Import (IDoc)

The import of a message for the change of supplier includes the following steps:

  1. Receive message as IDoc

    IDocs (intermediate documents) are used as an interface for receiving messages. An incoming message for the change of supplier arrives in the system as an IDoc.

  2. Execute data exchange process

    The IDoc is processed following the execution of the corresponding data exchange process. The following data exchange basic processes exist for the purpose of defining data exchange processes for receiving change of supplier-related messages:

    1. IMPREQSWT

      You use this data exchange basic process to define data exchange processes for receiving requests for the change of supplier. For example, this can be the new supplier sending the distributor an enrollment notification regarding the supply of energy to a point of delivery, or the former supplier sending the distributor a switch notification regarding the supply of energy to a point of delivery.

    2. IMPRESSWT

      You use this data exchange basic process to define data exchange processes for receiving responses to previous requests for the change of supplier. For example, this can be distributor’s response to the new supplier regarding the enrollment notification, or the distributor’s response to the former supplier regarding the switch notification.

      Based on the data exchange processes, define data exchange definitions for the service providers involved in the change of supplier process. Most importantly, the data exchange definitions must include the data exchange format to use for processing the message.

      The data exchange process logs the received message in the form of a data exchange task.

  3. Switch document message

    A switch document message is created for the point of delivery.

    If a switch document, to which the message refers, already exists for the point of delivery, the message is added to the switch document.

    If the message cannot be allocated to an existing switch document, a new switch document is created.

    When a switch document is created, a new switch process starts.

  4. Process the message in the change of supplier workflow

    The message is processed in the change of supplier workflow. Processing is based on the switch document message. The fact that the switch document message was created as a result of executing a data exchange process is irrelevant.

    You can use the check framework for the change of supplier to carry out field checks for an incoming switch document message. This allows you to ensure the consistency of the message for further processing (are all of the necessary fields filled?).

Processing Lists

You have the option to process imported messages in lists. Separate lists are required for registrations and terminations for example. In this way, a csv file, for example, can be converted to an aggregated IDoc (using an appropriate data conversion). The data is read from the aggregated IDoc based on the point of delivery. The points of delivery are identified, the data exchange process is triggered and the data is processed for each point of delivery.

Point of Delivery Identification

During the import process, the point of delivery identification takes place in the following steps:

  1. An incoming message must contain either an external point of delivery ID or a meter number.

  2. A crosscheck of the received delivery address with the address of the corresponding connection object takes place in the system (compare: street, postcode, town).

  3. A second crosscheck takes place for some received messages within the change of supplier process. The received address (name and address) of the bill recipient is compared with the name and address of the business partner in the system.