Getting started with Catena-X
Written by Heinz Hambrock
Catena-X is pioneering the first open and collaborative data ecosystem in the automotive industry.
Catena-X is at the forefront of creating the first open and collaborative data ecosystem specifically for the automotive sector. This initiative is crucial as the industry faces significant challenges that demand extensive cooperation among all partners in the value chain.
To tackle these challenges, Catena-X provides an open data space that enhances business processes through data-driven value chains. With a comprehensive understanding of the industry's key issues and solutions, Catena-X offers standardized and legally-secure operational frameworks.
The integrated solution approach of Catena-X focuses on essential industry elements such as digital identities, unique parts relationships, and trusted business partners. This approach is underpinned by global collaboration among all partners in the automotive value chain, ensuring data sovereignty, reliable services, secure identities, and efficient operations. Additionally, Catena-X leverages open-source collaboration and software development to achieve its goals.
How does Catena-X work on Mattermaps?
Mattermaps Catena-X EDC Connector enables the PCF exchange between two companies using third party applications.
Whenever PCF data is exchanged, a legal framework ensures that the data is used solely for a defined use case, limiting its usage. This is crucial because, within Mattermaps, all users adhere to Siemens' Terms and Conditions which govern the use of PCF data. However, when exchanging data with a third-party solution via Catena-X, additional security measures are necessary. The PCF data exchange is secured by a legal framework specifically designed for the defined purpose of the PCF use case.
Important points in this journey:
Identity Verification: The first step in joining Catena-X is verifying your company’s identity. This verification confirms that your company is legitimate and has accepted the rules of the Catena-X ecosystem.
Contract & Certification: Catena-X is built on defined standards and requires all participants to be certified. This certification ensures interoperability and upholds the high value of data sovereignty within the ecosystem.
Subscription to Mattermaps: In order to use Mattermaps as your exchange tool, you must first subscribe to Mattermaps on the Cofinity-X Marketplace.
As a Catena-X certified solution, Mattermaps ensures seamless interoperability. You can subscribe to Mattermaps on the Cofinity-X Marketplace to start exchanging data peer-to-peer within the Catena-X ecosystem.
How does EDC Connector work?
When two companies want to exchange data for any use case, the process is standardized by a software component called the Eclipse Dataspace Connector (EDC), which acts as the gateway.
When a company shares data, the EDC formats it according to the standards defined by Catena-X. The EDC then communicates this standardized data to another EDC. On the backend, the EDC routes the data to any business application, whether it’s a commercial solution, Mattermaps, or another platform.
Since EDC is standardized, the underlying system remains transparent. However, if the solution is not certified, it loses its standardized status.
This EDC reaches out to this operating company to find the Business Partner Number (BPNL) of the company you would like to exchange data with.
Catena-X is using the same technology with verifiable credentials used by Mattermaps to establish trust. These verifiable credentials, managed by a central wallet service provided by Cofinity-X, ensure secure data exchanges.
During onboarding, Cofinity-X verifies your identity, issues a verifiable credential, and stores it in a wallet. Whenever you want to exchange data, you can share this verifiable proof with the other company.
What is the difference between Mattermaps vs Mattermaps with Catena-X Connectivity?
Catena-X enables a PCF exchange between two companies with different PCF exchange solutions.
| PCF data exchange via Mattermaps to Mattermaps without Catena-X Connectivity with EDC | PCF data exchange via Mattermaps to Mattermaps or any PCF exchange application with Catena-X Connectivity with EDC |
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Prerequisite: Both companies must use Mattermaps. Data format: all supported PCF data formats are included. Transactions: PCF request including unit type and preferred data format Sharing / responding to PCF Exchange of verified PCF Regular and proactive PCF Updates Task related messages are available via chat section Legal framework: Mattermaps T&C and bilateral contracts |
Prerequisite: Both companies are onboarded on Cofinity-X and have a BPNL Data format: only Catena-X data formats are included. Transactions: PCF request can only be sent with supplier ID and comments can only be added via PCF request message box section. Sharing / responding to PCF Regular and proactive PCF Updates Exchange of verified PCF is planned for CY 25 Legal framework: Catena-X governance and bilateral contracts enforced by EDC |
Learn More
Catena-X Specific Features on Mattermaps
Once your account is activated with the Catena-X EDC Connection you will be able to exchange PCFs externally.
