The most important interfaces of the SHK software at a glance

Datanorm: the proven classic

Datanorm is the classic among file formats and interfaces in the SHK trade. Using Datanorm, you can import current product, pricing and technical data directly into your trading software. Your wholesaler will provide you with Datanorm files for manual download on a regular basis, usually monthly, quarterly or as needed. However, modern systems now use the SHK-Connect interface to automate this process.

Datanorm is now specifically integrated into other systems, for example via Open Masterdata for high-quality product data such as images and marketing texts. However, in practice it is still widely used for pricing and is indispensable for many HVAC companies.

UGL Format: Standard for digital receipts

UGL is a well-established data format for the digital exchange of business documents in SHK trade. Orders, order confirmations, delivery notes and invoices are transferred electronically between craft businesses and wholesalers using the UGL format, without any paper documentation or manual typing.

The UGL format therefore serves as digital proof for commercial transactions between artisan businesses and wholesalers. For example, an order can be sent directly from your craftsman software in UGL format to the wholesaler and automatically recorded there – and vice versa, invoices or delivery notes from the wholesaler can be seamlessly imported into your system and further processed.

IDS Connect: Live connection to the online store

IDS Connect is the digital bridge between your merchant’s software and your wholesaler’s online store. With this interface you can browse the wholesale assortment directly from your software, check prices and availability in real time, and add items directly to your cart.

Ordering has never been so easy, fast and efficient. They can be activated with just a few clicks, without detours or double registrations. IDS Connect not only makes purchasing faster and more convenient, but also ensures that you are always working with the most up-to-date data.

SHK Connect: the central guide

SHK-Connect is a modern cloud-based directory service that serves as the central directory for the SHK industry. Its main task is to automatically transmit the correct Internet addresses (URLs) of the wholesaler’s servers to the merchant’s software. This means that the software always knows exactly where it can download master data (e.g. Datanorm catalogs) or establish a live connection (via IDS-Connect).

SHK Connect is, so to speak, a background guide that creates a bridge to other specialized formats and interfaces. It does not replace Datanorm, UGL or IDS-Connect, but works alongside these standards. It greatly simplifies their use by eliminating the manual effort of installation and updating.

Open Masterdata: real-time master data

Open Masterdata is a modern, cloud-based standard for exchanging item master data in the SHK sector. Unlike the file-based data standard, Open Masterdata allows all manufacturers constantly updated access to high-quality product information via an API, without any manual file updates. The data quality is particularly high because the information often comes directly from the manufacturer.

Open Masterdata does not replace process interfaces such as UGL (receipts) or IDS Connect (real-time availability queries), but focuses exclusively on extensive master data (e.g. images, marketing texts, attributes). It complements classic solutions and can, depending on the software and partner, be used in parallel with Datanorm.

Further interfaces also for other trades

In addition to the examples mentioned, there are other relevant interfaces, formats and standards that are not only of particular importance in the HVAC industry, but also play an important role in all industries. These include, for example:

• GAEB: Standard for the exchange of specifications and tenders in the construction sector.
• XML (ZUGFeRD/X-Invoice): Electronic invoice format for the structured and legally compliant exchange of invoice data.
• AVDATE: Interface for transferring accounting and payroll data to tax advisors, financial accounting or industry software.
• daa connect: Transfer customer requests directly from the main portal to the merchant software.