In plain language
A standard format lets every app read the same moment the same way, including its time zone offset.
Example
A webhook sends 2026-03-05T14:30:00-08:00, which is 10:30 p.m. UTC on the same day.
Related terms
Formatter · Data Mapping · Payload · JSON
Common misconception
A date without a time zone or offset is not unambiguous; the same text can mean different moments in different systems.
Implementation guidance
Store times in UTC with an offset, convert to local time only for display, check each app’s time zone setting, and test around daylight saving changes.