Ron Martell of Micro*D in Hickory, NC said, "Due to the complexity of custom upholstery products, the Product Catalog is without a doubt the most difficult schema the industry will need to develop. Micro*D will be moving quickly to assure the PreVue product catalogs we publish conform to the new standard."

Monday the group met for a cram course in XML, with specific emphasis on understanding the schemas that are being developed to meet the unique needs of the furniture industry. The training class was led by Mark McCuistion of Micro*D.

Tuesday morning the Product Catalog schema was extensively reviewed to assure there was agreement on the version that would be submitted to FIDX for approval and ultimately to international standards groups. In the afternoon the group turned its attention to schemas proposed by committees led by Geoff Mack of furnishNet, Rick Killen of Thomasville and Theresa Jaynes of Century. Mack reviewed and led a lively discussion of the first drafts of the Purchase Order Acknowledgment, Advance Ship Notice and Invoice schemas.

"This was our first opportunity to present these documents in front of the group," said Rick Killen of Thomasville. "At the next meeting we should have a product near completion."

"Industry leaders are proving they're serious about e-business standards by sending their best people to these meetings." said Dwight Ball of furnXML. "I think the industry as a whole should be proud of what has already been accomplished."

Ball also announced that furnXML would be merging its efforts with FIDX to strengthen industry participation. The next XML group meeting is scheduled for July 24. All interested parties are invited to attend and registration will be available on furnXML starting next week.