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Conformance Test Application

IXRetail Data Model

ARTS provides conformance testing for IXRetail schemas and the Data Model to assist with determining that vendor applications have accurately implemented the standard schema(s) or Model thereby reducing the time and cost of integration. Vendors that pass conformance testing will be awarded permission to display the ARTS Conformance logo (View Logo Policy) on conformant products and be posted on the ARTS website as conformant applications. Phase one testing for IXRetail verifies that the vendor application data interfaces conform to the IXRetail standard XML schemas. Since each public available schema is composed of many use cases, vendors may select the specific use cases for which they wish to be tested. It is not necessary to be tested for the total schema. The ARTS Board of Directors has determined that to pass IXRetail conformance a company must successfully pass at least 30% of the total use cases associated with any schema.

To be judged IXRetail conformant:

Review the IXRetail conformance program as described in the application and licenses agreement.
Determine ARTS IXRetail schema you wish to be tested for. If you do not use a currently-available IXRetail schema, you may submit a schema to ARTS for conversion to the IXRetail standard and testing.
Complete the application on this website and fax to 202-783-6520 after which you will be provided access to the self test programs. Payment for the self testing software is not required until you request scoring for conformance or after 12 months of access, whichever comes first. The current fee is USD 3,500 for the first schema for ARTS members, and USD 7,500 for non members.
Once your application is received you will be provided an access code in order to use the testing software via the web. You are licensed to use the software on an unlimited basis for 24 months.
When you are satisfied with the results of your self testing, submit the test reports to ARTS for auditing and determination of conformance, and pay the current test fees.
If you fail the test you may modify your data interface and be retested. Failures are kept confidential by ARTS.
If you receive a passing score you are awarded the right to use the ARTS IXRetail logo and your company name and the passing software application are posted to our conformance website list of ARTS IXRetail and Data Model conformant companies.

Data Model Conformance testing is accomplished by comparing the vendor's physical databases to the ARTS near physical model through a series of automated reports and an onsite audit by ARTS consultants. The Model contains 602 tables supporting 10 business functions and approximately 60 business subjects. Applicants may select which specific business subject(s) for which they wish to be tested. You may apply for Data Model Conformance testing by clicking above to download the test application and submitting it to ARTS/NRF 325 7^th Street NW, Suite 1100 , Washington DC 20004 with payment of the $1,000 fee.

To be judged Data Model conformant the physical data bases must match 60% of the ARTS Data Model relationships and elements.

IXRetail Pass/Fail Criteria

Schema Validation Report

IXRetail Data Dictionary Check Report

The first report is a basic schema validation. This report indicates if the test document submitted by the vendor is a valid XML document and conforms to the appropriate IXRetail published schema. Must be error free to pass.

The second report identifies element names within the test document that are not contained within the IXRetail Data Dictionary. All elements must be in the Dictionary to pass.

Missing Tags Report

Extension Tags Report

Each use case/scenario identifies a minimal set of mandatory elements necessary to support the each particular use case. To pass there can be no missing tags within a particular use case/scenario.

The Extensions Tags Report identifies any vendor specific (proprietary) extensions. To pass a vendor must extend using only the IXRetail approved methodology. Furthermore, the functionality provided by the extension must not be present in the IXRetail approved schema. Extension information is confidential and will not be disclosed by ARTS.