April 2017: Information for TecDoc Data User and Data Supplier

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1 : Content 0. Preface 1. General information concerning Data Release 0517 a. Update of Reference Data / Reference Data Version (DU) b. Pre announcement: Discontinuation of Table 402 (DU) c. Hint on Data-Delta-Distribution (DU) d. Country Information on Linking Targets (DU) e. Download via SFTP (DU) 2. Status Rollout DMM R2 a. Status Rollout DMM R2 (DS) b. Distribution of Licence Files for DMM R2 (DS) c. Brands already switched to DMM R2? (DU) 3. Monthly reference data Updates Process - Status a. Basic information for Data Supplier (DS) b. Basic information for Data User (DU) c. Changes only distributed for Main Releases (DS/DU) d. Current work on reference Data content (DS/DU) 4. Information Modell 3.0 a. Data in DR0517 (DU) b. Alpha / Beta / Productive Data (DU) c. Dokumentation (DU) d. Next steps(du) 5. Structure of Reference Data Packages (DU) (Only for recipients of a TecDoc Reference Data Package) 6. Events in 2017 (DU/DS) (*) DU: Information for Data User DS: Information for Data Supplier TecDoc-DU_DS-EN 1/13

2 Preface Dear suppliers and users of data in the TecDoc system, With this document, we present a summary of the most important current developments, activities and milestones to help you make the most of the TecDoc system. Whether you are a data supplier who switches to the new Data Management Module DMM (R2) or, as a data user, wants to keep the monthly update of reference data and the outlook on the further development of the exchange format in mind. We would like to provide you with necessary upto-date information. The main target groups (suppliers, users) are listed in the table of contents. This allows you to focus on the content that is especially important to you. However, since you are all working on the one TecDoc data distribution process, we encourage you to read the entire information package. Feedback on the document is of course welcome. These and your questions can be sent to the mailadresse info.tecdocpro@tecalliance.net or, of course, to our Customer Service. A request: The mail will be sent to all persons who have been appointed as contact persons in the course of the respective contract. This information is also and above all addressed to colleagues who work more technically and operationally on the operation and further development of their TA-specific processes and systems. Please send this mail to interested colleagues and / or inform us about other recipients from your enterprise. Best regards Frank Leschonski Senior Solution Manager TecDoc-DU_DS-EN 2/13

3 Information on Data Release 0517 Update of Reference Data / Reference Data version The data packages in the products "TecDoc Catalog Data Package" and "TecDoc Catalog Reference Data Package" are delivered with the version number "0517". The notification mail for these packages is as follows: your data package is ready for download: (followed by contract type and login details) The reference data for use in the DMM R2 has the version number "0517". The notification mail for these packages is as follows: your reference data for DMM R2 (TAF2.4) is ready for download: (followed by data release, brand list and login details) Attention! Important hint: For operational reasons, the number of the reference data version changes in a monthly rhythm. In quarter 02/2017, version 0517 is identical to version See "Monthly Reference Data Update - Changed Process Status" for more information. In any case please use the reference data supplied with the data package. Users of the DMM R2 must also load the currently delivered reference data. Discontinuation of table 402 in TecDoc Data Package This section is only relevant to customers who receive and process a data package with product data and linkages. Table 402 in the current data exchange format contains redundant information for country-specific display of linkages. It is a special format of the country restrictions for linkages recorded and transported in Table 403. The creation and processing of Table 402 ("Linkages not to be displayed in Certain Countries") is complex and errorprone. This table is as far as we are informed - not used by any customer. Some time ago during several events we discouraged our customers from the further usages. For reasons of streamlining data structures and eliminating sources of error, we would like to discontinue the delivery of table 402 by the end of 2017 at the latest. We ask all users of a TecDoc Catalog Data Package to inform us as soon as possible, as long as you require table 402 for your processing processes. On the basis of the incoming feedbacks, we will finalize the further procedure and communicate in a subsequent mailing. Thank you very much for your cooperation TecDoc-DU_DS-EN 3/13

