Number of sites in Germany using IFLEXX rises to 25, with 65 planned across Europe
In the future, IFLEXX users will be able to handle PIDX data – and vice versa. There are only minor differences between the new data exchange standard "International FiLe EXchange XML" and the US-based "Petroleum Industry Data Exchange" (PIDX) standard. At the IFLEXX Community meeting held in late October, Community members therefore resolved to harmonize the two standards. IFLEXX 2.0 will thus be identical to PIDX 4.9.
The 7th meeting of the IFLEXX Community welcomed Petrotank Neutrale Tanklagergesellschaft mbH as a new active member. Moreover, the two guest attendees Cegelec Deutschland GmbH and MINOVA Information Services were so impressed by the Community that they signed up on the spot. This means that the number of businesses developing and promoting the free and open IFLEXX standard now totals 17 petroleum companies, fuel depot operators and service providers. A total of 25 sites in Germany now use IFLEXX for the transmission of loading data either to the fuel tank truck's onboard computer or to the petroleum company's accounting systems – thus replacing the outdated MPKS standard.
Following the harmonization of IFLEXX and PIDX, further requirements for the data transmission standard (new message types) will be implemented in PIDX. As the IFLEXX Community organizer, consulting and software company Implico will represent the interests of the group at PIDX and inform its members about PIDX activities.
The Community will next meet in the second quarter of 2012.
About IFLEXX (International FiLe EXchange XML)
IFLEXX is the new international data exchange format in the oil industry. Data exchange using IFLEXX offers oil companies many advantages. Not only does XML permit the transfer of large volumes of standardized data, but IFLEXX also enables the bidirectional exchange of loading data both to the tank truck's onboard computer and the oil company's accounting systems.
In addition to Implico's OpenTAS solution, loading data transfer via IFLEXX is also supported by several third-party TAS systems. Several shipping and accounting solutions now also support the processing of IFLEXX data.
About the IFLEXX Community
The ILFEXX Community comprises 17 companies, including BP Europe, Cegelec Deutschland, Eni Deutschland (formerly Agip), Holborn, Implico, LomoSoft, Marquard & Bahls, Minova, OMV, Petrotank, Petroplus Deutschland, Shell, Tamoil, TanQuid, Total and VTA, who jointly develop and promote the IFLEXX data exchange format. Consulting and software company Implico coordinates and chairs the community. For further information, please call Frédérique Even at Implico GmbH on +49 (0)40 / 27 09 36 - 0.
Photo
IFLEXX Community visiting Implico in Hamburg. © Implico
