Open company data in action: How Swiss data initiatives are simplifying accounting practices

Navor, a Swiss software provider, is showcasing how open government data can be transformed into practical digital services through its use of Zefix, Switzerland's central business name index. Zefix, operated by the Federal Commercial Registry Office, provides publicly accessible information on legal entities registered in Switzerland, including company names, registered offices and business identifiers. By integrating this data into its platform, Navor helps users identify active companies and verify Swiss business identification numbers, demonstrating the value of open data for everyday administrative processes. 

This case highlights how trusted public data can reduce manual checks and improve efficiency for organisations working with company information. Zefix makes commercial register data available through a web application and application programming interfaces, which enables businesses to build services alongside authoritative public information. Navor also uses official datasets to produce insights into company registrations and the broader Swiss business landscape. 

By making company register information openly accessible, Switzerland enables organisations such as Navor to develop tools that simplify verification processes, improve data quality and generate new insights. Similar approaches across Europe continue to show how open data can stimulate innovation, increase transparency and support digital transformation. 

To learn more, explore the official Zefix open dataset and discover how public sector information can be reused to create innovative services. Readers can also visit the Zefix platform and explore Navor's public showcase describing its use of Swiss open company data. 

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