- STEPnet
STEPnet aka STEPweb
The overall objective of STEPnet as a intranet/extranet platform is to support the verification and monitoring process as well as the project related aspects, both in the South as well as in The North, providing at the same time the basis for more efficiency, openness, transparency and exchange. The production structure and supply chain of the carpet industry, aside from few exceptions, do not allow a credible certification of single carpets in consideration of the ILO core conventions. Therefore Label STEP is a process oriented company-label instead of a product-label.
The STEPnet verification database puts emphasis on the business relations of STEP licensed players in the carpet trade and production, rather than the complete traceability of the supply chain. STEPnet aims as a working and organisational tool to represent these business relations with all relevant data and documents including the project work.
The STEPnet database can manage only formal organisations, companies and persons. The tracing of single orders, order quantities and involved weavers and the informal parts of the supply chain (e.g. anonymous contractors and weavers) are covered by the filed verification reports. Whenever sufficient data is available on a informal link in the supply chain it shall be recorded in the STEPnet database. Herewith STEP contributes to a formalisation of the work contract and counteracts exploitation.
STEPnet provides more ease and efficiency for three core activities: (a) organisation and management of verification and project tasks and documents for STEP representatives in production countries, (b) organisation and management of the overall coordination South (verification and projects) in the head office and (c) simplified information of licence holders in importing countries.
Furthermore STEPnet shall achieve an improved link-up of project work with verification and an increased ownership of STEP representatives in the verification process.
STEPnet was developed for the fair trade NGO Label STEP, design and programming by 4eyes.ch TYPO3solutions Basel.