The WCO Data Model (WCO DM) Building Block explains the approach parties in the trade and transport industry, can utilize effectively and efficiently to implement the WCO DM. The WCO DM consists of 6 parts (building blocks) as depicted below:
The Business Process Models (BPM)was created to optimize business processes for WCO stakeholders. The development of an automated system or a project to re-engineer business processes generally follows a vision to improve existing systems.
BPM utilizes UN/CEFACT modelling methodology (UMM) which enables a common approach to the specification of business requirements and data to be shared internally and externally in a consistent manner. UMM uses Unifided Modelling Languaje (UML) as the modelling technique and can be supported by computer based software tools.
The DM modelling work is done with the use of the following UML diagrams; use case diagrams, activity diagrams, class diagrams and sequence diagrams.
The WCO DM - Data set is multi-layered document, which contains a complete list of all data elements (requirements), and their definitions, it consists of a series of harmonized data sets which identify business requirements for each of its various procedures. For each required data element, the data sets provide a detailed set of information (metadata). The data sets have been aligned with the 2005 edition of the United Nations Trade Data Elements Directory (UN/TDED) .
The Information Models utilize the Unified Modelling Language (UML) which show the relationship between objects and classes. In UML, items of information are organized in the form of class diagrams. These relationships get expressed in the electronic messages that flow between the Cross-Border Regulatory Agencies and Trade.
International Codes are common codes agreed between sender and receiver, which are vital for exchange of messages. These codes ensure that the information keeps the same content after the process of encoding and decoding.
For example, INCOTERMS, country codes, terms of payments.
The Message Implementation Guide (MIG) describes how the message definitions are to be used in the context of the exchange of the identified and mapped data elements, based on the WCO DM and the supported message syntaxes. The MIG can be produced once the mapping has been finalized.
In several projects, the WCO works together with partner organizations to include detailed technical guidance, i.e., MIG, in addition to the semantic definitions available in Basic Informartion Packages and Derived Information Packages (BIP/DIP), aiming at providing practical support for the implementers.
The electronic messages correspond to syntax used in the implementations, which are used through computer messages and allow the exchange of data packets between two or more parties, in the case of the WCO DM XML, JSON and UN/EDIFACT are used.