CHICAGO — The DataFusion Protocol Group will host an “industry-wide organizational meeting” here June 25 at the Sheraton Gateway, near O’Hare International Airport, on implementing a standard, secure computer language that would allow machines from different laundry equipment manufacturers to “talk” to each other.
The new project is being developed under the auspices of the Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA).
All manufacturers offer data report packages with their equipment, but it’s difficult to integrate the data because each manufacturer uses proprietary language.
DataFusion represents a standard, secure language for machine control packages used by industry operators. Laundry operators will be able to get real-time data for activities in all areas of their plant, the group says.
The nonproprietary XML program features consistent data formatting and secure data exchange. Operators can track personnel, follow batches of goods as they proceed through their systems and open up machine-to-machine communications.
The June 25 meeting will cover committee organization and membership, an overview of the DataFusion protocol, a technology review, and future marketing plans and opportunities.
The group encourages all allied trades representatives with an interest in using DataFusion in their laundry-related equipment, as well as technical staff, sales and executive staff, and consultants interested in the protocol and services associated with the technology, to attend the organizational meeting.
The gathering isn’t intended for professional laundry operators, the group says. It plans to schedule informational meetings for those personnel later in the year.
Cost to attend the meeting, including lunch, is $75 for TCATA members, $100 for nonmembers. Reservations are required by June 13 and can be made by calling TCATA at 973-244-1790.
Project details are available online at http://groups.google.com/group/datafusion.
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