Why a framework for Operations and Supply Chain Data Spaces is needed

Operations and Supply Chain Management (OSCM) represents the science and expertise of value creation in the production and distribution networks of goods and services. Effective information sharing is an operational necessity within and across these networks: for establishing agreements, coordinating actions and handovers, controlling access to resources and data, and ensuring compliance with authorities. The challenge is to increase effectiveness by automating these exchanges. This is why a Basic Data Infrastructure is needed.

Data Spaces for the physical domain

The BDI extends the concept of Data Spaces into the physical domain, aligning with established and innovative practices in data sharing integral to operations and supply chains. A comprehensive system of (legal) agreements is imperative to automate and control mutual communication effectively and securely. This system, encapsulated within the BDI, balances control (determining who can access or utilize specific data) and efficiency (enabling automated processing).

Key features of the Basic Data Infrastructure

The key features include:

• Digital trust:
  • Control over data by collecting data at the source
  • Certainty about digital identities
  • High security standards
  • Contractual basis for autonomous system-to-system communication
  • Agreements on language and concepts:
• Semantics for automatic processing
  • Mutual understanding of data formats and models for effective communication
• Event-based alerts:
  • Automatic signaling for timely and efficient operations
  • Immediate awareness of relevant changes in reality

Establishing cross-border collaborations

The BDI establishes a foundation for international data exchange, which is crucial for cross-border collaborations in supply networks. Therefore, the BDI agreement system provides specifications and rules encompassing technology, digital language, contracts, and governance. Organizations investing in the infrastructure according to the framework empower themselves to seamlessly, securely, and automatically share data digitally, fostering mutual benefits through collaborative agreements.