be audited and tracked, so there will be no arguments about whether or not you have lost a compressor. Coins is talking to Speedy Hire, among others, about developing the system.
Sound too good to be true? Well it's not free - Coins will be charging a subscription for using the system as well as a small fee for each transaction.
Source
Construction Manager