4 Usage of Delta Information in your monthly Data Package For a long time, recipients of a TecDoc Catalog Data Package have the option to proceed so-called delta packages in the monthly updates. These packages contain only information that has changed since the last data collection. The procedure is described in detail in the documentation of the TecDoc data format 2.4 from page 9 onwards. The documentation can be found at in the TecAlliance customer area in the section "Data Downloads". Please contact us if you want to use these delta packages for your system updates. Country information on Linking Targets With the gradual conversion of the data distribution via a central platform - which should have been largely transparent to you - we have partially unified the use of the TAF 2.4 data exchange format during In this respect, the country restrictions on linking targets are affected.. In the tables with country restrictions (e.g., 122), we are now largely without the use of the exclude flags. It is set to '0' in almost all entries. Advantage: The processing of the data can be carried out according to a uniform method. There is no spaces for "interpretations" Disadvantage: To some extend significant increase in the amount of data to be processed. The use of the Exclude flag still corresponds to the rules of the TecDoc exchange format so that no adjustments should be necessary in your processing processes. Download of TecDoc Data Package now available via SFTP Since Data Release 0317, we also offer data access via SFTP to access our download infrastructure. For access via SFTP, you need an SFTP-enabled client (for example, WinSCP or FileZilla). In this, enter the server address (see notification mail), set the transmission protocol to "SFTP", and use port 22. Use the parameters from the notification mail for your data packet as access data (user, password) TecDoc-DU_DS-EN 4/13

5 Status Rollout DMM R2 Status Rollout DMM R2 Data providers will find up-to-date information in the regular newsletters on each new software update. The latest newsletter 04/2017 for version was sent on For all questions concerning the rollout and the use of the DMM R2 you will find information in the customer area at For a few weeks, there is also a forum moderated by TecAlliance "DMM R2 Local / PMD R2 - Users help users". You can exchange with representatives of other data suppliers. Please use this option. Distribution of Licence Files for DMM R2 This section applies to Data Supplier who have already migrated to DMM R2. For the delivery of data with the DMM R2 you receive a so-called "license key" in the form of a special file every month. You will receive this file for the upcoming Data Release 0617 with the following mail: Dear data supplier, please find attached the productive brand key. You have the option to deliver data to TecAlliance via the PMD R2/DMM R2 Local System with it. This brand key is valid for data release DR0617 and reference data RD0517 for the data delivery deadline of 10/05/2017. This one and further data deliveries will only be possible via PMD R2/DMM R2 Local. Please use the brand key as described in the documentation of the related software version. The documentation can be found in the customer area of the website You will receive the brand key newly required for each productive data delivery automatically in parallel to the up to date reference data at the time. The import of the file into the DMM R2 is a prerequisite for the transmission of data to the TecDoc system. It ensures that only the respective licensed trademarks are the object of the delivery and that the most recent reference data is used. Please note that the maintenance of data and the import of reference data are possible without a current brand key. For data transfer the recording of the current license key file is obligatory TecDoc-DU_DS-EN 5/13

6 Which brands have already migrated to DMM R2? As a data supplier, you are actively contacted by telephone. We discuss with you any problems that may exist or are expected during the process of migration and agree on any necessary measures and a Data Release to which you are sending data to the TecDoc system for the first time using the new DMM R2 tool. In principle, a migration from the classic DMM to the DMM R2 is possible at any time. As a recipient of a "TecDoc Catalog Data Package", it is important to know that the validations are not changed in the course of the conversion to the new DMM R2. This means that the data will also contain an unchanged quality level even after migration. Nevertheless, you might want to know which brands have already been distributed using the new tool. Please check the list of brands in the "extras" folder within your data package (SUPPLIER_LIST_DR <xxxx>.xlsx) as a data user TecDoc-DU_DS-EN 6/13

