For machines to exchange information, they need to agree on how to interpret the information being exchanged, much like how humans need to understand the language, vocabulary, and grammar used in a conversation. However, while humans need to standardize natural languages like English for effective communication, machines need to standardize the format and logic in which the information is stored to be machine-readable. This blog post explains three examples of data standardization.

I Dictionaries, thesauruses, and taxonomies

Effective communication is essential when working collaboratively with others, including speaking the same language. Besides widely recognized dictionaries for natural languages, such as the Oxford English Dictionary or the Dutch Van Dale, professionals also rely on specialized dictionaries for specific domains, such as polytechnic terminology and pharmacological and medical definitions. To streamline this process, it would be beneficial to have this content accessible online and in-app, which would allow for more focused use of specific parts of datasets within your applications.

What are the advantages of using Linked Data for dictionaries?

• It is easy to make it available online.
• You can quickly scale them without requiring any software changes.
• They are more accessible through an Open Standard API.

Who uses these kinds of data standards? 

Examples of users of dictionaries, thesauruses, and taxonomies are engineers and designers, pharmacists, biologists, chemists and researchers, et cetera.

II Specification Standards

When companies purchase a product or outsource its development, they typically sign a contract outlining its specifications. For instance, this might include a statement of requirements for a ship, a brief for a building, a bill of materials for a bridge, or an order for a pump from a specific supplier. Ideally, it would be helpful to configure these contracts based on standard product or process specifications. Doing so would save a significant amount of time.

What are the benefits of using Linked Data for Specification Standards

• There’s no need to copy and paste data repeatedly.
• A specification can be used more selectively rather than being an all-or-nothing proposition.
• It’s easier to maintain consistency across specifications.

Who uses these kinds of data standards? 

Users of specification standards, also known as Specification Libraries (SPLs), include clients of product development, engineering and design firms, manufacturers and contractors, consultants, and classification agencies.

III Product Catalogs

For manufacturing companies that offer products, being first to reach potential customers is critical to success. That’s why it’s essential to get your products noticed and make them available to customers exactly when and where they need them. Although most manufacturers have catalogs with data about their products, this information is often limited to their websites and marketing materials. However, you can take your product offerings to the next level with the right approach. By utilizing innovative tools and technology, you can make your products stand out and more accessible.

Why is Linked Data the perfect solution for managing product catalogs? 

• It offers the ability to distribute data with far greater reach, making it easily accessible in any application or platform.
• It enables you to use data in-app, where the customer uses data.
• Easier to process in configurators for a better customer experience

Who uses these kinds of data standards? 

Leading manufacturers such as Apple, Toyota, Samsung, Foxconn, and Cardinal Health are a few companies that rely on product catalogs for their operations. Additionally, IT staff who work with online configurators and ERP software also use product catalogs as a critical source of information.

In conclusion 

In today’s digital world, sharing data is becoming more critical than ever for organizations to thrive and succeed. Linked Data is the Open Standard that allows businesses to make their databases easily accessible over the Internet, enabling seamless data sharing within their value chains.

Whether a small business or a large enterprise, implementing these examples of Data Standardization and Linked Data can help you streamline your operations, reduce costs, and improve collaboration and communication within your organization and with external partners.

If you’re interested in learning more about the examples of Data Standardization and how Linked Data can transform your organization, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to demonstrate a use case and show you firsthand how this robust standard can benefit your business.