My Tasks
You can see the requested PCFs in the overview under My Tasks -Component Tasks sub-tab. The requests via the Catena-x EDC shows up under the Network column.
You can see an incoming PCF requests in the overview under My Tasks Product Tasks sub-tab. The requests via the Catena-x EDC shows up under the Network column.
You can see that the incoming request highlights the requesting company's "Company Name" is listed as their BPNL (this is a known limitation of requesting PFCs via the EDC). Instead of the company name, you must refer to the BPNL.
You can see that the incoming request also shows the product name as "Link Product Data" unless you already linked it with the correct product. This is also a known limitation of requesting PCFs via the EDC, you can refer to the Supplier Product ID to understand what is the requested product and then link it accordingly with that specific product from your product portfolio.
You can see that the request coming via the EDC will have the status "Catena-X" in the Network column.
You can select a PCF to share with your customer, either via the My Tasks page or the Product Overview page.
As a procurement manager who has requested a PCF via Catena-X, you can also view and download the PCFs from the task.
You can view PCFs shared via Catena-X EDC just like a PCF shared via Mattermaps.
You can download a PCF shared via Catena-X EDC just like a PCF in a task.
Procurement
Connect with your suppliers who are listed on Cofinity-X:
As a procurement manager, you can add or update the supplier's Cofinity-X BPNL to the Supplier Information section. This enables communication to happen via the eclipse data connector (EDC).
You can sort suppliers and see which networks they are a part of (either Catena-X, Mattermaps, or both).
You can see the BPNL of the company.
Please note that each company is responsible for manually modifying their suppliers' BPNLs.
Receive and share PCF requests via an EDC:
You can request PCF from your suppliers who has a BPNL.
You can request and receive PCFs conformant to the Catena-X V2.2 PCF data model.
As procurement manager, you can choose the network when requesting PCF.
Catena-X PCFs:
PCFs received via the EDC can be viewed and downloaded like other PCFs within Mattermaps.
The Catena-X PCFs can be identified with a "Catena-X PCF" state, you can know if your PCF has come from a Catena-X source instead of Mattermaps. This helps you know that it was neither "Self-published" nor "Certified".
As a procurement manager / product manager, you can add PCFs from the Catena-X EDC to also work for PCF aggregations or calculations.
Product Portfolio
As a product manager who has the Catena-X feature turned on, you can share or respond to a task via the Share PCF button on the Product Overview. This gives you a good overview of the credentials that you have for respective product. Once you click Share PCF button you can choose to Share with Existing PCF Request or Existing Customer.
As a product manager, you can validate the PCF data which is created via Create PCF section on Mattermaps product overview, so that you can share PCF data to companies which are present in the Catena-X network, without any format issues and data can be exchanged smoothly. You can share PCF via Catena-X EDC network if your PCF is created with Catena-X data modal.
As a product manager or LCA expert, you can upload your PCF forms with the latest Catena-X templates. The following PCF templates are updated for Catena-X:
Single upload template
Bulk upload template
For best practice, please download all the excel templates from your own Mattermaps account.
How to activate Catena-X on your Mattermaps account?
To enable Catena-X EDC connector on your Mattermaps account, there are some prerequisites to complete:
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1- Get Cofinity-X account If you don't have yet a Cofinity-X account, you will have to purchase a package that fits your company needs. The best way is to estimate the cost via Cofinity-X website here: https://www.cofinity-x.com/pricing-calculator and a representative will reach out to you. | |
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2- Check if your Cofinity-X account is active Head over to Cofinity-X and sign in. Make sure your subscription is active and it looks like the picture → |
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3- Subscribe to Mattermaps on Cofinity-X Marketplace Follow the steps on the screen to subscribe to Mattermaps via Cofinity-X Marketplace. |
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| Once you complete these prerequisites, go to your Mattermaps account, click on your Avatar - Configure menu. Then click on the Network Connections section in the left sidebar. Click Request Feature button. |
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Type in your Cofinity-X BPNL, fill in your contact details. If you have any message or question please type it in the Message box and click Submit Request.
We will receive your request and proceed with the activation of Catena-X feature for your account. | |
More information
Click here
As the first and only operator for the Catena-X dataspace, Cofinity-X enables standardized and secure data exchange between all participants in the automotive industry. In order to get a unique BPNL (Business Partner Number for Legal Entities), first you need to create an account on Cofinity-X.
If you are searching for the business partner numbers of your stakeholders to exchange data on Mattermaps, please visit this page.