This page provides answers to frequently asked questions about the SC-DEX initiative and its governance, technical standards, and general information. For further assistance, visit the Troubleshooting section below.

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1. How did this governance model come to be?

The SC-DEX governance model was developed through an open, collaborative process. Key stakeholders from the civil society, private sector, and technical communities contributed during key convenings in Dhaka and Amsterdam in 2023 and 2024. This model ensures transparency, adaptability, and representation of global supply chain stakeholders.

2. What governance models for similar standards were considered as benchmarks?

The governance model for SC-DEX took inspiration from standards such as the **Transparency Pledge**, **Open Referral**, and **Open Supply Hub**. These models were chosen for their success in fostering open, accessible data exchange and stakeholder involvement.

3. Why does SC-DEX include [XYZ] within its governance and not [ABC]?

SC-DEX emphasizes open and accessible data standards that are free to use and quick to set up. Preference was given to standards that allow for **self-serve** models, enabling organizations to adopt and implement the exchange format without requiring heavy dependencies.

1. How does SC-DEX ensure compatibility with other supply chain data standards?

SC-DEX is designed to be interoperable with existing supply chain data standards. It references widely accepted IDs like **GLEIF’s LEI** and **Open Supply Hub’s OSID** for organizational and location identifiers, ensuring that it can integrate with current systems while allowing flexibility for future extensions.

2. How do I create a custom extension for my organization’s supply chain data?

SC-DEX allows users to create custom extensions by appending additional data fields to the core schema. You can follow the guidelines provided in the [Implementation Tutorials](./Implementation-Tutorials) to start building your extension.

3. What data formats are supported in SC-DEX?

The core schema is machine-readable and designed in **JSON** format. Extensions and data fields must also follow the JSON format to ensure compatibility and scalability across systems.

1. Who can adopt SC-DEX?

SC-DEX is an open standard available to **all organizations**, regardless of size or sector. Whether you're a multinational corporation or a small business, SC-DEX offers scalable solutions for supply chain transparency.

2. What are the benefits of adopting SC-DEX?

SC-DEX simplifies data exchange, reduces reformatting costs, and enhances supply chain transparency. It enables organizations to **publish supply chain data** in a standardized format, making it easier to comply with regulatory frameworks and align with industry standards.

3. How long does it take to implement SC-DEX?

The implementation timeline depends on the complexity of your supply chain and what you are looking to express through this data exchange standard. For simple, single-tier supply chains that only use the core schema, SC-DEX can be implemented in as little as a few hours to weeks, while more complex, multi-tier supply chains that may want to use any of the extensions may require a phased approach over 1-3 months.

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More troubleshooting resources will be added soon!