7 Monthly Reference Data update process change - atatus Basic information for Data Supplier using DMM R2 Today you already receive a message with a link to download the current reference data for use in the DMM R2 on a monthly basis - approximately on the 24th of a month. How to process these data in the DMM R2 is the subject of the relevant documentation and newsletters from the DMM R2 rollout project. These reference data must be used for data delivery to the deadline following the distribution date. Already in our mailing of February 2017, we pointed out that we have suspended the ongoing implementation of changes in these data for another quarter. You can find this and other current mailings in the customer area at With the third quarter of 2017, we continue the monthly distribution of reference data under the following conditions: 1. Each reference data version can contain new reference data. 2. Each reference data version can contain corrections of existing reference data 3. Each reference data version is made available for use in the DMM R2 three weeks before the delivery date. 4. Each reference data version becomes valid two weeks after the delivery date 5. Each reference data version contains change logs 6. Deletions of generic articles, criteria, vehicles and other linking targets are announced as before (Remain2Delete list) and are only carried out to main releases (03/06/09/11). This procedure allows you to make adjustments to your product data and links, which have become necessary due to error corrections. As of data release 0917, we will now provide corrected and extended reference data once a month. This results in the following time table for the subsequent data releases (please note the usual shifts in Q4): Data Release Reference Data version Distribution for DMM R2 Delivery Deadline Becomes valid on TecDoc-DU_DS-EN 7/13

8 Basic information for Data User Starting with Data Release 0917, you will receive extended and corrected reference data as a data user monthly. Corrections are used here, above all, to remove the deficiencies that have unfortunately resulted in data collection - due to inadequate information from, for example, the vehicle manufacturers. In this case, we delete the central objects as before only on advance notice and only to the main releases. We also take some other serious adjustments only to the main releases until further notice. Please refer to the following section for a listing. Furthermore, we will not, in principle, make any changes that will result in the formal and structural invalidation of data. This would be, for example, the reduction of the permissible length of a criterion value or the withdrawal of the authorization of criteria - e.g. for use on vehicle linkages. If you want to receive the reference data packages in an early stage as well at the same time as the data suppliers we will be able to distribute a data package on demand. Please contact us. Changes only put into effect at Main releases (03/06/09/11) The following deletions are subject to notice (Remain2Delete list) and only become effective at main releases: All Linking Targets, Generic Articles, Criteria, Key Tables and Key Table Values, Manufacturer, Countries and Country Groups. Furthermore we will change the following data without advance notice only for Main releases (03/06/09/11) for the time being: Change in allocation of a vehicle (table 120) to a model series Change in the allocation of a model series to a manufacturer Removal of a vehicle (Table 120) engine - allocation Removal of a CV engine - allocation Removal pf a CV CV producers ID allocation Change in the body type of a model series Within a short time we will inform you in detail about this topic in a separate mailing TecDoc-DU_DS-EN 8/13

9 Current work on Reference Data As a user of the TecDoc reference data, we would like to inform you about planned and systematic changes and extensions in the reference data. As a data supplier, you can then assess early on whether changes in the product data and linkages are necessary or whether you should consider system adjustments as a data user. The following changes are the focus of these communications: - Systematic and extensive changes to country restrictions on Linking Targets. - Further scheduled and systematic adjustments (e.g. inclusion of larger amounts of GA) Current activities: We integrate / harmonize the TecAlliance vehicle park (TecDoc / Headline) In this context, extensive changes to country restrictions are to be expected (worldwide) We are specifically revising the assignments to the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam Please pay particular attention to changed country assignments in the following months. If necessary, as a data supplier, also check your product ranges especially for these countries TecDoc-DU_DS-EN 9/13

