Parsippany, NJ - August
15, 2006
Top Five Most Common
Mistakes During ISBN-13 Conversion
Parsippany, NJ - August
15, 2006 - Macrosoft, a leading-edge software
design and development organization is a member
of Book Industry Study Group's ISBN-13 Task Force.
This Task force has identified the top five most
common mistakes companies face during system conversion.
Beginning January 2007, publishers
must assign only 13-digit ISBNs to their books,
and retailers must accept 13-digit ISBNs in their
sales systems. The ISBN uniquely designates books
in order to establish and identify one title or
edition of a title, allowing for more efficient
management of products by booksellers, libraries,
wholesalers and distributors.
"This complex transition has
far reaching implications for the computer systems
of any organization connected with the publishing
industry," said Dr. Edward Sable, President
of Macrosoft. "With longstanding expertise
in analyzing systems, problems, remediating programs
to correct nonconformity, testing systems and
integration to ensure complete compliance throughout
information technology infrastructures, Macrosoft
is uniquely positioned to support this need for
publishers, printers, and retailers."
Top Five Most Common ISBN-13
Mistakes
- Confusing
the '979' and '978' ISBN prefixes. When
converting a 10-digit ISBN to 13-digits, publishers
must only use the 978 ISBN prefix.
- Not
recalculating the check digit. The check
digit must be recalculated when converting to
13-digits; 978 cannot simply be added to the
front.
- Acquiring
ISBNs from any source besides the U.S. ISBN
Agency. Companies requiring ISBNs must
contact the U.S. ISBN Agency. No other source
can assign legitimate ISBNs for US publishers.
- Maintaining
internal system work-arounds. Because
there is no 10-digit equivalent for ISBN-13s
beginning with 979, systems must be able to
accommodate the full 13-digit numbers in their
entirety. Be aware of programmers who have taken
shortcuts by storing a common prefix separately
from the core number.
- Configuring
EDI systems with rigid identifier location requirements. Flexibility is essential when structuring EDI
transactions so that an organization can seamlessly
cross over to ISBN-13 independently of the status
of its supply chain partners.
Macrosoft utilizes a six
step process for ISBN-13 conversion projects.
- Analysis of Programs
- Code Modification and Unit
Testing
- Database Expansion
- System & Integration Testing
- Aging/Conversion
- Final Acceptance Testing
Macrosoft can lead this effort completing
every step or work in partnership with internal
technology staff to support specific areas where
they can add significant value.
About Book Industry
Study Group, Inc.
The Book Industry Study Group, Inc. (BISG) is
the industry's leading trade association for policy,
standards and research. The mission of BISG is
to create a more informed, empowered, and efficient
book industry supply chain. Membership consists
of publishers, manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers,
retailers, librarians, and others engaged in the
business of print and electronic media. For 30
years, BISG has provided a forum for all industry
professionals to come together and efficiently
address issues and concerns to advance the book
community. Learn more about BISG at www.bisg.org.
About Macrosoft
Macrosoft delivers high-quality, cost-effective,
full lifecycle solutions to complex software development
projects. The company has over a decade of successful
engagements and over 150 professionals working
for an exceptional client list. US headquarters
and development center is in Parsippany, NJ; with
a West Coast office and three off-shore development
centers.
Macrosoft's highly qualified and
professional development teams can address the
entire development lifecycle, from business process
engineering and system architecture design through
final system hosting and maintenance. Macrosoft
maintains a leading edge in software technology
allowing the company to design new systems efficiently
and rapidly and successfully integrate those new
system capabilities in complex business and IT
environments.
Macrosoft continues to invest in
internal development of re-usable components,
systems, and technologies critical to clients'
needs in the application areas of marketing databases;
e-marketing; and print on demand, thereby allowing
Macrosoft to offer its clients rapid solutions
that conform to best business practices. Macrosoft
can be found at www.macrosoftinc.com
Contact:
John Kullmann
Office: 973-889-0500 x 272
jkullmann@macrosoftinc.com
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