Reliability and data quality and the future ahead

Vocabulary for business register

We have developed a vocabulary for business register information based on a thorough semantic terminology work aligning concepts by creating common definitions. The vocabulary includes sole proprietors /sole traders/self-employed persons and signatory rights. Based on the vocabulary we produced an information model to be used when business register information is to be accessed in machine-to-machine communication.

API for basic company information

For this an open API (application programming interface) specification has been produced for basic company information based on the needs of high value datasets. As a result, anyone can use this specification for access to business register information from all the Nordic countries instead of integrating to each country's API separately.  

Extended area of use 

The vocabulary and the model can be extended to cover business information from other authorities. The vocabulary can be used in any tool aiming at cross-border communication of business register information, e.g. digital wallets. There will be API access to Nordic business register information in Nordic countries offered by business registers. Financial information from the official national sources for annual accounts will also be available via API in the future. The vocabulary used is based on the existing harmonized terminology in EU law. 

We need to fill gaps in existing EU vocabularies (BRIS - Business Register Interconnection System, Core Business Vocabulary, W3C) to ensure the correct understanding of business register information in Nordic countries. The aim is to provide for access to machine-readable information so that others can use the information building value-added services. This regards in particular providers of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems for SMEs (Small and Medium Sized Enterprises).

Improved ERP systems brings new value

As a result, SMEs in Nordic countries should benefit from this as they can use improved ERP systems. Their ERP systems can offer automated look-up of legally valid business register information from the Nordic countries. That is helpful when SMEs for example want to establish new business relations especially with potential business partners from other Nordic countries. This is a supplement to BRIS and the Single Digital Gateway (SDG). BRIS is used for individual look up in the eJustice portal and SDG is used for individual government to government communication. As of now, BRIS does not offer machine-to-machine access for business register information.  

Providers of ERP systems may integrate official business register information in their tools. They only need to have one integration to access business information.  

• SMEs in Nordic countries with availability of improved digital tools when they want to operate in the Nordic region and especially across borders. 
• Anyone that wants to start a business based on access to business register information. 
  Nordic business registers will improve access to registered information, comply with open data requirements thus ensuring relevance of registered information. 
• Public authorities may use the API offered by business registers to access Nordic business register information 

Providers of ERP systems can use the API specification for access to business register information from all the Nordic countries instead of integrating to each country's API separately.  

• SMEs in Nordic countries do not have to use a different access point (eJustice) when they e.g. want to make sure that an invoice is sent to a valid business but can do this seamlessly within their ERP system. 
• The API specification also helps to comply with the Regulation on High Value Datasets.  
  Providers and especially start-ups of other tools may use the API specification in order to integrate to Nordic business register information.  
• The vocabulary and the information model may be reused in other EU initiatives such as the Digital Wallet Consortium.  
• Public authorities may use the API offered by business registers to access Nordic business register information 
• Business community as a whole will experience improved trust. 
• Improved digital tools will help especially businesses in a startup phase. 

• As a business representative for a small and medium enterprise (SME) I want to know if a person (my upcoming partner) and a company really exist in another Nordic country in order to ensure that the business is registered and if my business partner represent that business.
• As a business representative for a small and medium enterprise (SME) I want to know if a person (my upcoming partner) has a role in a company (verify) in order to ensure I can trust my business partner and that the person is who he/she say they are and can represent the business.
• As a business representative for a small and medium enterprise (SME) I want to know if a person has the right to sign for a company in order to be certain of the validity of a contract (authority) and to ensure my business partner has the authority to make the deal (to enter into the agreement).
• As a business representative for a small and medium enterprise (SME) I want to check up the financial figures of another company with key indicators in order to ensure the financial viability of the company.
• As a business representative I want to know who is a member of the board in order to receive official notices for the company and officially communicate with the company (does not include the rules for signing)
• As a business representative for a small and medium enterprise (SME) I want to know if my counterpart can sign for a specific deal if I want to buy something from a company in order to ensure my business partner has the authority to make the deal (to enter into the agreement).
• As a representative from a bank I want to know with whom to write a contract for a bank loan in order to make sure that the loan is valid and will be repaid.
• As a business representative that are buying a department from Company A, I want to know which people from company B can sign off for a large product order in order to make sure that the bill will be authorized
• As a business representative for a supervising agency I want to know which people can renew certificates/permits so that the company can continue doing business.
• As a landlord I want to know who can renew the contract for the company buildings in order to make sure that a long term cooperation can continue.