Interoperability in Collaborative Networks: Independent and industry-specific initiatives - The case of the footwear industry

  • Authors:

  • Claudia-Melania Chituc;César Toscano;Americo Azevedo

  • Affiliations:

  • Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, Portugal and INESC Porto, Portugal;INESC Porto, Portugal;Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, Portugal and INESC Porto, Portugal

  • Venue:
  • Computers in Industry
  • Year:
  • 2008

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Abstract

The development of information and communication technologies and turbulent market conditions have forced enterprises to adapt their way of undertaking business, from traditional practices to e-business. In this context, achieving seamless interoperability among heterogeneous organizations becomes a critical issue. This article has two main objectives:(1)to present a review of the most relevant approaches aiming at achieving seamless interoperability in a collaborative networked environment. In this sense, major interoperability issues (e.g., interoperability requirements, technologies) are discussed, and the most significant independent (e.g., ebXML) and industry-specific initiatives (e.g., RosettaNet, papiNet, TexWeave) are analyzed; (2)to introduce a recently developed two-layered operational infrastructure aiming at attaining seamless interoperability in the footwear industry (the up-stream segment), based on the requirements identified for this sector in a recent industry survey conducted at European level. Other relevant initiatives targeting this sector are also analyzed, emphasizing the innovative aspects and advantages of this approach.