Top Five Most Common Mistakes During ISBN-13 Conversion

Parsippany, NJ — Macrosoft, a leading-edge software design and development organization is a member of Book Industry Study Group’s ISBN-13 Task Force. This Task force has identified the top five most common mistakes companies face during system conversion.

Beginning January 2007, publishers must assign only 13-digit ISBNs to their books, and retailers must accept 13-digit ISBNs in their sales systems. The ISBN uniquely designates books in order to establish and identify one title or edition of a title, allowing for more efficient management of products by booksellers, libraries, wholesalers and distributors.

“This complex transition has far reaching implications for the computer systems of any organization connected with the publishing industry,” said Dr. Edward Sable, President of Macrosoft. “With longstanding expertise in analyzing systems, problems, remediating programs to correct nonconformity, testing systems and integration to ensure complete compliance throughout information technology infrastructures, Macrosoft is uniquely positioned to support this need for publishers, printers, and retailers.”

Top Five Most Common ISBN-13 Mistakes

1. Confusing the ‘979’ and ‘978’ ISBN prefixes. When converting a 10-digit ISBN to 13-digits, publishers must only use the 978 ISBN prefix.

2. Not recalculating the check digit. The check digit must be recalculated when converting to 13-digits; 978 cannot simply be added to the front.

3. Acquiring ISBNs from any source besides the U.S. ISBN Agency. Companies requiring ISBNs must contact the U.S. ISBN Agency. No other source can assign legitimate ISBNs for US publishers.

4. Maintaining internal system work-arounds. Because there is no 10-digit equivalent for ISBN-13s beginning with 979, systems must be able to accommodate the full 13-digit numbers in their entirety. Be aware of programmers who have taken shortcuts by storing a common prefix separately from the core number.

5. Configuring EDI systems with rigid identifier location requirements. Flexibility is essential when structuring EDI transactions so that an organization can seamlessly cross over to ISBN-13 independently of the status of its supply chain partners.

Macrosoft utilizes a six step process for ISBN-13 conversion projects.

• Analysis of Programs
• Code Modification and Unit Testing
• Database Expansion
• System & Integration Testing
• Aging/Conversion
• Final Acceptance Testing

Macrosoft can lead this effort completing every step or work in partnership with internal technology staff to support specific areas where they can add significant value.


About Book Industry Study Group, Inc.
The Book Industry Study Group, Inc. (BISG) is the industry’s leading trade association for policy, standards and research. The mission of BISG is to create a more informed, empowered, and efficient book industry supply chain. Membership consists of publishers, manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers, retailers, librarians, and others engaged in the business of print and electronic media. For 30 years, BISG has provided a forum for all industry professionals to come together and efficiently address issues and concerns to advance the book community. Learn more about BISG at www.bisg.org.

About Macrosoft Inc.
Macrosoft delivers high-quality, cost-effective, full lifecycle solutions to complex software development projects. The company has over a decade of successful engagements and over 150 professionals working for an exceptional client list. US headquarters and development center is in Parsippany, NJ; with a West Coast office and three off-shore development centers.

Macrosoft’s highly qualified and professional development teams can address the entire development lifecycle, from business process engineering and system architecture design through final system hosting and maintenance. Macrosoft maintains a leading edge in software technology allowing the company to design new systems efficiently and rapidly and successfully integrate those new system capabilities in complex business and IT environments.

Macrosoft continues to invest in internal development of re-usable components, systems, and technologies critical to clients' needs in the application areas of marketing databases; e-marketing; and print on demand, thereby allowing Macrosoft to offer its clients rapid solutions that conform to best business practices. Macrosoft can be found at www.macrosoftinc.com