Before you start trying to program XML services from our guides, we recommend you obtain a holistic understanding of the process. Here we detail the business and technical project activities involved in implementing our XML services.

Step 1: Gather Business Requirements

Examine what data requirements your business has and how they are accessed and used currently.

A gap analysis should also be conducted to find what data beyond current use is also needed. Be aware that Equifax provides more than just credit history services. If your data requirements are for risk analysis of a potential customer you should investigate Scored bureau services. If a more in depth risk profile of a business opportunity is required then Application Scoring could be the answer. When it comes to automating a business decisioning based on the risk data then have a look at Decision Point, Equifax's internationally used decisioning software.

Step 2: Conduct a scoping study on the technical effort required

Once your business requirements have been identified the "How much will it cost?" question has to be worked out.

In order for your technical staff to get an idea of the tasks involved in accessing Equifax services via XML they will need technical documentation.

Before our specifications can be provided the XML Access Application form will have to be completed and returned to us.

Once the application is approved access codes will be issued to retrieve all technical documentation.

Based on these programming guides the technical scope of work should be able to be determined.

Note that connectivity to XML can be via the internet or a private line (fees apply) into our state offices.

On top of the technical costs also consider staff training in your new system, roll out process and business migration expenses.

NB by using XML there are no Equifax access fees or software charges.

Step 3: Build your system and begin testing

Once the project is underway, your technical staff should start system prototyping as early as possible. The connectivity guide details how to conduct a basic PING request which is the first step in programming XML services. Once connectivity has been proven, then the real task of understanding the request and response data and integrating the data into existing business systems will start.

Many implementations will require input screens to be constructed for customers or customer facing staff to use. The enormous value of data quality can be realised if such tools as address verification are used to add to the efficiency and accuracy of such input screens. Equifax's Address Cleansing software has the most extensive address data set for sale, augmented with the valuable DPID capability (Australia Post postal identifier) for cheaper surface mail.

There is a free test region of non-live data specially constructed to facilitate full service testing. Additionally we can create specific test cases for your acceptance program if required (fees apply).

Step 4: System Go live

System testing and acceptance complete, the steps to move to production are minor.