News

ERP embraces XML and SOAP

• By Rich Seeley
• March 6, 2002

In a practical implementation of XML and SOAP, San Jose, Calif.-based Cadence Design Systems uses the standards to provide real-time updates to its employee directory. Further, the new system can alert specific officials, such as the Cadence real-estate director, of pertinent information such as the transfer of an employee to a new office.

Under the system, XML data from the company's PeopleSoft ERP system can be exchanged via SOAP with its Internet-based Workplace Resource Management (WRM) platform for automated, two-way information updates, according to Tim Collins, director of real estate at Cadence, a supplier of electronic design automation products and services.

As new employee information, such as hires and transfers, is entered into the PeopleSoft system, the WRM system is immediately updated, alerting Collins to facilities issues such as office space allocation. The exchange of XML data also provides immediate updates to the company directory as information such as titles and phone numbers change.

Ross Leibowitz, vice president of engineering at Westwood, Mass.-based Centerstone Software Inc., which provides the WRM system Cadence uses, said his company is adding XML and SOAP capabilities in response to customer demands for improved integration between ERP and WRM applications. He said that what he considers an industry-first application of the standards is made possible because the major ERP vendors, including PeopleSoft and SAP, have embraced XML standards.

For more information, click on http://www.cadence.com and/or http://www.centerstonesoft.com