SteelXML Streamlines Procurement Process - Enmark Systems

SteelXML Streamlines Procurement Process

Developed by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), e-Acquire 360, powered by SteelXML streamlines the steel procurement process by providing standard data structures that allow steel mills and steel purchasers to easily share information.

SteelXML was developed by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) to provide a more streamlined and automated method for purchasing steel. SteelXML is a schema that defines the specific data and formats needed to convey information specific to the steel procurement process. It was developed in collaboration with steel mills, service centers, and software vendors like Enmark. The Enmark team just returned from the NASCC Steel Conference in San Antonio where we participated in a presentation about SteelXML. This article includes an overview of SteelXML, and you can also view our slides from the presentation here.

SteelXML is not a software application, but the formats defined by SteelXML can be used to electronically convey procurement-related documents between companies supplying steel and those purchasing it. This solution eliminates the need to send emails with pdf files and faxes, that then need to be input into the receiver’s system.

While we will refer to this tool as SteelXML in this article, the full name is now e-Acquire360, powered by SteelXML .

What are the requirements for using SteelXML?

There is very little that you need to have in place to use SteelXML – and there is no cost to using SteelXML formatted documents to exchange information with your steel suppliers. In fact, you need only two things to use SteelXML:

Which steel suppliers use SteelXML?

As of the publication of this article, there are three major steel suppliers who support SteelXML:

AISC provides additional information on SteelXML and the suppliers and systems that support it. We fully expect additional steel suppliers to begin supporting SteelXML in the near future. AISC has created sample letters that fabricators and service centers can send to their suppliers to request support for SteelXML.

What are the advantages of using SteelXML?

Exchanging information electronically allows for faster, more efficient, and more accurate procurement processes. With SteelXML, you will be able to:

SteelXML can also be an important component of a paperless warehouse strategy and to creating a connected service center in which redundant data is minimized and customers and vendors are more closely linked through automated and electronic processes.

What documents does SteelXML support?

SteelXML supports a wide range of procurement-related documents, but it is important to note that no ERP system or steel supplier supports all document types at this time. Enmark’s Eniteo ERP system, for example, currently supports Advanced Shipping Notices – with support for additional documents planned.

SteelXML schemas are available for the following:

Getting started with SteelXML

For most steel service centers, implementing SteelXML should start with a conversation with your ERP system provider. They should be able to discuss any process changes that might be beneficial and walk you through what information they support sending and receiving via SteelXML.

If you are an Enmark customer, contact our Customer Success team to get started.

Once you have a good understanding of which documents you would like to be able to send and receive using SteelXML, reach out to your suppliers to determine their ability to work with SteelXML files.

Lastly, you will want to send and/or receive a small number of files using SteelXML to ensure that the information is being correctly brought into the systems used by you and your supplier.