The HR-XML Consortium has introduced architectural changes in its human resource data exchange schemas and has announced the approval of two key specifications. All of the Consortium's XML schemas are now under a single namespace, making it easier for implementers to use the Cross-Process Objects outside of the HR-XML specifications. The "much-expanded 2.0 version of the HR-XML Consortium Background Checking specification improves upon the previous version of the specification by supporting the return of very detailed, discretely fielded search results. The types of screenings supported by the specification include criminal records, education, employment, military service, professional licenses, administrative/professional sanctions, and credit. The specification is extensible so that customized search types also can be supported. The newly approved HR-XML Consortium Payroll Instructions specification supports the submission of payroll deduction requests and other payroll change instructions to an organization that processes payrolls. The HR-XML Payroll Instructions specification is useful for handling deductions related to medical insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short and long term disability insurance, accident insurance, savings accounts such as 401(k), and employee stock purchase plans."

"The HR-XML Consortium has released an overhauled version of its library of human resource data exchange specifications... The new release includes significant architectural revisions as well as new content. The most significant architectural change in the release is bringing all of the HR-XML Consortium's schemas under a single namespace. In all HR-XML Consortium schemas, the target and default namespaces have been changed to http://ns.hr-xml.org. In prior releases, the HR-XML Consortium's 'Cross-Process Objects' (PersonName, PostalAddress, etc.) were given no namespace. The prior schema architecture relied upon CPOs being coerced into the namespace of the specification where they were used. Bringing all schemas under one namespace eliminates problems implementers have experienced with parsers that did not fully support namespace coercion. Moreover, giving CPOs an explicit namespace makes it easier for implementers to use the CPOs outside of the Consortium's specifications..." See "HR-XML Consortium Releases Expanded Library of Data Interchange Specifications."

The April 28-29, 2003 HR-XML Consortium Quarterly Meeting in Boston is open to members and non-members. It includes a one-day customer-focused meeting with education about and demonstrations of HR-XML-enabled technology. For example, Todd Abel (Program Manager, Microsoft) will "give a look at Microsoft's early efforts to add support for HR-XML's Resume schema within the Microsoft Word Resume Wizard. The presentation will explain how the resume schema was implemented and review possibilities going forward, including desired enhancements in the next version of HR-XML's Resume schema..."

From the Background Checks Announcement

The HR-XML Consortium has approved version 2.0 of its data exchange standards for background checks. The newly approved standards enable easy integration of data between HR systems and the systems of background-check service providers.

"With legal liability costs continuing to rise and with the current state of heightened workplace security within the United States, fast and effective background checks are more important than ever before," said Brad H. Whitney, chair of the HR-XML Consortium's Screening Workgroup and Executive VP and CIO, American Background Information Services, Inc. "For this reason, U.S. employers are seeking tighter integration between their core HR systems, applicant tracking systems, and the systems of third-party background checking firms. A high level of integration between systems is essential for background checks to be performed quickly and reliably," according to Whitney.

The HR-XML Consortium's Background Checking 2.0 improves upon the previous version of the specification. The reporting format within version 2.0 supports the return of very detailed, discretely fielded search results. The types of screenings supported by the standard include criminal records, education, employment, military service, professional licenses, administrative/professional sanctions, and credit. The specification is extensible so that customized search types also can be supported. The built-in extensibility accommodates specialized industry needs as well as the needs of government employers. The third-party background-check model enabled by HR-XML's specifications also helps employers respect employee privacy since it can spare employers from having to see, process, or store background information on the vast majority of individuals for whom no disqualifying information is uncovered.

"Balancing workplace security with employee privacy was important in the design of this specification. Background Screening 2.0's extensibility accomplishes this goal while enabling HR systems to easily request an industry standardized, detailed background screening," explains Craig Corner, Chief Architect and Schema Editor of the HR-XML Consortium's Screening Workgroup and Senior Programmer for HireCheck, Inc., a charter member of the Consortium. "Given the extensive resources contributed to this project, we're pleased to deliver a specification that facilitates greater productivity and security for today's employers."

"The newly approved HR-XML Background Checking schema provides HireRight clients and partners with an efficient method of utilizing the parsed results from our employment screening reports," said Charles Rieckhoff, CTO of HireRight, Inc. "The HR-XML standards have greatly enhanced the quality and speed of data exchange," according to Rieckhoff.

From the Payroll Deduction Announcement

A new data interchange standard for transmitting payroll deduction requests and other payroll change instructions has been approved by the HR-XML Consortium.

The purpose of HR-XML's Payroll Instructions specification is to streamline the setup of interfaces between organizations that need to exchange payroll deduction requests and similar pre-payroll instructions. When an employee changes benefit elections, enrolls in new benefit programs, or when work or life events otherwise change the employee's benefits coverage, corresponding changes to payroll deductions usually are necessary. HR-XML's Payroll Instructions specification provides the standard means for employers, benefits administrators, and payroll processors to structure the exchange of information about payroll deductions and adjustments. The specification is designed to be useful globally. The specification is extensible, so implementers can add lists of benefit deduction types based on remuneration practices in their country.

The HR-XML Payroll Instructions specification will be useful in handling deductions related to medical insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short and long term disability insurance, accident insurance, savings accounts, and employee stock purchase plans. The Payroll Instructions specification also will be useful for voluntary or non-benefit deductions, such as those for charities, union dues, savings bonds, savings/credit union accounts, personal loans, child support, personal and business membership fees, tuition and book fees, transportation fees, and parking fees.

"HR-XML's Payroll Instructions specification has broad utility," according to Chris Brown, Senior Systems Analyst, Hewitt Associates. "Employers have more choices than ever for how they process payrolls and administer benefit programs. HR-XML's Payroll Instructions specification will be extremely useful in connecting a wide-range of payroll-trading partners," said Brown.

The Payroll Instructions was one of 13 specifications recently approved by the HR-XML Consortium.