RAPID, the e-commerce standard organization, is committed to facilitating the implementation of e-business in agriculture. In keeping with this objective, RAPID launched a major initiative in 2003 to combine its three industry directories into a single database. This consolidation project produced the AG Industry Identification System (AGIIS) Directory. The AGIIS Directory is a database system that houses agricultural e-business data for industry subscribers.

Before creating AGIIS, RAPID managed three separate e-business directories: One contained product data, one provided unique identifiers for trading partners, and one provided unique identifiers for growers/end users. AGIIS is the result of a redesign of these three directories into one consolidated relational data-base. The new database contains the elements of all three former directories plus additional data elements and enhanced functionality. The AGIIS Directory was launched on August 18, 2003.

The AGIIS Directory's technical architecture provides a repository for common industry data and serves as the fundamental building block for making efficient electronic business a reality. With common, well-defined and properly maintained industry data, existing business inefficiencies and their related costs can be significantly reduced.

This is good news for retailers, who will now have the opportunity to be more efficient and work better with manufacturers and distributors in delivery of products for their grower/customers. The AGIIS Directory can be found at www.agiis.org.

RAPID staff and volunteers also have been working diligently to document the business processes that are used in conjunction with the XML standards and guidelines in XML messaging. This documentation includes business use cases, data mapping and business rules to assist those who adopt the RAPID standards with the choreography of their XML messages.

A new addition to our Web site is a glossary of the e-business terms commonly used in our industry. This glossary serves two purposes: It's a handy definition or reference guide, and it will standardize the use of these terms throughout the industry.

RAPID's annual Membership Conference is scheduled for February 9 through 11, 2004, in Orlando, FL. Please visit our Web site for additional location and program information at www.rapidnet.org.

Ron Farrell is president and executive director of RAPID Inc., the e-commerce standard organization for the crop protection, seed and fertilizer segments of the ag industry. RAPID's office is located in Washington, DC.

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