A crosswalk tool, or connector, was required in order to demonstrate a proof of concept for the transfer of data from research institutions to funding bodies. The primary function of the tool developed is to collate information into a prescribed format and to transfer these data in a single transaction.

The tool had to be able to read from a number of divergent data sources, map them to a CERIF XML standard and transport them to a defined destination.

The tool has been tested on data provided by Exeter and partner institutions during the UKRISS project. It was not intended that the tool should be developed for production.