Stora Enso Implements E-Connection with Time Inc.

Papermaker Stora Enso North America announced that it completed a paper order with Time Inc. using Extensible Markup Language (XML), an initial step in the evolution of e-commerce between forest and paper product producers and their customers.

The June 13 paper order, made via the papiNet standard, is the first production implementation of a papiNet standard message in North America.

The purpose of papiNet, created by a global coalition of forest product companies, is to develop, maintain, and support the implementation of global electronic business transaction standards for parties engaged in the buying, selling, and distribution of forest and paper products. The aim is to improve the reach and richness of communication throughout the supply chain, increase efficiencies, and support interoperability among trading partners.

Time Inc. and Stora Enso North America currently are testing electronic invoicing as well. According to Anne Considine, e-commerce manager for paper purchasing for Time Inc., "With a common style sheet shared between buyer and seller, it is much easier to test and monitor the purchase order flow and is a major improvement over the current systems.''