by [TC]²
Textile Industry
Data-Sharing Network
(TEXNET)
A Prototype for Building Bridges, Using the Internet
Through TEXNET,
a secure Internet textile industry data-sharing software prototype,
all small and large companies could create and use electronic trading
partner agreements.
Building the Foundation
TEXNET (a communications infrastructure designed by
DAMA researchers), with its secure and selective data-sharing capabilities
was demonstrated as a part of an overall decision support system that
bridges all segments of the softgoods industry. It was the only known
software system with four security features (authentication, integrity,
privacy, and access control) that uses the Internet to share data among
companies. The secure data sharing was based on electronic trading partner
agreements that define what data is shared with which trading partner.
In the pilot phase, TEXNET provided a framework for fiber, textile, apparel, and retail businesses to use decision tools collaboratively in a distributed, but secure, network environment. In other words, no matter where a company is geographically located, it was able to exchange electronic information securely.
The TEXNET
like electronic framework will help businesses share confidential data,
while using business decision tools over the Internet. It was built
on Internet standards and protocols, such as World Wide Web technology
and Public Key Cryptography, so that virtually everyone in the softgoods
supply chain with Internet access could use this secure system.
TEXNET presented shared data on the screen or saved it in standard formats
on a local platform. The standard format file approach enabled stakeholders
to use powerful third-party on-line analytical process tools to view,
graph, analyze, and post-process the shared data.
A Secure System, Good for Business
TEXNET's security has four major elements:
1. Authentication: you are who you say you are. The data will be protected by two layers of security. Proven Internet security technologies will ensure that only approved partners with a specific "key" can access the server. TEXNET will then authenticate who is actually sending and receiving information-guaranteeing that both the sender and the receiver are the designated participants in the agreement.
2. Data integrity: unaltered data. TEXNET ensures that data have not been altered or corrupted as they are transferred over the network.
3. Privacy: only intended recipient can view the data. Business partners will be able to share agreed-upon data without exposing their information to those unauthorized. For instance, a retailer may have several suppliers for a particular product, such as jeans. Through an electronic trading partner agreement, the retailer will be able to share information such as point-of-sale data, and shipment and forecasting projections with one vendor but not the other, while protecting that information from unwelcome access.
4. Access control: you can only get access to this specific data. When a request for data is received, the server checks the trading partner agreement to ensure that the requester has been allowed access to the data.
As TEXNET Demonstrations
In 1997; the TEXNET prototype software was installed for pilot collaborative
partnerships by several DAMA Project participants including: LL Bean,
Thomas Bradford Shirt Co., Cone Mills, Milliken, Mercantile Stors and
Warren Featherstone. The prototype software has been discontinued and
similar commercial software packages are available today.
For more information, please contact:
Jim Lovejoy
Textile/Clothing Technology Corp.
211 Gregson Drive
Cary, NC 27511
(919) 380-2184
FAX: (919) 380-2181
e-mail: jlovejo@tc2.com