10 Information Model 3.0 Alpha Data in Data Release 0517 In the implementation of the structures of the new information model 3.0, we have carried out further steps that will be presented for you with the package for the DR0317 as follows: New sub folder: R_TAF30 We supply the following information objects in the format CSV and TAF as alpha version: LT002: LT Allocation Class This information object includes a register for all classes of Linking Target Allocations. Here you will find classes for all permitted allocations, e.g. for the allocations of engines to Passenger Cars. LT210: LT Allocation Attribute Types This information object forms a register for all the descriptive features (attributes types) that are used for the objects of at least one Linking Target Allocation Class from LT002. In contradiction to the LT Classes only a very few Attribute Types are necessary at the moment (e.g. a construction year range for allocations of engines to PC) LT220: LT Allocation Class Definition This definition determines which of the attribute types are used for which Linking Target Allocation Classes. LT200: LT Allocations This object now includes all the Linking Target Allocations (e.g. engines to PC) in a standard and generic structure. LT230: LT Description This object contains the specific characteristics (as defined in LT220) for the specific concrete Linking Targets. Furthermore we already delivered (and still deliver) the following Information Objects in Alpha-Quality as TAF and CSV: LT001, LT110, LT120, LT100, LT130, LT950, RE030, RE010, RE TecDoc-DU_DS-EN 10/13

11 The Information Model 3.0 includes significant changes in the data exchange formats. Therefore, we start with the provision of data and the information about the work on the implementation at an early stage. We provide the data in format 3.0 automatically to all users with a valid data user account in their regular data packages. The data are in alpha status and are therefore only suitable for the sighting of the new structures and for first internal approaches to the new structures. We do not guarantee the completeness of the content at this time. Note for data suppliers: An interface based on the information model 3.0 in the DMM R2 is not addressed before the beginning of Data suppliers without a data user account, which would like to use this interface in the future, are nevertheless recommended to discuss the upcoming changes at an early stage. Alpha/Beta/Productive - Data The Information Model 3.0 based data distributed by TecAlliance (formats TAF and CSV) may be provided in one ogf the following quality-levels: Alpha: First test version, which (largely) corresponds to the document design and contains, apart from known and documented errors, a traceable migration of the existing data from the format 2.4. A completeness of the data is not compulsory. Beta: These data are complete and error-free. They have a quality that should allow a future use in productive systems. They can and should be used to prepare productive processes. Productive: This data will be made available by us in regular operation and according to the contractual conditions (licenses) for use in production systems. For the time being we only deliver data in alpha-status TecDoc-DU_DS-EN 11/13

12 Documentation You will find the documentation in the subfolder "extras" of your data package in the file 3.0_Documents.7z TecDoc-Informationmodel_Version_3.0_EN_draft.pdf The basic design principles and structures of the new model are explained in this documentation. In addition, we have already informed about this at various international data user meetings and the last two data supply meetings in Berlin (2015 and 2016). Further information events will follow. Please take advantage of this opportunity. TecDoc-Version_3.0_Migration_EN.pdf This document describes in detail the migration of data from the format TAF 2.4 into the structures based on the information model 3.0. Please note that the documents are in English only. A translation into German will only take place after the completion and only for the documentation of the information model. Next steps The further implementation of the new data model and the solutions and services based on it should be based on the following principles: 1) Step by step optimization of design and documentation You can also find the documentation (format description) in the customer area at We will carry out a continuous update, which is documented at the beginning of the document in a version history. Adaptations with an editorial character will be carried out largely without comment. Significant adaptations to the structures will be communicated to you within the framework of regular communication. 2) Step-by-step provision of data in ever better quality levels Data is provided in the three alpha / beta / productive (s.o.) quality levels TecDoc-DU_DS-EN 12/13

13 Structure of Reference Data Packages This section applies to the recipients of a TecDoc Catalog Reference Data Package. We changed the internal structure of the TecDoc Reference Data Packages: Name of folder: R_DMM_TAF24 Name of ZIP-file including Reference Data: REFERENCE_DATA_DMM_<xxxx>.zip <xxxx> = Current Data Release The naming of the single reference data DAT-files and there structures remain of course unchanged. Events in 2017 At the moment, there are no dates for concrete further information events on information model 3.0 and other data usage and data collection issues. We will inform you as soon as further events are scheduled. Please also visit for up-to-date information TecDoc-DU_DS-EN 13/13

June 2017: Information for TecDoc Data User and Data Supplier

June 2017: Information for TecDoc Data User and Data Supplier : Overview - Keywords - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -User of old DMM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Last Reference Data Update will be provided in July 2017