PO XML <BarCodeType> node

Over the last few weeks I ran into few problems extracting correct part numbers from PO XML 2009.2 based on value. The values are not consistent and we had to spent extra time to custom code to be able to crate PO in our system.




My first concern is that the naming convention of this node (and few others) have changed in version 2009.2. Example: BarCodeType and BarcodeType (Lower case c was replace with upper case). In general it is not a good thing to make such changes unless there is a good reason for it.




The second concern is that the BarCodeType values varies. Here are some examples: GTIN-12, GTIN-13, GTIN-14, UPC, PARTNUMBER, OTHER. I do understand what each type is, but if GTIN-12 is the same thing as UPC and yet we get GTIN-14 instead, then it is wrong. Also, we should take OTHER out from the list as it is confusing.




It would be very helpful to fix these minor issues before they will be out of control.




-Greg Bryniak, D'Addario, Inc.